Relief Vet Jobs — Chicago, IL

Relief Vet Jobs in Chicago, IL

The Midwest's largest vet market with premium urban and suburban shifts.

500+ Partner Clinics
48hrs Average Fill Time
2 Days Payment Speed
$0 Cost for DVMs
Why FlexVet

Why DVMs Choose Chicago for Relief Work

FlexVet Staffing connects veterinarians with clinics offering part-time relief work in Chicago, giving you the opportunity to increase your income while searching for your ideal veterinary position in Illinois. Build valuable experience at various clinics before committing to a permanent role.

No placement fees
Deep metro market
Midwest hub
Get Matched with Shifts

What relief vets earn in Chicago

FlexVet rates are typically higher than the local average. You set your rate, we match you with clinics willing to pay it.

General Practice

$65–$115

Per hour for GP relief shifts

Specialty / ER

$120–$160

Per hour for specialty/ER shifts

Payment Speed

2 Days

Direct deposit after your shift

How it works

From signup to your first shift in under a week

01

Tell us what you want

Fill out a quick form. We'll ask about your availability, preferred shift types, and where you're licensed.

02

We match you

Our team finds clinics that fit your preferences and schedule. No algorithms, no bidding. A real person matching you.

03

Work the shift

Show up, do what you do best, and take care of animals. We handle the logistics and paperwork.

04

Get paid fast

Direct deposit within 2 business days. No chasing invoices, no net-30 waiting.

What It's Like to Work Relief in Chicago

Chicago gives you range. Lincoln Park and the West Loop trend boutique. North Shore suburbs (Evanston, Highland Park) have affluent clientele. Western suburbs (Naperville, Hinsdale) run higher volume. Mix and match to fit your preferences.

Huge Market Depth — City and suburban clinics give you hundreds of options within 30 miles.

Premium Urban Practices — Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Gold Coast serve high-spending pet owners.

Midwest Cost Balance — Coastal-competitive pay with Midwest cost of living outside the priciest neighborhoods.

Chicago has the most diverse clinic options I have worked. Boutique days in Lincoln Park, high-volume suburban in Naperville, pay works either way.

— Dr. Stephanie K., Relief DVM

Ready to pick up shifts in Chicago?

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.

Free to join, always
No resume needed
Most DVMs start within a week
Paid within 2 business days

Get started in 2 minutes

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More relief vet jobs in Illinois

Explore shifts in other cities near Chicago

State Licensing

Illinois requires NAVLE passage. Apply through IL Dept of Financial and Professional Regulation. No state-specific exam. CE: 40 hours triennially. For a full directory of state veterinary regulatory boards, visit avma.org/education/ecfvg/state-veterinary-regulatory-boards.

Common questions about relief vet work in Chicago

Everything you need to know before your first shift in Illinois.

GP shifts pay $65-$115/hr. ER and specialty runs $120-$160/hr. North Shore and Gold Coast at the top.

Yes. One of the largest vet markets in the country. City and suburbs support full-time relief DVMs year-round.

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.

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