Using Flexible Staffing to Increase Profits & Accommodate Clients

Roo Team

May 22, 2025

If you’ve ever felt like your clinic is playing a never-ending game of Whac-A-Mole with scheduling, you’re not alone. Between surprise sick days, vacation requests, and the wild swings in appointment demand (hello, post-holiday puppy boom), it can feel like you need a crystal ball just to keep your doors open, and your sanity intact. That’s where flexible veterinary staffing comes in. It’s not just a buzzword, it’s the secret sauce for happier teams, healthier profits, and clients who actually get to book appointments when they need them. So, if you’re ready to hop into a smarter way to staff, let’s jump right in.

Why flexible staffing is the new clinic superpower

Let’s be real, the U.S. veterinary world is busier than a border collie at a dog park. Pet ownership is at an all-time high, and practices are feeling the squeeze. There just aren’t enough Vets and Techs to go around, and everyone’s juggling more patients, more paperwork, and more pressure than ever before. The result? Burnout, bottlenecks, and missed opportunities to boost your bottom line.

Flexible staffing solutions are changing the game for clinics of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re running a bustling multi-doctor hospital or a cozy neighborhood practice, having the right people in the right place at the right time can make all the difference for your profits and your peace of mind.

So, what exactly is flexible staffing?

Think of flexible staffing as your clinic’s “stretchy pants”, it adapts to whatever your day throws at you. Instead of relying only on a set, full-time team, you can bring in relief Vets, Techs, or even front desk pros for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks. This isn’t just about plugging holes when someone’s out sick, it’s about building a nimble team that can shift with your needs, keep clients happy, and help your clinic run smoother than a freshly groomed golden retriever.

Flexible staffing can include:

Part-time or per-diem Vets and Techs
Temporary or relief staff for busy seasons or special events
Temp-to-perm hires (try before you buy!)
Specialists or emergency coverage for those “just in case” moments

And with platforms like Roo, you can connect with the largest network of Vets and Techs in the country, making it easier than ever to find the perfect fit for your clinic’s unique vibe.

The real impact: How flexible staffing boosts profits

Let’s talk turkey (or, you know, kibble). At the end of the day, your clinic needs to stay profitable, not just busy. Here’s how flexible staffing helps you rake in more revenue while keeping costs in check:

See more patients when demand spikes. Bring in extra hands during busy times, like summer or after a local adoption event, so you never have to turn away clients or miss out on revenue.
Cut down on overtime and burnout. When your full-time team isn’t stretched to the limit, you save on costly overtime and keep your staff happy (and less likely to jump ship).
Pay only for what you need. No more paying full-time salaries during slow weeks. Flexible staffing lets you match your labor costs to your actual workload.
Reduce hiring headaches. Vet recruiters and staffing platforms do the heavy lifting, from screening to paperwork, so you can focus on what you do best, caring for pets.
Keep your team sharp and your clients loyal. With enough staff on hand, your team can actually take breaks, recharge, and deliver the kind of care that keeps clients coming back (and telling their friends).

“Knowing that we can get those shifts filled… gives us managers a sense of relief.”
— Amber Miller, Practice Manager, The Veterinary Center at Fishhawk (Roo Success Stories)

Flexible staffing vs. traditional relief work: What’s the difference?

If you’re thinking, “Isn’t this just relief work with a fancy name?” You’re not totally wrong, but there’s a twist. Traditional relief staffing is like calling in a pinch hitter at the last minute. It’s reactive, often stressful, and sometimes leaves you crossing your fingers that someone will show up.

Flexible staffing is more like having a well-trained agility dog. It’s proactive, consistent, and adapts to your clinic’s rhythm. You can plan ahead for busy periods, test out new hours, or even trial new team members before making a long-term commitment. The result? Fewer surprises, smoother operations, and a better experience for everyone (especially your clients).

Traditional relief staffing	Flexible staffing solutions
Last-minute coverage	Planned, adaptable shifts
Inconsistent team fit	Repeat, reliable staff
Higher stress for managers	Less legwork, more control
Variable costs	Predictable, scalable

Why your clients will love flexible staffing, too

Happy clients are the backbone of any thriving clinic and nothing makes pet parents grumpier than long waits or canceled appointments. Flexible staffing means you can:

Offer more appointment slots, even during peak times
Reduce wait times (no more “Sorry, we’re booked for two weeks”)
Keep your doors open for emergencies or last-minute needs
Provide consistent, high-quality care (even when your regular team is out)

When you have the right staffing ratio, not too high, not too low, you’re setting your clinic up for smoother days, happier teams, and clients who feel cared for every step of the way. The AVMA’s 2023 report found that the most efficient hospitals had about 2.7 Techs and assistants per Vet, but every clinic is unique, so it’s all about finding your sweet spot (AVMA).

The not-so-secret sauce: Vet recruiters and staffing platforms

Let’s face it, finding the right people for your clinic can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack (or a lost tennis ball in a dog park). That’s where vet recruiters and platforms like Roo come in. They take the guesswork out of hiring by:

Connecting you with pre-vetted, fully licensed Vets and Techs
Handling all the paperwork, payroll, and taxes (so you don’t have to)
Offering flexible options, from one-off shifts to long-term placements
Giving you access to a massive pool of talent, over 20,000 Vets and Techs nationwide

You can even check out hospital resources and relief tools and best practices to make sure you’re getting the most out of your staffing strategy.

How to make flexible staffing work for your clinic

Ready to hop into the world of flexible staffing? Here’s how to get started, no kangaroo puns required (okay, maybe just one):

1. Know your clinic’s rhythm

Look at your appointment data and spot the patterns. When do you get slammed with calls? Are there certain days or months when you’re always short-staffed? Knowing your busy times helps you plan ahead and avoid scrambling at the last minute.

2. Build your “bench”

Work with a trusted vet recruiter or staffing platform to create a small pool of go-to relief staff. Having a few familiar faces who know your clinic’s quirks means less onboarding and more seamless care.

3. Communicate openly

Let your team know how flexible staffing works and why you’re using it. Make sure relief staff feel welcome and included, a little hospitality goes a long way in making everyone feel like part of the pack.

4. Set clear expectations

Share your clinic’s protocols, preferred workflows, and any must-know details with relief staff ahead of time. The smoother the onboarding, the better the experience for your team and your clients.

5. Keep an eye on what’s working

Check in with your team and your clients. Are wait times down? Is your staff less stressed? Adjust your staffing plan as needed to keep things running like a well-oiled squeaky toy.

For more tips on growing your skills and making the most of flexible shifts, check out How to Grow Your Skills with Roo.

Flexible staffing in action: Real-world strategies

Let’s bring this to life with a few examples straight from the clinic floor:

Partial day shifts. Need extra hands during the morning rush, but not all day? Book a relief Vet or Tech for just a few hours to keep things moving.
Weekend warriors. Offer Saturday appointments by bringing in flexible staff, without burning out your weekday team.
Temp-to-perm trials. Thinking about adding a new team member? Try them out in a relief role first to see if they’re a good fit.
Specialty support. Bring in a relief Vet with a special skill set (like dentistry or ultrasound) to expand your services without a permanent hire.

Want to see how other clinics are making it work? Check out these hospital success stories.

Flexible staffing: Not just for the “big guys”

You don’t have to be a giant corporate chain to benefit from flexible staffing. In fact, smaller clinics often see the biggest impact, more flexibility, less stress, and a better work-life balance for everyone. And while some folks have strong feelings about the corporate world, Roo stays neutral, we work with clinics of all sizes, and our only goal is to help you find the staffing solution that fits your needs.

Curious about career transitions or new job opportunities? Check out Roo’s Careers Page to see what’s out there.

The Roo difference: Why clinics (and teams) love us

We know you have options when it comes to veterinary staffing solutions, but here’s why so many clinics choose Roo:

Largest relief network in the U.S.. More choices, less waiting
Easy-to-use platform. Find, book, and manage shifts in minutes
No hidden fees. Only pay for confirmed shifts
Support for both Vets and Techs. Everyone gets the flexibility and autonomy they crave
Fast payments. Relief professionals get paid quickly (sometimes in just two days!)
Free CE events. Keep your skills sharp and your career moving forward (Upcoming Roo Events)

We even offer a healthcare stipend that covers your pets’ medical needs, because we know that caring for your own animals is just as important as caring for your patients.

Flexible staffing isn’t just a quick fix, it’s a smarter, more joyful way to keep your clinic thriving, your team energized, and your clients coming back with tails wagging. If you’re ready to ditch the scheduling headaches and hop into a better way to work, visit Roo to learn more about how we can help your clinic shine.

FAQs: Flexible staffing, profits, and happy clients

1. How can flexible staffing improve profitability?

Answer : Flexible staffing improve profitability from these ways

Lets you see more patients during busy times, boosting revenue
Reduces overtime and burnout costs by matching staff to demand
Cuts down on recruiting and training expenses by using pre-vetted professionals

2. What are the best practices for implementing flexible staffing?

Answer : the best practices for implementing flexible staffing are

Plan ahead by tracking your clinic’s busy times
Build a pool of trusted relief staff through a reliable platform
Communicate openly with your team and set clear expectations
Monitor results and adjust your approach as needed

3. How does flexible staffing benefit clients?
Answer : Flexible staffing means shorter waits, more appointment choices, and a smoother experience for pet parents, even when your regular team is out.

4. Is flexible staffing more expensive than hiring full-time staff?
Answer : Not usually. While hourly rates can be higher, you save on benefits, overtime, and downtime, so your overall costs often go down.

5. Can flexible staffing help prevent staff burnout?
Answer : Absolutely. By sharing the workload and letting your core team take real breaks, flexible staffing keeps everyone happier and healthier.