Juan Gervasoni
Specialist
July 21, 2025
A relief veterinarian, often known as a locum vet, is a qualified professional who temporarily fills in for regular staff at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or specialty practices. Whether a full-time vet is on vacation, out sick, or on maternity leave, relief vets ensure continuity of care and operations.
The demand for relief vets has skyrocketed in recent years due to staffing shortages, burnout, and the ever-increasing workload in animal care. Clinics now realize that having access to a dependable relief vet near me is not a luxury—it’s essential for keeping services running smoothly.
Across the United States, veterinary clinics are grappling with a shortage of talent. With pet ownership increasing and staff burnout becoming more common, relief vets provide crucial support without overburdening the core team.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a massive boom in pet adoptions, stretching veterinary resources thin. Relief vets stepped in as lifelines, filling critical gaps in staffing and ensuring pets received timely care.
Texas, especially rural areas and fast-growing suburbs, has seen a significant gap in veterinary care availability. Relief vets have become indispensable for both emergency and routine shifts.
During holiday seasons, summer vacations, or high-travel periods, clinics struggle to maintain coverage. Relief veterinarians provide essential support, especially in regions like West Texas or the Rio Grande Valley.
Relief vets allow clinics to adapt quickly to changing demands. Whether it’s an unexpected illness or an increased caseload, relief professionals can jump in with minimal disruption.
Permanent staff often experience burnout. By bringing in relief support, clinics offer their full-time vets the break they need—without compromising care quality.
When the unexpected happens, finding a last-minute relief vet near me can be a game-changer. FlexVet specializes in matching the right vet with your clinic’s specific needs—fast.
At FlexVet Staffing, our goal is simple: connect top-tier relief veterinarians with Texas clinics in need. We believe in building long-term relationships between our vets and the communities they serve.
From large hospitals in Dallas to small practices in Midland, our team handles the vet-matching, credential checks, and scheduling—so you don’t have to.
Rapid placements
Texas-licensed professionals
Transparent pricing
Ongoing support
A standout relief vet is adaptable, communicative, and experienced. They must fit seamlessly into different clinic environments and handle a variety of cases.
In Texas, all relief veterinarians must hold a valid DVM license issued by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. FlexVet ensures all placements meet or exceed state and local compliance standards.
Maternity Leave and Sabbaticals
Weekend and Holiday Shifts
Practice Transitions and Expansion
Continuing Education Absences
Burnout Prevention
Each of these moments presents a perfect opportunity to bring in a vetted, ready-to-work relief vet through FlexVet.
When searching for a relief vet near me, start with reputable directories like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA). Use geo-targeted search phrases like “relief vet in Austin” or “temporary vet coverage Houston” to narrow results to your area.
Partnering with a specialized agency like FlexVet saves you time and ensures quality. We handle all the vetting, credential verification, and scheduling logistics—so you get the perfect match without the hassle. Clinics simply provide their staffing needs and timelines, and we take care of the rest.
Always check testimonials, reviews, and references before hiring any relief vet. At FlexVet, we provide a detailed vet profile with experience, specialties, and feedback from previous clinics, giving you peace of mind before the first shift.
Relief veterinary services typically bill by the hour or day. Rates vary based on location, shift length, and specialty care needed. FlexVet offers competitive and transparent pricing, with no hidden fees.
| Service Type | Typical Rate (Texas) |
|---|---|
| Standard Day Shift | $500 – $700/day |
| Emergency/Night Shift | $700 – $1,000/day |
| Specialty or Surgical Relief | $800 – $1,200/day |
While relief vets are seasoned professionals, a quick clinic orientation helps things run smoothly. We recommend clinics prepare a short checklist covering EMR software, emergency protocols, and key staff contacts.
Use a shared calendar or scheduling tool to stay on track. Always maintain open communication before, during, and after each shift. Our FlexVet coordinators facilitate this process and provide 24/7 support.
| Relief Vets | Permanent Hires |
|---|---|
| Quick and flexible | Long-term stability |
| Ideal for coverage gaps | Better for team-building |
| No long-term contracts | Requires full benefits package |
| Higher hourly rate | Lower hourly cost over time |
Relief vets are best for short-term needs, peak periods, or when trialing a potential hire. If your clinic faces consistent staffing shortages, a permanent hire may be the right long-term move—but relief vets can still bridge the gap.
With its bustling pet population, Dallas often needs relief vets during summer and holiday rushes. FlexVet’s Dallas-based vets are trained in high-volume caseloads and multi-doctor team coordination.
Known for its holistic and alternative pet care scene, Austin clinics benefit from relief vets who understand wellness-focused practice models. FlexVet offers Austin specialists in acupuncture, chiropractic, and more.
These metro areas often require bilingual relief vets to serve diverse clientele. FlexVet ensures coverage with multilingual professionals ready to adapt to high-demand environments.
Every vet goes through a rigorous screening process, including:
License verification
Background checks
Reference calls
Hands-on vetting by experienced DVMs
After every placement, we collect feedback from the clinic and the vet. This helps us maintain top-tier quality and make better matches in the future. Many of our relief vets are requested repeatedly thanks to their professionalism and rapport.
Most shifts are booked in 4–8 hour blocks, though FlexVet accommodates custom schedules.
Yes. Every FlexVet professional is fully licensed by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
Absolutely! We encourage clinics to build relationships with preferred relief vets.
We ask for a 48-hour notice for cancellations to avoid fees and provide time to adjust the schedule.
We recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance, but we also offer emergency placements within 24 hours.
Most use the clinic’s tools, but some carry portable ultrasound machines or dental equipment if needed.
When you need a relief vet near me, FlexVet Staffing is the clear choice for Texas clinics. We offer fast, reliable, and professional veterinary coverage—exactly when you need it.
Whether you’re located in Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or a small rural town, our experts are ready to jump in and help. We pride ourselves on building partnerships, not just placements.
Ready to find the perfect relief vet for your clinic?
Contact FlexVet Staffing today and let us simplify your staffing—so you can focus on your patients.
