Join Our Team!
Make a Difference as a Veterinarian with the County of Lake Animal Care & Control Department!
Are you a passionate, community-focused veterinarian ready to lead and make a lasting impact? Join our team in beautiful Lakeport, California, where you’ll provide hands-on medical care, oversee spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, respond to zoonotic disease cases, and help shape animal welfare programs that truly serve the community. This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to protect public health, support pet families, and improve the lives of shelter animals every day.
Apply today! The salary range is $134,616 – $163,632 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package and a sign-on incentive of up to $10,000. Enjoy clean air, scenic beauty, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere while advancing your veterinary career in public service. This recruitment is open until filled — don’t wait!
Visit www.lakecountyca.gov to apply and take the next step toward a rewarding leadership role.
Help us build a safer, more humane community—one life at a time.
Benefits We Offer
Enjoy Generous Paid Time Off!
We offer our Animal Care & Control Director 120 hours of paid vacation time each year, giving you the freedom to relax and recharge. As you grow with us, you'll earn even more vacation time based on your years of dedicated service – the longer you stay, the more you accumulate! For our management team, vacation time accrues at an accelerated rate to ensure you have the time you need to lead effectively and take care of yourself.
We also generously offer 11 paid holidays, including a paid Winter Holiday.
We believe in rewarding your experience and supporting your work-life balance.
Work Life Balance.
Working for the County of Lake can help you achieve an excellent work-life balance due to the structured hours and stability that come with public sector employment. Unlike private practice, where long, unpredictable hours are common, government roles typically offer more predictable schedules, ample vacation time, and fewer emergency calls.
This allows you to maintain a healthier balance between your professional duties and personal life, reducing burnout while ensuring you can spend quality time with family, pursue personal interests, and focus on self-care.
Comprehensive Health Coverage for You & Your Family.
We care about your health and well-being! That's why we offer medical, dental, hospital, vision, and prescription coverage for both you and your dependents. To make sure you have the support you need, the County generously contributes up to $1,500 toward your monthly premiums for a variety of insurance plan options.
Take Care of Yourself with Paid Sick Leave.
We value your well-being, which is why we offer 96 hours of paid sick leave each year to give you peace of mind when you need it.
And when it’s time to retire, you can even convert unused sick leave into California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) service credit, helping to enhance your retirement benefits.
And More!
Ready to Lead, Heal and Serve?