Flexible Staffing vs. Relief Vets: The Difference

Roo Team

May 29, 2025

If you’re running a busy Hospital, you know the drill, one Vet’s out sick, another’s on vacation, and suddenly you’re juggling the schedule like a circus act. You want to keep tails wagging and clients happy, but you also want your team to have a life outside the clinic. Enter the world of flexible veterinary staffing and Relief Vets. Both offer a lifeline when your team’s stretched thin, but each brings something a little different to the exam table.

So, what’s the real difference? And more importantly, which option will help your Hospital thrive without feeling like you’re herding cats? Let’s hop right in and find out.

Why Hospitals are rethinking staffing — and why it matters

Veterinary medicine is changing faster than a greyhound at the starting line. Gone are the days when every Vet and Tech clocked in for the same old nine-to-five. With burnout, staff shortages, and a growing demand for pet care, Hospitals need new ways to keep up and keep their teams from burning out.

Flexible veterinary staffing and Relief Vets are both part of this new, more nimble approach. But before you pick a path, it helps to know what makes each option tick.

Flexible veterinary staffing: built for today’s Hospitals

Think of flexible veterinary staffing as your Hospital’s secret weapon for staying agile. Instead of scrambling every time someone needs a day off, you partner with a staffing provider (like Roo, we know a thing or two about this) who keeps a roster of pre-vetted, ready-to-hop-in professionals. You get access to experienced Vets who can cover shifts, extended absences, or even help you test out new hours, all without the headache of recruiting or onboarding.

How flexible staffing works for Hospitals

You connect with a staffing partner who handles recruiting, vetting, and scheduling.
Need help for a week, a month, or just a single shift? No problem, you can scale up or down as needed.
The same Vets can return regularly, so your clients and team get to know them (and vice versa).
Less paperwork, less phone tag, and way more peace of mind.

Flexible staffing is perfect if you want to:

Cover maternity or medical leave without overloading your team.
Try out new services or extended hours before hiring full-time.
Fill gaps while you search for your next superstar Vet.
Keep your regular team from burning out.

For a closer look at how flexible staffing can boost revenue and streamline operations, check out Roo’s Hospital resources, we’ve got plenty of tips and real-world stories.

Relief Vets: the classic pinch-hitters

Relief Vets are like the utility players of the veterinary world, always ready to step in when your regular team needs a breather. These are licensed DVMs who work on a contract basis, filling in for vacations, sick days, or sudden surges in patient volume. They’re independent, adaptable, and often have a knack for jumping into new clinics without missing a beat.

What makes Relief Vets unique?

Relief Vets set their own schedules and rates, so you get flexibility, but also some variability in cost and availability.
They’re responsible for their own insurance, taxes, and licensing (including DEA registration where needed).
You handle the logistics: finding, booking, and onboarding each Relief Vet as needed.

Relief Vets are a great choice when:

You need coverage for a last-minute absence or a single day.
Your Hospital faces a sudden rush and your regular team can’t keep up.
You want to bring in a specialist for a unique case.

Want to see what relief opportunities look like in your area? You can always search shifts with Roo, we make it easy to find the right fit.

Flexible staffing vs. Relief Vets: let’s break it down

Here’s where things get interesting. Both options help you keep your Hospital running smoothly, but the details matter. Let’s compare:

Staffing Comparison Table

Feature	Flexible Veterinary Staffing	Relief Vet
Scheduling	Managed by staffing partner — easy, consistent	You find and schedule each vet
Duration	Short-term, long-term, or ongoing	Usually short-term or as-needed
Consistency	Same Vets can return; builds rapport	May vary with each booking
Admin Work	Minimal — handled by provider	You handle paperwork and logistics
Cost Structure	Often bundled (no extra admin fees)	May include extra costs (insurance, etc.)
Quality Control	Vets are pre-screened and matched	Quality depends on your vetting

Why Hospitals love flexible staffing

Flexible staffing isn’t just about plugging holes in the schedule, it’s about running your Hospital like a well-oiled (or well-groomed) machine. Here’s why more Hospitals are making the switch:

Less stress: No more frantic calls or last-minute scrambles.
More consistency: The same Vets can return, so your clients and team feel at home.
Better work-life balance: Your regular staff gets real time off, not just “cover for each other and hope for the best.”
Scalability: Need more help during kitten season? No sweat. Want to cut back when things slow down? Easy.

And if you’re looking to boost revenue while keeping your team happy, check out our guide on how relief can help your bottom line.

When Relief Vets are the right call

Relief Vets still have a special place in the Hospital world. Sometimes you just need a quick fix, someone to swoop in and save the day when things get ruff. Relief Vets are perfect for:

Short-term absences (think: sick days, family emergencies)
Sudden spikes in patient volume
Specialty procedures or cases that need extra hands

Just remember, relief work can be a bit of a wild card, some weeks you’ll have plenty of help, others you might be left chasing your tail. Building a strong network and reputation helps ensure you have reliable options when you need them most.

The financial side: cost vs. value

Let’s face it, every Hospital has to keep an eye on the bottom line. Relief Vets often charge a higher hourly or daily rate than salaried staff, but that’s only part of the story. With flexible staffing, you get:

No long-term commitments or benefits to manage
Fewer hidden costs (like onboarding, insurance, or taxes)
The ability to pay only for the coverage you need

When you factor in the cost of lost revenue from closed slots or burned-out staff, investing in flexible coverage starts to look pretty smart. For more on how Hospitals are using flexible staffing to stay ahead, check out our Hospital success stories.

How to choose: flexible staffing or Relief Vet?

Still not sure which way to hop? Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Choose flexible staffing if…
- You want ongoing, reliable coverage for open shifts or longer absences.
- You’re looking to test new hours or services without hiring full-time.
- You’d rather spend less time on admin and more time with patients.
- You want to build a relationship with a consistent team of Vets.
Choose a Relief Vet if…
- You need short-term, one-off coverage.
- Your Hospital faces unpredictable surges in demand.
- You want a specialist for a unique case.

For more tips on making the most of flexible staffing, check out Roo’s relief tools and best practices.

The future of Hospital staffing: more flexibility, less stress

Veterinary staffing is changing and Hospitals that adapt now will be ahead of the pack. The rise of flexible scheduling, gig-style work, and portfolio careers isn’t just a trend, it’s the new normal for Hospitals across the U.S. According to the AVMA, relief and contract-based Vets now make up about nine percent of the active U.S. veterinary workforce, and that number keeps climbing.

Flexible staffing isn’t just a backup plan anymore, it’s a core part of how Hospitals keep their teams happy, their clients loyal, and their doors open. And if you want to see how other Hospitals are making it work, our Hospital tutorials are packed with practical tips.

What about work-life balance and Hospital culture?

Here’s the scoop: Hospitals that embrace flexible staffing and Relief Vets are seeing happier teams and better retention. When your Vets and Techs know they can actually take a vacation (without a guilt trip), everyone wins. Plus, bringing in new faces can spark fresh ideas and keep things from getting stale.

If you want to keep your team learning and growing, don’t forget to check out Roo’s upcoming events, we’re always happy to help with professional development.

Links for Hospital pros

Wrapping up: which way should your Hospital hop?

Whether you choose flexible veterinary staffing or stick with Relief Vets, the most important thing is to find what keeps your Hospital humming and your team smiling. Flexible staffing brings consistency, less stress, and a chance to build lasting relationships with your coverage Vets. Relief Vets are perfect for those last-minute surprises and specialty needs.

No matter which way you go, Roo’s got your back with resources, tips, and a community of Hospitals who’ve been there, done that, and have the success stories to prove it. Ready to make your next staffing move a walk in the park? Visit Roo to learn more, we’re always here to help you hop ahead.

FAQs: your top questions, answered

1. What is flexible staffing in veterinary practices?
Answer : Flexible staffing means working with a staffing partner to schedule experienced Vets for short-term, long-term, or ongoing needs, making it easy to cover shifts and absences without extra admin work.

2. How do Relief Vets differ from flexible staffing?
Answer : Relief Vets are hired directly for temporary coverage, while flexible staffing is managed by a provider who handles recruiting, vetting, and scheduling for you.

3. When should I choose flexible staffing over Relief Vets?
Answer : Go with flexible staffing if you want ongoing coverage, less paperwork, and the ability to scale up or down as your Hospital’s needs change.

4. What are the perks of flexible staffing for Hospitals?

Answer : The perks of flexible staffing for Hospitals are

Consistent, reliable coverage for open shifts or longer absences
Less admin work, more time for patient care
Ability to build relationships with returning Vets

5. Is Relief Vet work more expensive than flexible staffing?
Answer : Relief Vets may charge higher hourly rates, but flexible staffing often bundles costs and cuts down on hidden fees, making it a smart investment for many Hospitals.