Veterinary Non-Competes: What to Know

What Are Veterinary Non-Competes?

If you’ve ever signed a contract with a clinic, you may have encountered veterinary non-competes. These agreements are designed to restrict veterinary professionals from working with competing clinics or starting their own practices in certain areas or within specific timeframes after leaving a job.

Understanding veterinary non-competes is essential whether you’re a full-time vet, a relief vet, or a vet tech exploring new career opportunities. These agreements can significantly impact your freedom to work where and when you want.

How They Work

A typical veterinary non-compete might include restrictions like:

• Geographic limits (e.g., can’t work within 10–50 miles of the clinic)
• Timeframe limits (e.g., can’t work for a competitor for 1–2 years)
• Type of work (e.g., can’t provide similar services elsewhere)

These are meant to protect a clinic’s client base, but they can also limit your career flexibility, especially in high-demand areas where clinics are close together.

Are Veterinary Non-Competes Enforceable?

The short answer? It depends on your statea.

Some states are strict, while others are more lenient or have banned non-competes altogether in certain professions.

Veterinary Non-Compete Enforceability by State

⚠️ Always review your contract with a legal professional — especially if you’re unsure how the law applies where you work.

Why Relief Vets and Vet Techs Should Pay Attention to Veterinary Non-Competes

If you’re working relief — or planning to — veterinary non-competes could block you from taking shifts at other clinics in the same area.

That defeats the purpose of relief work, right?

When you work with a staffing agency like FlexVet Staffing, you’re part of a network that prioritizes your freedom. We encourage you to review contracts carefully and ensure that no agreement limits your ability to choose where and when you work.

What to Look for in Veterinary Non-Competes Before Signing

Before you sign anything, keep an eye out for the following key points:

1. Geographic restriction – How far out does it reach?
2. Duration – For how long are you restricted?
3. Work type – Does it limit only clinical work, or also relief and telehealth?
4. Buyout options – Can you pay to be released from the clause?
5. Scope – Are multiple clinic locations included?

If something feels too broad or vague, ask for clarification — or negotiation.

What You Can Do About Veterinary Non-Competes

• Negotiate: Don’t assume the clause is non-negotiable. Many clinics will revise terms if asked.
• Ask for Limits: Suggest a shorter duration or smaller radius.
• Consider Your Long-Term Plans: Think about how these clauses could affect you if you decide to move, go full relief, or change specialties.

Looking for Freedom in Your Veterinary Career?

One of the biggest perks of working relief through FlexVet Staffing is autonomy. You choose your assignments, and we don’t lock you into restrictive contracts that could hinder your growth.

Final Thoughts on Veterinary Non-Competes

Veterinary non-competes are becoming a hot topic in the veterinary world — and for good reason. They can impact your ability to work freely, especially in an industry that’s increasingly mobile and flexible.

If you’re unsure about a contract or considering relief work to gain more freedom, remember this: You deserve a career that works for you — not against you.

Explore Contract-Free Relief Work Today

Want to work when and where you want — without the red tape? Reach out to FlexVet Staffing and discover relief roles that don’t come with strings attached.