Relief Vet Jobs — Illinois, IL

Relief Vet Jobs in Illinois

Statewide relief from Chicago suburbs to Central and Southern Illinois.

Relief veterinarian working at a clinic in Illinois
500+ Partner Clinics
48hrs Average Fill Time
2 Days Payment Speed
$0 Cost for DVMs
Why FlexVet

Why DVMs Choose Illinois for Relief Work

FlexVet Staffing connects veterinarians with clinics offering part-time relief work in Chicago allowing you 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
Statewide coverage
Less downstate competition
Get Matched with Shifts

What relief vets earn in Illinois

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

General Practice

$60–$105

Per hour for GP relief shifts

Specialty / ER

$110–$150

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 Across Illinois

Outside Chicago, Illinois has a network of mid-size cities with solid vet demand. Champaign-Urbana benefits from U of I's referral network. Springfield has government-driven stability. If you can travel, combine downstate and Chicago-area shifts to stay fully booked.

Less Competition Downstate — Fewer relief DVMs outside Chicago means more available shifts.

U of I Vet School — Champaign-Urbana proximity means CE access and a strong professional network.

Statewide Coverage — One IL license covers Chicago to Carbondale. Mix metro and rural shifts.

I work two days in the Chicago suburbs and two downstate. The variety keeps things interesting.

— Dr. Thomas H., Relief DVM

Illinois, IL cityscape and lifestyle

Ready to pick up shifts in Illinois?

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 Illinois

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 Illinois

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

GP shifts range $60-$105/hr by location. Chicago-area at the high end. Downstate lower but cost of living difference is significant.

Champaign-Urbana has solid GP demand. UF handles specialty referrals, leaving local clinics focused on primary care needing relief coverage.

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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