The Benefits of Hiring Relief Veterinarians for Your Practice

Roo Team

July 14, 2025

Ever feel like your clinic is running on empty? Maybe your team is stretched thin, or you’re worried about what happens when someone needs a break. If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. The benefits of Relief Veterinarians are real, and they might just be the secret sauce your practice needs to keep things running smoothly, keep your team happy, and make your clients feel like their pets are always in good hands.

Let’s dig into why Relief Veterinarians are the Vet staffing solution you didn’t know you needed, how they boost practice efficiency, and how Roo can help you find the right fit for your clinic.

Why Relief Veterinarians are a game changer

Picture this: your lead Vet is out for a week, your appointment book is packed, and your team is already working overtime. Instead of scrambling or turning away clients, you bring in a Relief Veterinarian. Suddenly, your clinic is back on track, your staff can breathe, and your clients don’t notice a thing. That’s the magic of Relief Vets.

Relief Veterinarians (sometimes called locum Vets) are licensed professionals who step in temporarily when your regular team needs a break, is out sick, or when you just need an extra set of hands. They’re not just “fill-ins”; they’re experienced, adaptable, and ready to jump into the action.

The real problems clinics face

Let’s be real: running a Veterinary clinic is tough. Here’s what most practices are up against:

Staff shortages and burnout (hello, stress)
Unpredictable schedules and last-minute call-outs
High client demand and packed appointment books
The need for specialized skills (but not always enough cases to hire a full-time specialist)

Sound familiar? Relief Veterinarians are built for these challenges.

How Relief Veterinarians help your practice thrive

Flexibility that actually works

One of the biggest benefits of Relief Veterinarians is flexibility. Need coverage for a vacation, parental leave, or a sudden illness? Relief Vets step in so you don’t have to cancel appointments or overload your team. You can even bring in extra help during busy seasons or when you want to offer new services.

Burnout busters

Veterinary medicine is rewarding, but it’s also demanding. Long hours and emotional cases can wear down even the most dedicated team. Relief Veterinarians help distribute the workload, giving your staff time to recharge. This isn’t just good for morale; it’s good for patient care and staff retention, too.

Consistent care for your clients

Clients want to know their pets are in good hands, no matter who’s on the schedule. Relief Veterinarians keep your clinic running at full speed, so clients get the same great care every time they walk through the door. That means no gaps in service, no long wait times, and no lost revenue.

Specialized skills on demand

Many Relief Veterinarians have experience in surgery, dentistry, or even exotics. Need a Vet with a specific skill set for a tricky case? Relief Vets can fill that gap without the commitment of hiring a full-time specialist. It’s like having a superpower in your back pocket.

Financial sense

Hiring Relief Veterinarians can be a smart financial move. Instead of paying overtime or hiring another full-time employee, you can bring in Relief Vets as needed. This helps you manage your budget and keep your practice efficient.

Practice efficiency, unlocked

When you have the right number of hands on deck, your clinic runs like a well-oiled machine. Relief Veterinarians help you see more patients, reduce wait times, and avoid turning away clients. That means happier clients, healthier pets, and a stronger bottom line.

Join for Free

What does a Relief Veterinarian actually do?

Relief Veterinarians aren’t just there to “cover a shift.” They:

Jump into new clinics and adapt quickly
Follow your protocols and respect your client relationships
Bring fresh perspectives and sometimes new ideas
Support your team, not just fill a gap

They’re pros at blending in and making sure your clinic doesn’t miss a beat.

When should you bring in a Relief Veterinarian?

Here are some common scenarios where Relief Veterinarians shine:

A regular Vet is on vacation, parental leave, or out sick
Your clinic is slammed with seasonal appointments
You’re short-staffed after someone leaves
You want to offer new services or need help with a complex case

If you’re nodding along to any of these, it might be time to check out Relief options.

How to make Relief Veterinarians part of your team

Bringing in a Relief Vet is easier than you think. Here’s how to set them (and your team) up for success:

Communicate early; let your team know when a Relief Vet is coming and share their background.
Give them access to your clinic’s systems and protocols.
Encourage your staff to support the Relief Vet and provide detailed records for ongoing cases.
Treat them like part of the team, because for that shift, they are!

Want more tips? Check out Roo’s hospital resources for best practices and success stories.

Why Roo is your go-to for Relief Veterinarians

Roo isn’t just another staffing agency. We’re the premier Relief management platform, connecting Vets with Hospitals for freelance opportunities that fit everyone’s needs. Here’s what makes Roo different:

The largest network of Relief Vets in the U.S.
Transparent shift details up front (no surprises)
Fast, hassle-free payments for Vets
Support for both Vets and Hospitals every step of the way

You can see all the opportunities we have available in your area by signing up for Roo and hitting the “Search Shifts” button. Want to learn more? Visit Roo for Veterinarians.

What does it take to be a Relief Veterinarian?

To work as a Relief Vet in the U.S., you’ll need:

A DVM license in good standing for each state you want to work in
DEA registration for prescribing controlled substances (for some shifts)
Controlled Substance Registration in relevant states (if required)
Experience in clinical practice (most Relief Vets have several years under their belt)

Roo helps you navigate licensing requirements and even offers resources for multi-state licensing. For more info, check out Roo’s licensing guide.

How much do Relief Veterinarians make?

Let’s talk numbers (because we know you’re curious). Relief Veterinarians working through Roo earn an average of $144 per hour nationwide in 2024. That’s nearly double the average hourly wage for full-time associate Vets in the U.S. Of course, rates can vary by location, experience, and type of shift, but Relief work can be a great way to boost your income and reach your financial goals.

Professional development and growth

Relief work isn’t just about filling shifts; it’s a chance to grow your skills, meet new teams, and try out different practice settings. Many Vets use Relief work to:

Build confidence in new areas of medicine
Network with other professionals
Find their ideal work environment

Want to keep learning? Roo offers free CE events so you can stay sharp and up to date.

Real talk: the corporate world and Relief work

We know the corporate side of Veterinary medicine can be a mixed bag. Some professionals have concerns about large corporations, especially when it comes to work conditions and patient care. At the same time, many of our largest hospital partners are corporate groups, and we work hard to make sure Relief Vets have positive experiences wherever they go. Roo stays neutral and focused on supporting Vets and Hospitals alike.

Roo’s healthcare stipend: pets included

One of the perks of working with Roo? Our healthcare stipend covers your pets’ medical needs, too. We know how important your furry (or scaly, or feathery) family members are, and we want to make sure everyone gets the care they need.

Ready to give Relief Veterinarians a try?

If you’re looking for a way to boost your clinic’s efficiency, support your team, and keep your clients coming back, Relief Veterinarians are the answer. Roo makes it easy to find the right fit, manage the details, and keep your practice running at its best. Want to see what’s out there? Sign up for Roo and start searching for shifts today.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why should a practice hire a Relief Veterinarian?

Answer : These Should be a practice for hire a Relief Veterinarian

Relief Veterinarians help you keep your clinic running smoothly when your regular team needs time off, and they prevent burnout by sharing the workload.
They bring fresh skills and experience, letting you offer more services without hiring another full-time Vet.

2. How much do Relief Veterinarians charge per hour?

Answer : Relief Veterinarians working through Roo earn an average of $144 per hour in 2024. Rates can vary by location, experience, and type of shift.

3. What are the most important qualities in a Relief Veterinarian?

Answer : The most important qualities in a Relief Veterinarian are

Adaptability to new clinics and teams
Strong communication skills
Willingness to follow your clinic’s protocols

4. How do Relief Veterinarians help with practice efficiency?

Answer : Relief Veterinarians let you see more patients, reduce wait times, and keep your team from burning out. That means your clinic runs better, and your clients stay happy.

5. Can Relief Veterinarians work in specialty or emergency clinics?

Answer : Yes, many Relief Veterinarians have experience in specialty areas and can fill in at emergency or specialty clinics as needed.

Roo resources to help you get started

Related resources