Shelter Veterinarian

Salary : $152,778.96 - $177,667.92 Annually
Location : Seattle Animal Shelter, 15th Avenue West, WA
Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-01034
Department: Finance and Administrative Services
Opening Date: 08/04/2026
Closing Date: 8/25/2026 4:00 PM Pacific


Position Description
The Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) is seeking a compassionate Veterinarian to join a nationally recognized agency working at the leading edge of municipal animal sheltering in veterinary care. Be part of a professional and high performing team who are devoted to serving our community.
In this position you'll be a vital member of the Veterinary Services team which includes the spay and neuter clinic and the shelter medicine program. The spay and neuter clinic l ow-cost, high-quality spay and neuter services for the Seattle community. The shelter medicine program provides treatment to all kinds of animals and upholds high medical standards of animal care to ensure a safe, healthy environment for shelter animals and the people who interact with them. Our mission is to serve our community with respect for the human/animal bond. In addition to providing care to our shelter population, we provide access to quality veterinary care for animals who otherwise will not receive medical care through monthly pet vaccine clinics and community outreach.

Why join us?

• As a member of our team, you will have access to:
  • Advanced diagnostic and treatment tools, including a full suite of Idexx diagnostic machines, dental equipment and digital x-ray
  • A dedicated surgery suite
  • A skilled support team who are committed to the highest standards of animal care
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Potential relocation assistance
• Flexible work schedule
• Professional association fees coverage
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Free ORCA card for public transit

Job Responsibilities

• Perform spay and neuter as well as other types of surgery.
• Provide preventative treatments for infections, disease prevention and control, general health, parasite diagnosis and treatment and dietary evaluations.
• Examine animals, evaluate animals' health, and perform veterinary medical and surgical procedures including vaccinations, prescribing, and administering of medications, anti-parasite treatments, tests and lab work for infections and related health issues.
• Maintain medical records and drug-use logs and assist staff in developing and implementing certain medical related policies and procedures to veterinary and sheltering practice standards.
• Ensure that all state and federal laws, state regulations, accepted standards, the practice of veterinary medicine, drug control, and animal care and handling are adhered to.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of shelter animal health protocols, surgical procedures (including dog, cat and rabbit ovariohysterectomy and castration and dental preventative care) and other companion animal health issues.
• Perform and/or assist with euthanasia according to established protocols.
• May be called on to conduct examinations of animals and their living conditions and testify in criminal cases.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM)
• Current Washington State Veterinary License
• A valid Washington Class C Driver's License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions
• Ability to obtain a DEA license

You'll feel most prepared for this role if you have:

• Knowledge of and experience with animal health protocols, surgical procedures, and companion animal health issues in a shelter setting
• Knowledge of City, County, State and Federal animal health laws
• Excellent organizational skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, including ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management, employees, key partners, volunteers and the public
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook, and electronic veterinary medical records
• Experience using PetPoint, ClinicHQ, and Petriage computer programs

Working Conditions:

• Tasks involve the ability to exert moderate but not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, lifting, standing, walking, and carrying objects and animals of moderate weight.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds without assistance and heavier amounts with assistance.
• Potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases, dangerous and fractious animals, high noise levels, hazardous chemicals, anesthetics, and sharp objects.
• May be required to provide medical consultations via phone on days outside the shelter and/or after hours, supporting staff with expertise and guidance.

Work Environment:
This position requires 100% on site work.

Additional Information
The full salary range for the Veterinarian classification is $73.17 - $85.09 per hour or $152,779 - $177,668 annually. It is a step-progression position that is FLSA exempt (not eligible for overtime) and is Civil Service represented.

Paid time off includes:

• 12 vacation days annually to start
• 12 paid holidays annually
• 2 floating holidays upon hire and annually thereafter
• 4 executive leave days annually (pro-rated depending on start date)
• Up to 6 days of merit leave annually in recognition of the prior year's performance

Application Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. You must submit the following items to be considered for this position no later than 4:00pm Pacific Time on the scheduled closed date .

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications.
3. Current resume indicating relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and education.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the application. Cover letters and/or resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted.
PLEASE NOTE: This job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Background Check/Pre-Employment Physical:
Applicants must successfully pass a background check and pre-employment physical exam, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.
Driving Record: A current, "FULL" driving abstract from the Department of Licensing is required to be submitted upon offer of employment. Candidates with driving history that does not meet our current safety standards will be disqualified from consideration. Current City of Seattle Employees in a driving position may be required to submit an updated abstract.
ABOUT US
SAS is part of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS), which is often the public's first interaction with the City of Seattle, operating as a customer-focused front door that assists with everything from paying utilities or reporting a pothole to requesting public information or even adopting a new pet.

The 500-plus employees of FAS span across 10 divisions and work behind-the-scenes providing critical functions, like managing 120 City facilities-including police and fire stations-overseeing the City's neighborhood customer service centers and Customer Service Bureau and making sure minority-owned businesses can equitably compete for City contracts. No matter the need, FAS is here-at your service.
Why work at the City of Seattle ?
The recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways that we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
Who May Apply: The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at Finance and Administrative Services, please send an email to View email address on click.appcast.io . FAS promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.
CANDIDATE NOTIFICATION:

Many important notifications including interview or test invitations, result notices, and status updates will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address. Please add to your email address book and to the list of approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk/clutter mail. Candidates can also check for notifications by logging into governmentjobs.com and viewing their profile inbox, which saves a copy of all emailed notices. It is the applicant's responsibility to take the above steps to view correspondence.
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
01


Do you have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM)?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a current Washington State Veterinary License?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a Washington Class C Driver's License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions?

• Yes
• No

04


Are you able to obtain a DEA license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question