Top 5 Advantages of Using a Veterinary Staffing Agency

Roo Team

May 6, 2025

Ever feel like you’re playing a never-ending game of “Where’s Waldo?” - except Waldo is a reliable Vet or Tech, and your Hospital’s schedule is on the line? You’re not alone. If you’re running a Veterinary Hospital in the U.S. right now, you know the struggle is real. Demand for Vet care is skyrocketing, burnout is everywhere, and finding the right people to join your team can feel like winning the lottery - but with way worse odds.

So, why are so many Hospitals turning to Veterinary staffing agencies (like Roo) to fill the gaps?

Let’s break it down with real numbers, relatable stories, and a healthy dose of Roo-style honesty. (Spoiler: It’s not just about plugging holes in your schedule - it’s about building a happier, more resilient team.)

Why is everyone talking about Veterinary staffing agencies?

Here’s the deal: The U.S. Veterinary industry is in the middle of a staffing crunch. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there were about 130,415 Vets working in the U.S. in 2024 - but the demand for Vet services keeps climbing, thanks to a boom in pet ownership and changing expectations for animal care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says Vet jobs are expected to jump nearly 20% between 2023 and 2033 - way faster than most other fields. Meanwhile, burnout and turnover are still big issues, especially in Hospitals where the workload never seems to lighten up.

In this wild market, Veterinary staffing agencies have become the go-to solution for Hospitals that want to stay fully staffed, keep their teams happy, and avoid the chaos of last-minute hiring. Think of a staffing agency as your Hospital’s secret weapon - ready to swoop in with qualified Vets, Techs, and support staff when you need them most.

For a comprehensive overview of tools and support available to hospitals, explore Roo’s dedicated hospital resources.

What exactly does a Veterinary staffing agency do?

Let’s keep it simple. A Veterinary staffing agency connects Hospitals with licensed, pre-vetted professionals - from relief Vets and Techs to permanent hires - who are ready to jump in and help. You get access to a huge network of talent (including folks who aren’t even looking on job boards), and the agency takes care of all the paperwork, payroll, and credential checks. With Roo, for example, you can see profiles, work history, and even try out a relief shift before making a full-time offer.

It’s like having a matchmaker for your Hospital - but instead of awkward first dates, you get skilled professionals who can hit the ground running.

The top 5 advantages of using a Veterinary staffing agency

1. Say goodbye to endless hiring headaches

Let’s be honest: Posting jobs, sorting through resumes, juggling interviews, and checking licenses is a full-time job on its own. Staffing agencies take all that off your plate. They handle the recruiting, screening, and onboarding - so you and your team can actually focus on patient care (and maybe even take a lunch break for once).

Real talk: With Roo, Hospitals don’t have to chase down paperwork, process payroll, or worry about compliance. We handle it all, so you don’t have to.

2. Access to a bigger, better talent pool

Ever feel like you’re fishing in a puddle when you post a job online? Staffing agencies have deep networks of Vets, Techs, and support staff across the U.S. - including people who aren’t actively job hunting but are open to the right opportunity. That means you get access to more qualified candidates, including specialists and relief pros who can step in on short notice.

Fun fact: Roo’s network is the largest in the country for relief Vets and Techs. You can even “test drive” a relief professional before making a permanent hire.

3. Flexibility when you need it most

Schedules in Vet Hospitals are unpredictable. Staff get sick, take vacations, or (let’s be real) hit their breaking point and need a break. With a staffing agency, you can scale your team up or down as needed - whether it’s for a single shift, a busy season, or a longer-term leave.

Bonus: You don’t have to commit to a full-time hire if you’re not ready. Try a relief shift first, then decide if you want to bring someone on board permanently.

Many hospitals have also discovered that strategically using relief staff can help boost revenue and optimize operations.

4. Reduce burnout and boost morale

Burnout is a huge reason Vets and Techs leave the field - and it’s not just about long hours. It’s about feeling unsupported and stretched too thin. By using a staffing agency to fill gaps, you give your core team a chance to breathe, take time off, and focus on what they do best: caring for patients.

Numbers don’t lie: In 2024, 56% of Hospitals reported increasing staff overtime to handle workloads, and about 40% hired more relief Vets to manage demands. Bringing in relief staff isn’t just a “nice to have” - it’s essential for keeping your team happy and your Hospital running smoothly.

For practical strategies and tools to make the most of relief staffing, see Roo’s collection of best practices.

5. Lower your risk of a bad hire

Let’s face it: Making a bad hire is expensive and stressful. Staffing agencies vet their candidates, check credentials, and make sure they’re licensed in your state. With Roo, you get to review profiles, see work history, and even work a shift together before making a long-term commitment. That means fewer surprises and a better fit for your Hospital culture.

Peace of mind: If things don’t work out, Roo can help you find a replacement quickly - and you’re not stuck with a long, messy hiring process.

Real stories from U.S. Hospitals using Roo

Let’s bring this to life with a couple of real-world examples:

Case 1: The overworked Hospital manager
Sarah manages a busy animal Hospital in Texas. Last summer, two Techs left unexpectedly, and her team was drowning in overtime. She turned to Roo, posted her open shifts, and within days had relief Vets and Techs lined up. Not only did her team get a break, but patient care actually improved - and Sarah finally got a weekend off.

Case 2: The “try before you buy” approach
A Hospital in California wanted to hire a new full-time Vet but didn’t want to rush into it. They brought in a Roo Relief Vet for a few shifts, got to see how they worked with the team and clients, and then made a full-time offer. No awkward surprises, no hiring regrets.

Learn more real-world success stories from hospitals that have partnered with Roo.

How Roo makes Veterinary staffing easy (and dare we say, fun?)

Okay, we might be biased, but here’s what makes Roo stand out for Hospitals:

Transparent pricing: You always know what a shift will cost before you post it - and you can adjust times or details to fit your budget.
All the paperwork? Handled: Roo takes care of payroll, taxes, and credential checks, so you don’t have to worry about compliance headaches.
Largest network in the U.S.: Whether you need a relief Vet for a day or a new full-time Tech, Roo’s got you covered. Check out Roo’s Hospital staffing page for more info.
“Working interviews” are built in: Want to see how someone fits before making an offer? Book a relief shift, then decide if you want to go permanent. No pressure, no awkwardness.
Support for your whole team: Give your core staff time off, reduce burnout, and keep your Hospital running at full strength - even during the wildest weeks.

Want to see what Roo is up to? Check out our upcoming events for free CE, networking, and maybe a few puppy cuddles.

If you’re new to Roo or want to maximize its features, check out our step-by-step hospital tutorials.

What’s the catch? (Let’s keep it real.)

No solution is perfect, and we’re all about transparency. Here’s what you should know:

Agency fees: Yes, staffing agencies charge a fee for their services. But when you factor in the time, stress, and lost revenue from being short-staffed, most Hospitals find it’s well worth it.
Less direct control: You’re trusting someone else to screen candidates and handle logistics. That’s why it’s important to work with an agency that knows the Vet world inside and out (hi, that’s us!).
Not every shift will be a perfect match: Sometimes personalities or workflows don’t click. But with Roo, you can try different professionals until you find the right fit - and you’re never locked in.

The bottom line: Why Roo is your Hospital’s best friend

Staffing shortages aren’t going away any time soon - but you don’t have to tackle them alone. Veterinary staffing agencies like Roo make it easier, faster, and way less stressful to keep your Hospital fully staffed and your team happy. With transparent pricing, a massive network, and all the paperwork handled, you can finally focus on what matters most: delivering awesome care to your patients (and maybe sneaking in a coffee break).

Ready to see how Roo can help your Hospital thrive? Visit our Hospital staffing page or check out our upcoming events to connect with the Roo team and your fellow Vet pros.

FAQs: Veterinary staffing agency edition

1. What are the pros and cons of a staffing agency?

Answer : The pros and cons of a staffing agency are :

Pros:

Quick access to a huge talent pool
Saves time and paperwork
Flexibility for short-term or long-term needs
Reduces burnout for your core team
Lower risk of a bad hire

Cons:

Agency fees add to costs
Less direct control over hiring process

2. What are the advantages of using a Veterinary staffing agency?

Answer : The advantages of using a Veterinary staffing agency are :

You get faster hiring, better candidates, and way less stress.
You can “try before you buy” with relief shifts.
Your team gets a break, and your Hospital keeps running smoothly.

3. How does Roo screen its relief professionals?

Answer : Every Vet and Tech goes through a credential check, background screening, and profile review. You can see their work history and even book a shift to see how they fit with your team.

4. Can I hire someone full-time after a relief shift?

Answer : Absolutely! Many Hospitals use Roo’s “working interview” approach to find their next full-time team member. If it’s a good fit, we’ll help with the transition.

5. How do I get started with Roo?

Answer : Just sign up for Roo, post your open shifts, and start connecting with qualified professionals. Easy!

Related resources

Top 5 Advantages of Using a Veterinary Staffing Agency

Why is everyone talking about Veterinary staffing agencies?

What exactly does a Veterinary staffing agency do?

The top 5 advantages of using a Veterinary staffing agency

1. Say goodbye to endless hiring headaches

2. Access to a bigger, better talent pool

3. Flexibility when you need it most

4. Reduce burnout and boost morale

5. Lower your risk of a bad hire

Real stories from U.S. Hospitals using Roo

How Roo makes Veterinary staffing easy (and dare we say, fun?)

What’s the catch? (Let’s keep it real.)

The bottom line: Why Roo is your Hospital’s best friend

FAQs: Veterinary staffing agency edition

Related resources

Navigating Temporary Veterinary Staffing Solutions: When and How to Use Them

Streamlining Recruitment: How Veterinary Staffing Agencies Simplify Hiring

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

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