What is a Relief Veterinarian?
A relief veterinarian is a veterinarian who is hired to temporarily fill in when another veterinarian is on leave or when there is a high demand for services, which can be due to seasonal increases in patient volume, unexpected virus peaks, or even emergencies. Relief veterinarians offer flexibility and support to veterinary practices by providing services on a short-term basis, ranging from anywhere to a few days to a few months.
Relief veterinarians are also sometimes referred to as a “locum tenens veterinarian,” which comes from the Latin phrase “locum tenens,” which means “to substitute.”
Relief Veterinarians at Work
Employed as temporary employees, usually on a contract basis, relief veterinarians may work in different types of veterinary practices, including small animal clinics, large animal hospitals, and mixed practices. A relief veterinarian’s responsibilities are similar to those of permanent staff veterinarians and can include performing routine check-ups, handling emergencies, and conducting surgeries.
Successful relief veterinarians not only adapt well to change, but thrive in unpredictable, new environments. Relief veterinarians gain many types of experiences in a variety of locations, and they also end up building a large professional network, which is also beneficial for career development.
Veterinary Relief Services
Here are some examples of the type of responsibilities and duties a relief veterinarian may provide:
- Emergency Coverage: Relief veterinarians can step in to handle emergency cases when permanent staff are unavailable. This includes providing immediate care for urgent medical conditions and performing emergency surgeries.
- Vacation and Leave Coverage: When regular veterinarians take vacations, sick leave, or maternity/paternity leave, relief veterinarians cover their shifts to ensure continuous care for patients and maintain clinic operations.
- Weekend and Holiday Shifts: Relief veterinarians can work during weekends and holidays when the regular staff may not be available, ensuring that the practice remains open and operational during these times.
- Specialty Coverage: In practices that require specialized skills, relief veterinarians with expertise in specific areas (e.g., dermatology, oncology, or surgery) can fill in temporarily to handle cases that require advanced knowledge and techniques.
- Temporary Staffing for Increased Demand: During peak seasons or periods of high demand, such as during outbreaks or local events, relief veterinarians can provide additional support to manage increased patient loads and maintain service quality.
Stewardship, Integrity, and Respect
Relief veterinarians exemplify the core ethical principles outlined in the AVMA Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics, including stewardship, integrity, and respect. In terms of stewardship, these veterinarians manage resources and responsibilities effectively, ensuring continuity of high-quality care when regular staff are unavailable. They adhere to established standards and procedures, maintaining the clinic’s reputation and the welfare of the animals they care for. Their role is crucial in ensuring that the practice remains operational and that the care provided meets the high standards expected by the AVMA.
Integrity and respect are also key aspects of a relief veterinarian’s role. They must uphold high standards of professional conduct, providing honest and compassionate care while maintaining transparency with clients and colleagues. Relief veterinarians show respect by integrating smoothly into the existing team, adhering to established protocols, and respecting client relationships. This commitment helps maintain strong team dynamics and ensures that ethical standards are consistently upheld, even during transitional periods or when staffing is temporary.
How Much Do Relief Veterinarians Make in the U.S.?
Locum tenens and relief veterinarians in the U.S. generally earn between $70 and $150 per hour, depending on factors such as location, type of practice, and level of experience. This hourly rate can vary widely, with some positions offering higher compensation in areas with higher living costs or in specialized fields. Additionally, these veterinarians might receive benefits such as housing allowances or travel stipends, which can further influence overall earnings.
What is the Job Outlook for Relief Veterinarians?
There is a strong demand for relief and locum tenens veterinarians, especially in underserved areas and specialty fields. Demand for temporary veterinary services has been steadily rising, driven by factors such as high turnover rates and the need for temporary coverage in busy practices.
According to the AVMA, there is a growing reliance on locum tenens veterinarians to address staffing gaps and provide continuity of care in veterinary practices. This demand is expected to continue rising, driven by ongoing changes in practice staffing needs and increased caseloads across various regions and practice settings.
Finding a Position as a Relief Veterinarian
To find a relief veterinarian position, start by exploring specialized job boards and websites dedicated to temporary veterinary roles. Networking within veterinary communities, including professional associations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and local veterinary societies, can also uncover opportunities and provide valuable referrals.
What’s Next?
Ready to find a new job or are you looking for a great way to take charge of your veterinarian career? Suveto helps connect veterinarians with potential job opportunities, by providing a streamlined job search experience coupled with tools and resources tailored for veterinary professionals. Find out how Suveto is committed to helping veterinarians own their careers or explore job opportunities online.
