The highest relief vet pay rates in the West.
FlexVet Staffing connects veterinarians with clinics offering part-time relief work in San Francisco, 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
$80–$130
Per hour for GP relief shifts
Specialty / ER
$135–$170
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.
The Bay Area vet market is concentrated and well-paying. SF proper has boutique practices. Oakland and Berkeley are more varied. Marin pays well with lower volume. Peninsula practices in Palo Alto serve a tech clientele willing to spend on care.
Premium Pay Rates — Bay Area GP rates start at $80/hr. ER shifts push past $135/hr. Among the highest in the country.
Dense Market — SF, Oakland, Berkeley, Marin, and the Peninsula are all within a short commute.
Tech-Industry Clientele — Bay Area pet owners are high-spending, meaning well-equipped clinics and interesting caseloads.
Bay Area relief rates are the best I have seen anywhere. Yes, rent is high, but I am netting more per month here than I did in Denver.
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 Francisco
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 $80-$130/hr. Specialty and ER runs $135-$170/hr. Marin and Peninsula clinics pay at the top.
Depends on your setup. DVMs who house-share, live in Oakland, or do concentrated shifts often come out ahead. The per-hour premium is real.
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