Shelter Veterinarian

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Animal Shelter 740 Fuller Ave NE Grand Rapids
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2605-430-3058 REF
Department: Animal Shelter
Division: Animal Shelter - None
Opening Date: 04/17/2026
Closing Date: 6/26/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Job Responsibilities
At our shelter, your patients are your clients, allowing you to focus entirely on meaningful, hands-on veterinary care without the pressures of traditional practice. Most animals arrive with no background information, and our shelter veterinarian becomes the first true medical record for each one that walks through the door. This gives you the chance to be both healer and detective as you uncover conditions and solve problems that genuinely change lives. This is deeply purpose-driven work, grounded in compassion and curiosity. With flexible scheduling including work-from-home options, you can embrace this rewarding challenge while still enjoying the work-life balance you deserve.

We are seeking a dedicated Shelter Veterinarian to provide high-quality medical care to shelter animals that advances animal welfare and lifesaving outcomes in our community.
We will hire all levels, so if you don't have high volume spay/neuter, not to worry, we'll help teach that on the job.

What You'll Do
• Provide medical and preventive care, including exams, diagnostics, treatments, and vaccinations
• Perform high-volume spay/neuter surgeries and common shelter surgeries
• Assess and treat sick or injured animals and monitor their progress
• Support population health, disease prevention, and medical protocols
• Oversee pre- and post-operative care and maintain accurate medical records
• Make appropriate medical decisions within shelter guidelines and budgets
• Perform and guide staff on humane euthanasia when necessary
• Supervise, mentor, and support veterinary support staff
• Manage medical supplies and controlled-substance compliance

We're proud to offer benefits that keep your health protected without the heavy price tag:
This shows your monthly out-of-pocket cost. To see what you'll pay each paycheck, just divide the amount by two. There are also additional wellness incentives.
Dental and vision at no additional cost to employees.

This shows the medical coverage cost only. Prescription coverage is an additional cost. You can find all additional medical benefits here:
Not sold yet on why Kent County ? Our pension plan is designed to provide long-term financial security by offering a lifetime monthly benefit once you meet the required age and years of service. If you'd like to learn more about our Pension plan, click here:


A few more things to note that are specific to this Veterinarian role: flexible hours, medical autonomy, vacation/PTO (120 hours credited upon hire and monthly accrual of 13 hours and 20 minutes per month of vacation PLUS 80 hours annually PTO).

Minimum Qualifications
• DVM or VMD from an AVMA-accredited veterinary college or university
• Minimum of one year of clinical veterinary experience and/or shelter medicine or surgery experience
• Preferred: One year of supervisory or team-lead experience

Licensure & Additional Requirements
• Current license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Michigan
• Current DEA license
• Current Michigan Veterinary Controlled Substance license
• Valid Michigan Driver's License
Additional Information

*Notices will come via email so please be sure to monitor the email address indicated on your application*

Would you like to know what Kent County does? Watch a day in the life of Max video below:
WHY WORK AT KENT COUNTY?

Invest In Your Future
You can build a secure, lasting career here with benefits that support you and your family.

Make a Difference
Be a part of something meaningful and witness the direct impact of what you do.

Be Part of a Team
Teamwork allows us to achieve together what none of us could do alone.

Lead with Integrity
Be part of a workplace that values honesty, transparency, and doing the right thing.
01


Do you have a current license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Michigan?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a current DEA license?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a current Michigan Veterinary Controlled Substance license?

• Yes
• No

04


If you answered 'no' to any of the questions above and would like to provide additional information, please briefly explain.
Required Question