Bay Area-adjacent pay with lower cost of living.
FlexVet Staffing connects veterinarians with clinics offering part-time relief work in Sacramento, 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–$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
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.
Sacramento is sprawling with a mix of established suburban practices and newer clinics opening in Roseville, Folsom, and Elk Grove. Davis (home to UC Davis Vet Med) is 15 minutes away, creating a pipeline of new grads and referral cases. Pace of life is slower than the Bay Area.
Bay Area Pay, Lower Cost — Rates track close to SF levels but housing and expenses are 30-40% less.
Suburban Growth — Roseville, Folsom, and Elk Grove are adding clinics as the population grows.
UC Davis Proximity — UC Davis vet school is 15 min away. Great for CE and professional networking.
Sacramento is underrated for relief work. Making close to Bay Area money and spending way less on rent.
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 Sacramento
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-$115/hr. ER and specialty runs $120-$160/hr. Competitive with the Bay Area at lower cost of living.
Yes. Many relief DVMs based in Sacramento also take Bay Area shifts (90 min to SF). One CA license covers you statewide. For a full list of state veterinary boards, visit avma.org/education/ecfvg/state-veterinary-regulatory-boards.
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