What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Shelter Veterinarian-Exempt position at County of Contra Costa?
The Animal Shelter Veterinarian provides comprehensive veterinary services within the Animal Services Department. This includes working in the High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) Clinic and In-House Treatment Center, collaborating with the Chief of Shelter Medicine, and overseeing the quality of care delivered by staff and contract veterinarians.
This role is key in shaping medical protocols, mentoring veterinary staff, providing continuity of care, and ensuring the health and well-being of shelter animals.
Why join Contra Costa County Animal Services?
Working as a shelter veterinarian at Contra Costa County Animal Services (CCAS) means making a meaningful difference every day. CCAS is mission-driven and community-focused, working to protect the health and safety of both animals and residents. Veterinarians here directly impact the lives of homeless, injured, or abandoned animals by providing medical care, surgical services, and guidance that helps pets find safe, loving homes.
This role offers a wide variety of clinical and professional experiences that go beyond traditional private practice—triage, surgery, population health, infectious-disease management, shelter protocols, and collaboration with rescue and foster networks. You’re part of a passionate team that values growth, innovation, and positive outcomes, with the ability to influence shelter medicine practices and community programs.
For veterinarians who want their work to have purpose, challenge, and visible results, CCAS provides an environment where your skills create real change. It’s a chance to blend hands-on animal care with community impact, teamwork, and improving animal welfare across the region.
Typical Tasks
- Perform daily medical assessments, diagnostics, and treatment planning for shelter animals
- Conduct high-volume up to 40 daily spay/neuter surgeries and other medical or emergency procedures
- Oversee population-level health, including vaccination protocols, disease prevention, quarantine, and sanitation practices
- Develop and update medical protocols to improve shelter outcomes and animal well-being
- Work closely with veterinary technicians, care staff, behavior teams, fosters, and rescue partners
- Review and approve animals for adoption, transfer, and foster placement based on medical status
- Maintain accurate medical records, prescriptions, and controlled substances compliance
- Support community services such as vaccine/microchip clinics or public education when needed
- Assist with medical supply inventory, equipment care, and ordering
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with staff and the public about medical decisions and treatment plans
AND
Experience: One (1) year of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of animals in a clinical setting, private practice or animal shelter environment that includes performing surgery.
Throughout the duration of employment, must maintain a California Veterinary License in good standing and pursue adequate continuing education to continue to provide standard of care pursuant to the mission of Contra Costa County Animal Services.
1. Application Submission and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated based on the minimum qualifications and desirable qualifications to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
Those candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to interview. This recruitment will remain open, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
This position is exempt from the merit system and will not follow regular County recruitment and selection procedures. Not all applicants will be invited to participate in the evaluation and interview process.Salary : $144,168 - $175,237