Comparing Vet Staffing Options: Agency vs. In-House Hiring

Roo Team

June 27, 2025

If you’re running a vet practice, you know hiring is a big deal. The right team makes all the difference, but how do you find them? Should you go with an agency, or handle things in-house? Let’s break it down, Roo-style: friendly, clear, and with a little animal-inspired wordplay to keep things hopping.

The vet staffing challenge

Finding top talent in the vet world isn’t as easy as herding cats, but it sure feels that way sometimes. Across the U.S., clinics are busier than ever, with more pets and more appointments than before. The pandemic drove a surge in pet ownership, and now, everyone wants the best care for their furry family members. That means more demand for Vets and Techs, but not enough folks to fill all the spots.

This shortage isn’t just about numbers. Burnout, long hours, and the emotional toll of the job have pushed some Vets and Techs to cut back or leave the field entirely. If you want a team that sticks around, you’ve got to make smart choices about how you hire.

Agency vet staffing: Fast, flexible, and expert-backed

Think of a vet staffing agency like your practice’s best friend with a giant Rolodex. They know everyone, and they can connect you with the right people fast. Agencies specialize in finding Vets, Techs, and support staff and whether you need someone for a day, a month, or a lifetime.

What’s great about agency vet staffing?

You get access to a huge talent pool. Agencies have networks that stretch across the country, so you’re not limited to your local area.
They do the heavy lifting. Screening resumes, checking references, and setting up interviews—the agency handles it all, so you can focus on your patients.
Flexibility is the name of the game. Need a temp to cover a busy season? Or a specialist for a tricky case? Agencies can make it happen.
They know the industry. Vet staffing agencies understand what makes a great Vet or Tech, so you get candidates who fit your clinic’s vibe.

What’s not so great?

It can cost more. Agency fees add up, usually around 20% to 30% of the new hire’s salary, depending on the agency and the role.
You might have less control. While agencies do a lot of the work, you might have less say in who you meet and how the process goes.
Some agencies have exclusivity rules. That means you might be locked in with one agency for a while, or have to pay extra if you find a candidate on your own.

In-house vet staffing: Control, culture, and cost savings

If you prefer to keep things close to home, in-house vet staffing is like building your own dream team from scratch. You handle the whole process, from writing the job post to making the final offer.

Why go in-house?

You save money. No agency fees means more cash for salaries, training, or new equipment.
You get to know your candidates. You can really dig into who they are, what they value, and how they’ll fit with your team.
You control the process. You decide who gets interviewed, what questions to ask, and who to hire.
You build stronger relationships. Hiring in-house often leads to long-term team members who are invested in your clinic’s success.

What’s tricky about in-house hiring?

It takes time. Screening, interviewing, and onboarding can eat up a lot of your day.
You might miss out on great candidates. If you only look locally, you could be missing top talent from other areas.
It can be resource-heavy. Smaller practices might struggle to dedicate staff or time to recruitment.

Agency vs in-house vet staffing: Side-by-side

Let’s put these two options head to head, like a friendly race between a cheetah (fast and flexible) and a tortoise (steady and sure).

Staffing Comparison Table

Staffing Comparison
Feature	Agency Staffing	In-house Staffing
Cost	Higher (agency fees)	Lower (no agency fees)
Speed	Fast, pre-screened candidates	Slower, more hands-on
Talent Pool	Wide, national	Narrower, mostly local
Flexibility	High (temp or perm)	Moderate
Control Over Hiring	Less	More
Cultural Fit	Varies	Stronger
Expertise	Industry-specific	Clinic-specific

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How to choose the right vet staffing option

So, which one should you pick? It depends on your clinic’s needs, your budget, and your style. Here are some tips to help you decide.

When to use a vet staffing agency

You need to fill a spot fast. Agencies can move quickly, which is perfect if you’re in a pinch or have a sudden vacancy.
You don’t have time to recruit. If your team is already stretched thin, let the agency do the legwork.
You want specialized skills. Agencies can find niche professionals, like board-certified surgeons or exotic animal specialists.
You want flexible options. Temp, part-time, or remote roles are a breeze with an agency.

When to hire in-house

You value culture fit. You want team members who share your clinic’s values and vision.
You want to save money. Avoiding agency fees frees up your budget for other things.
You have the time and resources. If you can dedicate staff to recruitment, in-house hiring can be really rewarding.

Creative solutions: Remote and hybrid vet staffing

The world is changing, and so is vet staffing. More clinics are exploring remote and hybrid roles, especially for support staff. This approach can save money, open up your talent pool, and give your team more flexibility. If you’re curious about flexible staffing solutions, check out Roo’s flexible staffing and relief solutions1 to see how easy it is to find reliable coverage for your hospital.

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Why consider remote vet staffing?

You can find talent from anywhere. Geography is no longer a barrier.
You save on overhead. Remote staff don’t need office space or supplies.
Your team gets more flexibility. This can boost morale and help with retention.

Remote roles are especially great for administrative jobs, but they’re also popping up in other areas of vet medicine.

Real-life vet staffing stories

Let’s look at two common scenarios you might face.

Scenario 1: Sudden staff shortage

A busy animal hospital loses its lead Vet Tech to maternity leave. The clinic needs a replacement fast to keep things running smoothly. By using a vet staffing agency, they find a qualified temp within days, and patient care stays on track.

Scenario 2: Building a long-term team

A small, family-owned clinic wants to grow its team. The owners care deeply about culture fit and long-term relationships. They decide to handle recruitment in-house, taking their time to find candidates who share their values. Over time, they build a loyal, dedicated team.

Vet hiring strategies to help you stand out

No matter which vet staffing option you choose, you want to attract the best people. Here are some strategies to help you do just that.

Build a strong employer brand. Show off what makes your clinic special. Share stories from your team, highlight your culture, and make sure your website and social media reflect who you are. You can even feature a quick video of your team talking about why they love working there.

Make it easy to apply. Simplify your job listings and application process. The easier it is to apply, the more likely you’ll get great candidates.

Offer competitive benefits. Good pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for growth will help you stand out in a crowded market.

Highlight professional development. Vet Techs and Vets want to keep learning. Offer access to free CE events or training, and let candidates know about these perks up front. Roo offers a variety of free CE events where Vet Techs can learn new skills and stay updated on industry trends—check out the upcoming events at Roo.vet/roo4you/upcoming-events.

How Roo can help

If you’re looking for flexible vet staffing solutions, Roo is here for you. Whether you need to fill a shift fast or want to build a long-term team, Roo’s platform connects you with top talent across the U.S. You can search shifts, post jobs, and find the perfect match for your clinic—all with the ease and speed you’d expect from a kangaroo on a mission.

Looking for a new role yourself? Roo’s careers page is full of opportunities for Vet Techs and Vets who want to take the next step in their careers. Check out the latest openings at Roo.vet/careers.

The bottom line: Vet staffing options made simple

Choosing between agency and in-house vet staffing doesn’t have to be stressful. Both options have their perks, and the best choice depends on your clinic’s unique needs. Whether you want the speed and flexibility of an agency or the control and culture fit of in-house hiring, you’ve got options.

And remember, Roo is always here to help you find the right fit for your team. Whether you’re looking for your next great hire or your next great job, Roo makes it easy to hop to the next opportunity.

Extra tips for vet staffing success

Let’s dig a little deeper into what makes vet staffing work, with some extra advice to help you build a team that sticks.

Understand what your team wants. Vet Techs and Vets are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want work-life balance, opportunities to grow, and a supportive environment. If you can offer those things, you’ll have an easier time attracting and keeping great people.

Be open to new ideas. The vet world is changing fast. Remote work, flexible schedules, and new tech are all part of the mix. If you’re open to trying new things, you’ll stand out from the crowd.

Invest in your team. Training, CE, and career development aren’t just perks—they’re essential for keeping your team engaged and motivated. Roo’s free CE events are a great place to start.

Show your appreciation. A simple thank you goes a long way. Recognize your team’s hard work, celebrate their wins, and let them know they’re valued.

The future of vet staffing

The vet industry is growing, and the way we hire is changing, too. More clinics are using digital tools to streamline hiring, and remote work is here to stay. As the demand for pet care keeps rising, clinics that can adapt and innovate will have the edge.

Whether you’re a small practice or a large hospital, the key to success is building a team that’s skilled, happy, and committed. With the right vet staffing options and a little Roo-style creativity, you can make it happen.

Final thoughts: Make vet staffing work for you

At the end of the day, vet staffing is all about finding the right people for your team. Whether you choose agency or in-house hiring, the most important thing is to stay true to your clinic’s values and keep your team at the heart of everything you do.

And if you ever need a little help, Roo is just a hop away. With flexible shifts, top-tier talent, and a platform built for Vets and Techs, Roo makes it easy to find your perfect match. Ready to take the next step? Check out Roo.vet and see how easy vet staffing can be.

Pro tips for vet staffing

To wrap things up, here are a few pro tips to keep your hiring process smooth and successful.

Stay organized. Keep track of your candidates, interviews, and offers so nothing falls through the cracks.

Communicate clearly. Let candidates know what to expect at every step of the process. Clear communication builds trust and makes the experience better for everyone.

Ask for feedback. After each hire, check in with your team and the new hire to see how the process went. This helps you improve for next time.

Keep learning. The vet world is always changing, so stay open to new ideas and trends. Roo’s free CE events are a great way to stay up to date.

Roo’s got your back

No matter which vet staffing option you choose, remember that Roo is here to help. From finding the perfect candidate to supporting your team’s growth, Roo makes it easy to build a practice you’re proud of.

So go ahead—take the leap, try something new, and watch your team thrive. With Roo by your side, the future of vet staffing is looking bright.

FAQs: Vet staffing options

1. Should I use a staffing agency or hire in-house?

Answer : It depends on your needs. If you want speed, flexibility, and access to a wide talent pool, go with an agency. If you value control, cost savings, and culture fit, in-house hiring might be your best bet.

2. What are the advantages of each staffing approach?

Answer : The advantages of each staffing approach are

Agency: Fast hiring, expert screening, flexible options, and access to specialized skills.
In-house: Lower costs, more control, better culture fit, and long-term relationships.

3. How much does it cost to use a vet staffing agency?

Answer : Agency fees are typically 20% to 30% of a new hire’s salary.

4. Can I hire remote staff for my veterinary clinic?

Answer : Yes, remote roles, especially for front desk and administrative positions—are becoming more common and can save money while expanding your talent pool. For flexible solutions, visit Roo.vet.

5. How do I attract top veterinary talent to my clinic?

Answer : Set clear expectations, highlight your clinic’s culture, offer competitive benefits, and be flexible with job requirements. Don’t forget to promote your professional development opportunities, like Roo’s free CE events at Roo.vet/roo4you/upcoming-events.