Davidson County approves veterinary assistant career ladder at animal shelter

DAVIDSON COUNTY — Davidson County commissioners approved a proposal April 27 to create a career ladder for veterinary assistants at the county animal shelter, a personnel action intended to improve retention and recognize additional training.

County staff described the plan as creating a veterinary assistant II classification that requires two years of service at the shelter, rabies‑vaccination certification, certification to perform humane euthanasia and training to operate the shelter crematory. The suggested compensation change would increase the incumbent’s pay by either 5% or to the new grade minimum, whichever is greater.

Staff said the county’s current veterinary‑assistant minimum is about $35,000 and the proposed veterinary assistant II minimum is about $39,000, and that reclassifying the one current employee who meets the criteria would cost an estimated $2,500 in the current fiscal year and could be covered by salary savings.

Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the change by voice vote.

What’s next: Human resources and the shelter will implement the classification and update payroll; staff said the position will be included in future budget planning.