Title
Human Resources Department and the Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Approve and adopt the new department specific classification specification of Veterinarian; and
2) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 011-2026 to approve the following:
a) The job class number, bargaining unit, and salary range for Veterinarian; and
b) The addition of 1.0 full-time equivalent Veterinarian position in the Health and Human Services Agency.
FUNDING: 15% Fees for Services, 9% Licensing/Permit Fees, 7% Public Health Realignment, and 69% General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
California law requires municipal animal shelters to provide adequate medical care. Under Food and Agriculture Code §30503, all animals must also be spayed or neutered before adoption.
Historically, the County has relied on the Consulting Health Professional - Extra Help classification to meet its veterinary needs. However, this classification has no defined duties, competencies, scope of practice, or required education or licensure. Because it is an Extra Help only role, Animal Services has been limited to performing basic procedures in-house and must rely heavily on contracted veterinarians for all other medical care. This level of outsourcing is no longer fiscally sustainable.
The current classification does not meet the professional, legal, or medical standards required for veterinary work in a shelter setting. To ensure compliance with state law and to reflect the specialized expertise required, the Health and Human Services Agency is requesting the creation of a dedicated Veterinarian classification.
The proposed Veterinarian classification formally establishes a licensed veterinary position responsible for clinical care, regulatory compliance, and the humane treatment of animals in the County’s shelter. It clearly defines the required licensure, scope of practice, and premises requirements, and includes a competitive salary structure to support effective recruitment and retention.
Once all incumbents have vacated the Consulting Health Professional - Extra Help classification, Human Resources will return to the Board with a recommendation to abolish the classification.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to adopt the new class specification or subsequent allocation changes and direct Human Resources and the Health and Human Services Agency to conduct additional analysis.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Health and Human Services Agency, County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The approximate annual cost of this position is $221,005. It is anticipated that the full cost of the position will be offset by a decrease in contracted veterinarian services. The addition of the position will not increase overall appropriations in the Animal Services Division, once the position is filled.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon Board adoption and approval, please provide a copy of the executed Resolution to Heather Andersen in Human Resources.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Workforce Excellence
Priority: Enhance Employee Retention
Action Item: Attract and retain the best employees by providing competitive compensation, training, and advancement opportunities, and creating a positive and thriving culture
CONTACT
Joseph Carruesco, Director of Human Resources