Relief Veterinarian Vs. Part-Time Veterinarian: a Deep Dive

Ross Zimmerman

February 6, 2020

Feeling stuck choosing between relief work and part-time practice? Let’s explore how each path can boost your career, income, and work-life balance - starting now!

Today's Veterinary Landscape

The field of veterinary medicine is rapidly evolving, offering more flexible career paths than ever before. According to AVMA data, the number of relief veterinarians grew by 30% between 2008 and 2018, reflecting a shift toward non-traditional roles. Why? Work-life balance is a primary driver.

Relief work allows veterinarians to set their own schedules, avoid burnout, and regain control over their careers. Many are drawn to the autonomy, flexibility, and financial benefits this path offers, while others seek an escape from the demanding hours and stress of traditional practice. This trend highlights a growing desire among veterinarians to prioritize personal well-being alongside professional fulfillment.

Understanding Relief Work

Think of a relief vet as the ultimate pinch hitter in veterinary medicine! You’re the superhero stepping in when clinics need an extra set of paws — whether it’s to cover vacations, busy seasons, or unexpected staff shortages. One day, you might be cuddling puppies at a small clinic; the next, you’re handling urgent care calls and saving the day.

But wait, there’s more! Relief vets are like the Swiss Army knives of the profession. You get to work at different clinics, tackle diverse cases, and create your own schedule. It’s like freelancing, but instead of designing logos, you’re saving lives! Plus, every clinic has its own vibe — so you’re constantly meeting new teams, making furry friends, and keeping things fresh.

And here’s the best part: relief veterinarians provide a vital service. By stepping in, you help clinics maintain their care standards while giving full-time staff a chance to recharge. It’s a win-win for everyone involved! Ready to learn more about what makes relief work so rewarding? Check out this guide for all the details.

Daily Life as a Relief Vet:

Set your own schedule
Want to work mornings and have afternoons free for a hike or a nap with your cat? Go for it! Relief vets have the freedom to choose when, where, and how often they work, giving you ultimate control over your time.

Work at different clinics
Variety is the spice of life! Relief work lets you experience different clinics, teams, and workflows. It’s perfect if you love new challenges or just want to avoid the monotony of the same four walls every day.

Handle diverse cases
From routine check-ups to emergency surgeries, relief vets see it all. This variety keeps your skills sharp and your days exciting—no two shifts are ever the same!

Maintain independence
As a relief vet, you’re your own boss. You decide where you work and what kind of cases you take on. It’s like running your own business, but with fewer spreadsheets and more wagging tails.

Important to Know: Relief vets need to secure their own liability and license defense insurance since they aren’t covered under a hospital’s plan like part-time vets typically are. (Here’s a helpful guide to get started.) Plus, as an independent contractor, you’re responsible for managing your own taxes—though this also means access to great write-offs like travel and equipment! If taxes make you break out in hives, don’t worry; we’ve got tips to help simplify the process.

Part-Time Practice Life

Part-time vets become part of a clinic's regular crew, building lasting bonds with both the team and furry patients. You'll have set hours and a consistent workplace, perfect if you value routine and deep client relationships.

But Let’s Weigh the Pros and Cons:

Predictable Paychecks
Part-time vets enjoy steady income with taxes already deducted, saving you the headache of quarterly tax filings. However, this also means missing out on the juicy tax write-offs relief vets can claim, like travel expenses or continuing education costs.

Benefits Galore
Many part-time positions come with perks like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans—things relief vets typically have to manage on their own.

Routine and Stability
If you thrive on consistency, part-time work offers a reliable schedule and the chance to make a long-term impact at one clinic. But for those who crave variety or dislike rigid routines, it might feel a bit repetitive compared to the ever-changing nature of relief work.

Roo now makes part-time placements easier than ever! Whether you’re looking for stability or want to balance part-time work with relief shifts for extra income, Roo has you covered. Check out how we can help with part-time placements.

Money Matters

Relief Earnings

Relief vets are earning more than ever! On average, Roo relief veterinarians make $144 per hour, with some shifts paying even higher. That’s nearly double the national average for full-time vets, and it’s not uncommon for top-earning relief vets to bring in over $200,000 annually. Plus, as an independent contractor, you get to keep your entire paycheck upfront—though you’ll need to set aside about 30% for taxes.

But here’s the silver lining: being an independent contractor means access to a treasure trove of tax write-offs. You can deduct expenses like medical equipment (hello, shiny new stethoscope), travel costs for shifts or CE events, liability insurance, and even home office expenses if you manage your schedule from there. These deductions can significantly reduce your taxable income, keeping more money in your pocket. For a detailed breakdown of what you can claim, check out this guide.

While relief work offers unmatched earning potential and financial flexibility, it does come with responsibilities. You’ll need to manage your own taxes and benefits, but with proper planning (and maybe a good CPA), the rewards far outweigh the effort!

Part-Time Benefits

While the hourly rate might be lower, part-time positions often come with perks like health insurance and paid time off. You'll have more predictable income and potential long-term benefits.

But here’s the fun part: why settle for just one option when you can have the best of both worlds? By combining part-time work with relief shifts, you can enjoy the stability of benefits like health insurance and PTO while boosting your income with higher-paying relief gigs. It’s like having your cake and eating it too—except this cake comes with wagging tails and purring patients.

Pro Tip: If you go this route, remember that your part-time job’s liability insurance won’t cover you at other clinics. You’ll need an individual liability plan to protect yourself during relief shifts. (Here’s a helpful guide to get started!) With the right setup, you can maximize both financial and personal rewards while keeping your career as flexible as you want it to be.

Growing Your Career

Whether you choose relief or part-time work, Roo connects you with quality veterinary practices across the United States for both relief opportunities, and we can help you with the transition to part-time work if that’s what you’re looking for. You'll find opportunities that match your skills and schedule preferences, plus access to:

Competitive compensation — Roo relief vets earn $144 an hour on average, making it one of the most lucrative options in veterinary medicine.

Flexible scheduling – With the ability to choose your own hours, you can create a work-life balance that perfectly suits your lifestyle and personal commitments.

Professional development resources – Roo provides access to a variety of professional development tools, ensuring you stay updated with the latest veterinary practices and skills to grow your career.

Supportive community – Join a vibrant network of fellow veterinarians who share experiences, advice, and support—connect with us on our Roo Vets Facebook page to stay engaged!

Take Your Next Step with Roo

Ready to paw your way forward? Join Roo's upcoming CE events to earn credits while learning from top experts in veterinary medicine. Visit CE events to register for free continuing education designed just for you.

FAQs

What's the typical workload for relief vets?

Relief vets have the ultimate flexibility to tailor their workload. You can work a few shifts a month or fill your schedule full-time—it’s entirely up to you! On average, you might see 15-20 appointments per day, depending on the clinic’s needs, with the option to perform surgeries like spays, neuters, or dentals if you’re comfortable.

Many clinics provide clear details upfront about the expected caseload and whether surgeries are required, so you can plan your day accordingly. This transparency allows relief vets to define their ideal workload and maintain control over their schedule while delivering top-notch care.

Do I need special certifications for relief work?

You’ll need an active veterinary license in each state where you plan to practice, along with a DEA registration if you’ll be prescribing, administering, or dispensing controlled substances. Some states also require a separate Controlled Substance Registration, so it’s important to check local regulations. While these credentials ensure compliance, they also allow you to work independently and confidently across various clinics.

What experience level do I need to work relief?

Most relief vets have 2-4 years of clinical experience before starting independent work.

How stable is relief work?

Demand for relief veterinarians remains high, with consistent opportunities available through platforms like Roo. You can see all the opportunities we have available in your area by signing up for Roo + “Search Shifts” CTA button.

What about work-life balance?

Relief work offers more flexibility, while part-time positions provide more predictable schedules - choose based on your lifestyle needs.

Sources:

American Veterinary Medical Association. (2024). Veterinary starting salaries rise in 2023, educational debt holds steady.

https://www.avma.org/news/veterinary-starting-salaries-rise-2023-educational-debt-holds-steady

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Veterinarians.

https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291131.htm

iVET360. (2023). 2023 Veterinary Industry Benchmark Report. Revenue growth: 6.3%, Transaction decline: -3.3%

https://ivet360.com/2023-veterinary-industry-benchmark-report/

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