Updates from the Road: My Journey as a Traveling Relief Vet

Hello, fellow animal lovers and adventurers! It's been a busy last few weeks as I prepare to hit the road again. I’ve spent the last few months in Colorado, working and spending time with friends. I wanted to update everyone with the latest from the road as a traveling relief vet.

I recently sold my beloved Promaster camper van “Tabitha” and have had a Ford Transit van being worked on and converted with a company in Denver. The main reasons for the change are having an updated van setup — including having a shower with hot water, more storage, and all-wheel-drive capability, which will help with more of my off-road adventures. I’ll be making a social media post soon with a new and updated van walkthrough, so stay tuned for that! 

I’ve also recently finished the process for getting my license in Arizona, which is where I plan to spend the winter. 

New places, new adventures

Last winter, I spent a couple weeks in Arizona for a van meetup, and I really fell in love with a desert winter! So, I made plans to spend a bigger chunk of time this year avoiding the snow and soaking up some Arizona winter sunshine. 

Luckily, I’ve found a lot of work opportunities with Roo in Arizona, especially around the Phoenix area! I’m really looking forward to some new clinics and a new area. 

For the holiday season, I’ll be spending time at a cabin up in Oregon with my family and friends, back home in Florida for a few days with family, and then working through Christmas and New Years to save up some money! 

A new van and new licensing means I’m ready to build my savings account back up. One of the really great things about doing relief work for myself is that I can work as much as I need to when I need to save up some extra money and take time off when I need a break!

Getting your DVM License in Arizona

The Arizona licensing process was one of the more difficult ones I’ve done. They have four different licensing processes. I chose to get licensed through their Endorsement Process. Universal Recognition looks like it would have been easier, but it’s only for permanent Arizona residents so not the best fit for a traveling vet. If you’re planning on moving to Arizona this is probably the way to go. 

Arizona is also one of three states (the other two being Washington and Missouri) that does not accept AAVSB VAULT transfers for license verification as these have to come directly from the issuing licensing board. Oddly, Arizona doesn’t require you to submit NAVLE scores when getting licensed through the Endorsement Process, so no VAULT transfer was necessary for that either. 

I’ll update you with more specific details and tips in a future update of my multi-state licensing article!

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Building relationships, one clinic at a time

One of the things I love most about being a traveling relief vet is the opportunity to meet new colleagues and build relationships in different clinic environments. It’s inspiring to see how diverse the veterinary community is and how everyone brings their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. Whether I’m working alongside seasoned veterinarians or new grads, there’s always something to learn, and every clinic has its own rhythm that I get to experience. There are also different diseases, bugs, and potential hazards for pets in all of the different areas, so it leads to lots of new experiences! 

I’ve learned to become more resourceful, flexible, and efficient with my time and skills, and I learned to always be ready for some new knowledge!

Animals, people, and adventures

Beyond the clinics, my travels have allowed me to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures across different regions. From the scenic mountain views of Colorado, to the foggy green forests of the Pacific Northwest, to the sunny beaches of SoCal, I've had the chance to explore areas I might not have visited otherwise. It’s not just about the work; it’s about experiencing the world and connecting with people, all while doing what I love: caring for animals.

As I continue my travels, I’m excited for what the future holds. More clinics, more animals, and more amazing experiences are on the horizon. Stay tuned for more updates on the road, and as always, thank you for following along with my journey as a travel relief veterinarian!

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Happy travels!

Nikki