Chief Veterinarian

What You'll Be Doing

This position is eligible for a Tiered Sign-On Bonus up to $5,000.

As Chief Veterinarian
, you will go beyond clinical care by leading programs that keep animals healthy from intake to adoption, including high-volume spay/neuter, vaccination, and preventive care. You will develop practical, innovative strategies to protect population health and create individualized plans for animals with complex medical or behavioral needs.

• Lead a shelter medicine program supported by strong county commitment and community engagement
• Influence policies, protocols, and population management decisions with your expertise
• Access continuing education and professional development to keep your skills current
• Make a measurable difference in animal welfare while serving a community that values public service

This position combines hands-on medicine with system-wide impact, including guiding protocols, overseeing population management, and fostering a culture of excellence that balances animal well-being with outstanding service to the public. Your strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and community focus will directly shape live-release outcomes and the center’s long-term success.

The Wake County Animal Center is an open-admission animal shelter operated by Wake County. We receive all stray, abandoned and surrendered pets in Wake County. The Center works in partnership with fosters, volunteers and local rescues, to treat and rehome thousands of homeless animals every year.

• Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine
• One year of veterinary experience
• NCVL - North Carolina Veterinary License
• USDA APHIS Accreditation
• DEA Registration
• Valid Driver's License and "safe" driving record
• Equivalent education and experience are NOT accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

• Three years of shelter medicine experience
• One year of high quality-high volume spay-neuter experience
• Two years of clinical private practice experience
• One year of supervisory experience

You’re more than a skilled shelter veterinarian, a leader, a problem-solver, and an advocate for shelter animals. We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Shelter medicine expertise: Proven knowledge of high-volume spay/neuter, preventive health, and treatment of common shelter diseases
• Customer and community focus: Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with adopters, fosters, volunteers, and the public to build trust and provide excellent service
• Commitment to quality care: Dedication to evidence-based protocols that protect population health and support high live-release outcomes
• Creative problem-solving: Skill in identifying new pathways for animals in our care to thrive
• Leadership and mentorship: Experience guiding veterinary and support teams, setting clear standards, and fostering professional growth
• Behavioral understanding: Ability to recognize and manage stress-related or abnormal animal behavior using best-practice interventions
• Strategic thinking: Capacity to balance immediate medical needs with long-term program planning and continuous improvement

Location: Wake County Animal Control, Raleigh, NC

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday

Hiring Range: 93,

Market Range: 93,813.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 10/5/2025

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play.

The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employ over 4400 employees,…