Juan Gervasoni
Specialist
October 30, 2025
Tri Vets and other multi-clinic coverage programs are opening new doors for relief veterinarians. Instead of working in a single practice, relief vets now have opportunities to rotate between several clinics, providing flexibility, stability, and consistent demand for their services.
In this article, we’ll break down how Tri Vets programs work, why they’re beneficial for both clinics and relief vets, and how you can take advantage of these opportunities to grow your career.
Tri Vets refers to relief veterinarians who rotate coverage between three or more clinics, often within the same network, corporate group, or regional partnership. These programs:
Ensure each clinic has reliable coverage.
Help relief vets secure consistent shifts.
Improve work-life balance by spreading out workloads.
Give clinics peace of mind when permanent staff are sick, on vacation, or short-staffed.
By design, multi-clinic coverage provides greater scheduling flexibility while keeping patients and pet parents cared for without interruption.
The veterinary industry continues to face staffing shortages, increasing demand for flexible coverage. Relief vets are filling this gap, and Tri Vets programs are becoming a win-win solution.
Key drivers include:
High demand for urgent coverage – Pet visits are up, while full-time staffing struggles to keep pace.
Corporate and group-owned clinics – Large networks often need flexible veterinarians who can float between locations.
Relief vet preferences – Many relief vets prefer variety and diverse caseloads rather than working in one clinic full-time.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, demand for relief and flexible coverage continues to rise, making programs like Tri Vets especially valuable.
Multi-clinic coverage ensures a steady stream of shifts, helping relief vets avoid the uncertainty of last-minute scheduling. For income strategies, see our guide on Relief Vet Salary: How to Earn More and Work Smarter.
Each clinic has its own workflow, team culture, and caseload. Relief vets gain exposure to different environments, building resilience and clinical versatility.
Rotating between clinics expands professional connections. For more strategies, check out our article on Veterinary Networking Tips.
Because coverage is shared across multiple clinics, relief vets can better manage stress and downtime. Our guide on Veterinary Work-Life Balance offers additional tips.
While rewarding, Tri Vets programs also come with challenges:
Travel requirements – Covering multiple clinics may involve more commuting.
Learning new systems – Each clinic may use different practice management software or protocols.
Building relationships quickly – Relief vets need strong communication skills to adapt to new teams.
Preparation makes all the difference. Our article on Relief Veterinarian First Day Tips shares strategies for adjusting quickly in new environments.
Multi-clinic programs aren’t just good for relief vets—they’re essential for clinics too. Benefits include:
Reduced burnout – Permanent staff get the coverage they need to rest.
Continuity of care – Pet parents know their clinic is always staffed.
Operational stability – Practices avoid costly closures or reduced hours.
For clinics exploring relief coverage options, see our guide on Hiring Relief Veterinarians.
Stay organized – Use calendars and scheduling tools to manage multiple clinics.
Clarify expectations – Understand caseloads, responsibilities, and compensation before each shift.
Prioritize communication – Build quick rapport with teams and pet parents. For advice, see our Pet Parent Communication Tips.
Take care of yourself – With multiple clinics and rotating schedules, burnout can creep in. See our Veterinary Burnout Prevention guide.
At FlexVet Staffing, we help connect veterinarians with Tri Vets opportunities and multi-clinic coverage programs. Whether you want steady rotations, flexible schedules, or a balance of both, our network ensures you can build the career you want while supporting clinics in need.
Tri Vets programs are redefining relief veterinary work, creating opportunities for consistent scheduling, diverse experience, and professional growth. Relief vets who embrace this model can thrive in a flexible, rewarding career while helping clinics deliver continuous care to pets and their families.
With support from FlexVet Staffing, relief veterinarians can easily explore these opportunities and take the next step in their careers.
