A relief veterinarian is a licensed DVM who works temporary shifts at veterinary clinics and hospitals instead of being tied to one practice full-time. This guide covers what relief work actually involves, how much it pays, who it is right for, and how to get started.
A relief veterinarian, sometimes called a locum vet or locum tenens veterinarian, is a licensed DVM who provides temporary coverage at veterinary practices. The term "locum tenens" comes from Latin, meaning "to hold one's place," which is exactly what a relief vet does. They step in so that full-time staff can take vacations, medical leave, or parental leave without leaving a clinic short-staffed.
Unlike a traditional associate role, relief vets are not employed by a single practice. They work across multiple clinics, set their own schedules, and negotiate their own rates. A relief vet might cover a single day, a week-long vacation, or several months of maternity leave coverage depending on what a clinic needs.
Relief vets perform the same clinical duties as full-time DVMs including wellness exams, surgeries, diagnostics, and client communication. The key difference is autonomy: they choose where they work, when they work, and what they charge.
"Relief work is not an exception to a normal veterinary career. For more DVMs every year, it is the career."
500+
Relief DVMs
on the FlexVet platform
FlexVet Staffing
500+
Relief DVMs
on the FlexVet platform
$55 to $165
Hourly Rate Range
depending on market and shift type
48 hrs
Payment Turnaround
after every completed shift with FlexVet
10,000+
Vet Shortage Areas
across the US per USDA data
Understanding the difference helps you decide which path fits where you are in your career right now.
Relief Veterinarian
Set your own hourly or day rate
Choose your own schedule
Work at multiple clinics
Higher effective hourly earnings
No long-term commitments
Benefits included (self-arranged)
Consistent caseload or client relationships
Employer handles taxes
Full-Time Associate
Set your own rate
Choose your own schedule
Work at multiple clinics
Higher effective hourly earnings
No long-term commitments
Benefits included
Consistent caseload and client relationships
Employer handles taxes
Relief work is not for everyone. Here is an honest look at both sides so you can decide if it is the right fit.
Advantages
Set your own schedule and take time off without asking anyone
Higher effective hourly rate than most associate positions
Work at multiple clinics and expand your clinical skill set
No office politics, no management responsibilities
Geographic freedom: work locally or travel between markets
Variety in casework and clinic environments keeps work fresh
Easier to reduce hours or take extended breaks without resigning
Considerations
No employer-provided health insurance, retirement, or PTO
Responsible for self-employment taxes (typically 25-30%)
Income can vary month to month depending on shift availability
Adapting quickly to new clinic workflows requires experience
No long-term patient relationships or continuity of care
State licensing requirements vary if you work across state lines
New graduates typically need 2+ years of experience first
Relief work tends to be the right fit for DVMs who fall into one or more of these categories. The more of these that describe you, the more likely relief work will feel like a natural fit.
You have 2+ years of clinical experience
Relief work requires you to integrate into a new clinic quickly and practice independently from day one. Most practices expect this level of readiness.
You value schedule control above benefits
If choosing your own hours and days matters more to you than employer-provided PTO and insurance, relief work gives you that directly.
You feel burned out in your current role
Relief work is one of the most common paths DVMs take when they need to stay in veterinary medicine but need to step back from the pressure of a permanent role.
You want to earn more per hour
Relief vets typically earn a higher hourly rate than associates. Combined with no platform fees through FlexVet, you keep more of what you make.
You want to earn extra income on top of your current job
Many DVMs do relief shifts on weekends or days off without leaving their current role. A few shifts a month can add thousands to your annual income with zero impact on your primary position.
You thrive in new environments
If you adapt quickly, communicate well with new teams, and enjoy variety in your casework, relief work will energize rather than exhaust you.
Good to know
Many DVMs start with one or two shifts per month on top of their current job to earn extra income before fully committing. There is no requirement to leave your current role first.
With FlexVet, there are no minimums, no commitments, and no fees. You can take one shift or fifty, entirely on your terms.
There is no special certification required. If you are a licensed DVM with clinical experience, you can start relief work. Here is the practical path to getting your first shift.
Confirm your licensure is current
You need an active DVM license in the state where you plan to work. If you want to work across multiple states, each requires its own license. DEA registration is also required for controlled substance prescribing.
Decide on your business structure
Most relief vets operate as independent contractors (1099). Some set up an LLC or S-Corp for tax advantages. Talk to an accountant before your first shift to structure this correctly from the start.
Set your rate
Research what relief vets are charging in your market. General practice in most US markets runs $55 to $125/hr. Urban markets and ER shifts run higher. Start within the range and adjust as you build a track record. See our full relief vet pay rates guide.
Connect with clinics through FlexVet
FlexVet matches you with clinics in your area based on your skills, availability, and preferences. No fees, no platform subscription, and a real person handles the matching. You focus on practicing medicine.
Complete your first shift and get paid
FlexVet processes direct deposit within 48 hours of your completed shift. No invoicing, no chasing payments, no waiting weeks for a check.
FlexVet connects licensed DVMs with clinics that need reliable coverage. You keep 100% of what you negotiate. We handle the matching, the admin, and the payments.
They are the same thing. "Relief vet" and "locum vet" or "locum tenens veterinarian" are used interchangeably in the industry. Both refer to a licensed DVM who provides temporary coverage at veterinary practices on a contract or per-shift basis.
Most practices expect at least 2 years of clinical experience before hiring a relief vet. This is because relief DVMs need to practice independently from the moment they walk in, without a senior vet to consult on every case.
Generally no. New graduates benefit from the mentorship and continuity of a full-time associate role before transitioning to relief. Relief work rewards confidence and adaptability that comes from experience, not just training.
Yes. Relief vets operating as independent contractors are responsible for their own professional liability insurance. Some platforms or staffing services may offer coverage, but you should confirm this in writing before any shift.
Relief vets either negotiate a flat day rate or an hourly rate with each clinic. With FlexVet, you set your rate, the clinic agrees, and you are paid via direct deposit within 48 hours of your completed shift. FlexVet never takes a cut of your earnings.
Yes, and many DVMs start this way. Taking one or two relief shifts per month alongside a part-time or full-time associate role is a common way to test the waters without fully committing to the transition.
General practice, emergency and urgent care, specialty hospitals, mixed animal practices, spay and neuter clinics, and nonprofit organizations all regularly hire relief vets. The shift type and rate vary significantly between these settings.
