Are you wondering where your Veterinary career could take you next, or maybe just who’s signing the paychecks for most Vets and Vet Techs? If you’re like a lot of folks in the Veterinary field, you’ve probably thought about the trade-offs between big Hospital systems, staffing agencies, private practices, and everything in between. Maybe you’re chasing better work-life balance or looking for that next step to make your days in scrubs feel a little more rewarding, or at least less hectic.
Let’s jump right in and clear up the landscape around the largest employers for Veterinarians, what it actually feels like working for them, the value of staffing agencies, and how you can carve out a career you’ll love, with plenty of routes (and detours!) along the way.
Why does Veterinary staffing matter (and what’s changing)?
Veterinary professionals are stretched. Between high caseloads, unpredictable hours, and the desire for more flexibility (and less burnout), the search for the “right fit” is more intense than ever. The field has grown, but so have the complexities, especially for Vet Techs and Vets hoping to find not just a job, but a sustainable, enjoyable role.
A record number of Vets considered switching to Relief work or temporary roles in recent years, with more looking for gigs that match their lifestyles, not just their skills (AVMA, 2025). Employers feel it too, as the need for talented staff keeps climbing, especially in animal Hospitals and clinics across the country.
And if you think you’re alone in chasing a better balance or debating a move to a new setting, you’re not. The great news: new staffing options and a growing patchwork of employers mean there are more pathways for Vet Techs and Vets than ever.
Who are the largest employers for Veterinarians?
The landscape of Veterinary employment in the U.S. covers everything from national Hospital chains and government agencies to universities. Here’s a closer look at where most folks in the field spend their working days:
1. Corporate Veterinary hospital groups
Banfield Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals (both are part of Mars Veterinary Health) operate hundreds of Hospitals across the country, employing thousands of Vets and Vet Techs (AVMA, 2025). They often offer broad benefit packages, some flexibility in scheduling, and opportunities for relocation or advancement.
National Veterinary Associates (NVA) covers a large network of Hospitals and specialty clinics, offering clinical, management, and support roles for Vets and Techs at every career stage.
You’ll also see groups like BluePearl Veterinary Partners, MedVet, and CityVet hiring large numbers of professionals for specialty and general practice settings (Indeed, 2025).
Curious about how different Hospital systems compare, or how Relief can help Hospitals keep up? You can check out resources like boosting Hospital revenue with Relief or real-life Hospital success stories for the inside scoop.
2. Government and public sector employers
Many Veterinarians work with public agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for animal health, disease surveillance, and food safety roles. Jobs with the USDA often provide set schedules, a focus on public health, and generally steady pay (USDA, 2025).
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also employ Veterinary professionals, especially those with interests in research, regulation, or zoonotic diseases.
3. Academic and research institutions
Universities like North Carolina State University, University of California–Davis, and others are big employers. You might work in teaching, research, or running academic Hospitals (AVMA, 2025). For Vet Techs attracted to discovery, mentorship, or academia, these environments offer a different kind of challenge and can often mean access to top-tier professional development.
Find more guidance on shifting into academic or education roles by visiting Roo’s careers page.
Veterinary staffing agencies: What’s their role?
You’ve probably heard about “Relief” Vets and Techs, or maybe you’ve even tried agency work. Staffing agencies specialize in making those flexible placements a reality for both the professionals and the practice. Here’s how they fit in:
- What do Veterinary staffing agencies do?
Agencies recruit Vets and Vet Techs for temporary, contract, or permanent jobs. They match people to clinics, handle credentials and paperwork, and smooth over the job search headaches that come with gig-based or Relief work (Veterinary Recruiting & Staffing Solutions, 2025).
- Why use a staffing agency?
They’re popular with professionals looking for flexibility, better pay, or variety. Plus, they help clinics and Hospitals stay fully staffed even during high-volume times (Concierge Elite, 2024).
Some of the most reputable U.S. Veterinary staffing agencies include:
- Concierge Elite
- Veterinary Recruiting & Staffing Solutions
- Tempus Recruitment
Staffing agencies streamline transitions, allowing you to focus energy on what really matters: your patients and your own quality of life. For Vet Techs thinking about flexible work, or considering a break from traditional settings, agencies may be a great way to sample new environments.
The most common types of employment for Veterinarians
Where are most Veterinarians working? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), about three-quarters of U.S. Veterinarians work in companion animal or mixed practices, showing just how dominant the pet clinic space is. But plenty of Vets and Vet Techs work in these environments too:
- Private companion animal clinics and Hospitals (including those massive corporate networks)
- Academic and research institutions (university Hospitals, research labs)
- Federal and state agencies (animal health, food safety, disease prevention)
- Relief and temp placements via staffing agencies
- Nonprofits, shelters, and public health organizations
For salary info, always refer to recently updated industry sources like the Veterinarian Salary Survey USA. As of January 2025, mid-range annual salaries for Veterinarians were reported at $144,000, with public sources confirming steady growth for both entry and experienced professionals (Veterinary Jobs Marketplace, 2025). The Veterinary sector provided jobs for more than 525,000 individuals in the U.S. in 2025, including Vets, Techs, and support staff (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
Comparing career paths in Veterinary medicine
Let’s break down the leading paths with what they offer:
Making a move: Tips for career growth and transition
Thinking about changing things up? Here’s how you can take your next step in the Veterinary world:
- Start with credentials. Make sure your licensure is up-to-date for the state you want to work in. Relief Vets may also need additional registrations, such as DEA for controlled substances.
- Focus on professional development. Vets and Techs can freshen up with new certifications, credentials in specialty areas, or emerging tech such as telemedicine. Check out Roo’s Free CE Events to keep your skills sharp and connect with peers.
- Consider staffing agencies. Curious about temporary or Relief roles? Connect with reputable agencies to test new practice types or schedules.
- Explore alternative career paths. Business Development or Account Management roles at Roo have welcomed many professionals from clinical backgrounds. You can find these opportunities on our careers page.
- Build your network. Don’t be shy about connecting with Veterinary communities on LinkedIn, attending Roo’s upcoming events, or staying active at local and national conferences.
The real scoop: Corporate jobs for Vet Techs and Vets
There’s a lot of talk in Veterinary circles about big corporate Hospital chains. Some Vet Techs and Vets express concerns about corporatized Veterinary medicine, feeling those settings can put profits ahead of patient care or lock professionals into restrictive contracts. Those concerns are valid and well documented in industry conversations.
But let’s not label all corporate employers with the same brush. Some professionals find great benefits in large organizations, like access to healthcare stipends (including coverage for your pets!), structured advancement, robust HR systems, and peer support. And for others, smaller private practices or Relief work offer a more personal touch and freedom to innovate on the clinic floor.
Either way, knowing your values, desired lifestyle, and long-term goals can help you choose the setting that fits best.
Opportunities beyond traditional roles
Veterinary medicine keeps evolving. Here are a few fast-growing niches:
- Telemedicine: Remote consultation is getting big. This can offer more flexibility for both Vets and Vet Techs.
- Specialty certifications: Areas like surgery, emergency, or dermatology will only keep growing. Consider additional training if you thrive in the fast lane.
- Supporting underserved communities: Many clinics in rural and remote areas are excited to welcome passionate professionals.
Want advice about skill growth without leaving your roots? Check out ways to grow your skills through flexible shifts with Roo.
Bringing it home
The Veterinary field is anything but boring. With more staffing options, employer types, and career paths than ever, you can shape your job around you and your goals, whether that means a traditional Hospital, a government agency, or taking the Relief route with a little adventure on the side.
As you plot your next move, remember Roo supports professionals across every career stage. Find new roles on our careers page, learn how to grow your skills through flexible shifts, or tap into upcoming events for networking and continuing education. And yes, our healthcare stipend covers your pet’s medical needs, too. We know they’re family.
If you want a career that doesn’t just fill your bank account but actually fits your life, get in touch. Veterinary staffing is changing, and so are the ways you can thrive in it.
FAQs about Veterinary staffing and careers
1. Who are the largest employers for Veterinarians?
Answer : Corporate Hospital groups like Banfield, VCA Animal Hospitals, and National Veterinary Associates lead private sector jobs. Major government employers include the USDA (AVMA, 2025).
2. Which industries hire the most Veterinarians?
Answer : Companion animal Hospitals and mixed practices hire the majority, with academia, public agencies, and staffing agencies also employing large numbers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
3. How do staffing agencies help the Veterinary field?
Answer : They connect Vets and Techs to short-term, long-term, and Relief jobs, handle the paperwork, and help you try new work environments, giving you more choice in your career path (Veterinary Recruiting & Staffing Solutions, 2025).
4. What do I need to start Relief work as a Vet?
Answer : A DVM license with up-to-date state credentials, sometimes DEA Registration, and a willingness to jump into new teams. Relief jobs are posted frequently, and you can search for shifts on Roo.
5. How else can Vet Techs and Vets advance their careers?
Answer :Updating certifications, attending Free CE Events, networking through upcoming events, and considering alternative non-clinical roles like business or account management keep your options fresh. You can view what’s coming up or find new skills courses on Roo’s Free CE Events.
.png)
.png)
