Strong pay and year-round outdoor living on the Southern California coast.
FlexVet Staffing connects veterinarians with clinics offering part-time relief work in San Diego, giving you the opportunity to increase your income while searching for your ideal veterinary position in California. Build valuable experience at various clinics before committing to a permanent role.
FlexVet rates are typically higher than the local average. You set your rate, we match you with clinics willing to pay it.
General Practice
$70–$120
Per hour for GP relief shifts
Specialty / ER
$125–$165
Per hour for specialty/ER shifts
Payment Speed
2 Days
Direct deposit after your shift
From signup to your first shift in under a week
Fill out a quick form. We'll ask about your availability, preferred shift types, and where you're licensed.
Our team finds clinics that fit your preferences and schedule. No algorithms, no bidding. A real person matching you.
Show up, do what you do best, and take care of animals. We handle the logistics and paperwork.
Direct deposit within 2 business days. No chasing invoices, no net-30 waiting.
San Diego spreads from La Jolla and Pacific Beach to inland suburbs like Poway, Escondido, and El Cajon. Coastal clinics trend boutique. Inland practices tend higher-volume. The weather rarely interrupts your schedule, and surfing, hiking, and restaurants between shifts are hard to match.
Coastal Lifestyle — Year-round mild weather, beaches, hiking, and outdoor access that most cities cannot compete with.
Diverse Clinic Mix — From boutique La Jolla practices to high-volume East County clinics, choose your pace.
Less Competition Than LA — Smaller metro means less relief DVM competition for the same quality shifts.
San Diego is my favorite relief market. Strong pay, well-run clinics, and I surf before morning shifts half the year.
Fill out the form and our team will reach out within 24 hours to get you set up. No obligations, no pressure. Just a conversation about what you're looking for.
Get started in 2 minutes
Explore shifts in other cities near San Diego
State Licensing
California requires NAVLE plus the CA state-specific exam. Full AAVSB VAULT credential transfer required. Apply through the Veterinary Medical Board of CA. CE: 36 hours biennially. For a full directory of state veterinary regulatory boards, visit avma.org/education/ecfvg/state-veterinary-regulatory-boards.
Everything you need to know before your first shift in California.
GP shifts pay $70-$120/hr. ER and specialty runs $125-$165/hr. La Jolla and Del Mar tend to pay highest.
Cheaper than SF or LA, though above national average. Higher hourly rates offset cost of living for most relief DVMs.
A relief veterinarian — sometimes called a locum vet — is a licensed DVM who works short-term shifts at veterinary clinics on a flexible, contract-free basis rather than as a permanent employee.
Relief vet pay typically ranges from $150 to $250 per hour depending on location, specialty, and shift length. FlexVet DVMs set their own rates and receive direct deposit within 48 hours of each completed shift.
No, there are no long-term contracts or minimum shift requirements. You can work as much or as little as you choose.
Join hundreds of DVMs earning more with FlexVet. No fees, no contracts, no hassle.
Apply for Free