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.
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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 eff...
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