Relief Vets vs. Full-Time Vets: What’s Best for You?

Veterinary professionals have more career alternatives than ever before. One of the many choices remains a basic one: do you prefer to choose life as a relief veterinarian or a full-time practitioner?

Every path comes with opportunities, challenges, and lifestyle considerations. Whether you are a new grad in search of options or an experienced DVM seeking to change careers, this article will take you through the pros and cons of relief and full-time practices. 

It will also outline the unique benefits of practicing as a relief veterinarian and help you decide which path may be the best for your career and personal goals.

What Is a Relief Veterinarian?

A relief veterinarian is someone who temporarily works in different clinics or hospitals to cover staffing for vacations, times of peak demand, or shortages. They often set their hours and work as independent contractors or through staffing agencies. Their flexibility allows them to move between various practices and regions.

What Is a Full-Time Veterinarian?

A full-time veterinarian is an employee of a specific clinic, hospital, or veterinary association, typically working with established hours, benefits, and job duties. These veterinarians become part of the clinic family and build relationships with clients, pets, and employees over time.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Relief Vet

For some, relief vet work is more than a temporary fix; it's a deliberate lifestyle and career choice. Here's why:

Pros of Relief Veterinary Work

1: Freedom to Design Your Life

Being a relief veterinarian, you can work wherever and whenever you want to build a better work-life balance. You can travel, work part-time, and enjoy long breaks, or work full-time and still have a good income. 

The flexibility and diversity of the relief veterinary job mean no long-term politics, management, or client issues.

Most relief veterinarians feel healthier psychologically as a result of this independence. You can be your own boss, particularly if you're working as a contractor relief veterinarian.

2: Discover New Practices and Specialties

Every hospital and clinic is a school. Relief vets see a wide range of tools, treatment styles, and practice cultures, and they learn and grow professionally and personally.

3: Steer Clear of Long-Term Obligations

Relief veterinarians can practice in different environments, which can enhance their skill set, flexibility, and networking. With no pressure of performance reviews, team management, or administrative duties, relief vets are able to focus on patient care only.

4: Ideal for Parents and Caregivers

Relief veterinarians can take their kids from school or have a few weeks away without any problem. Relief work can make that possible.

5: Financial Flexibility

Relief veterinarians generally make a higher per-hour rate than full-time equivalents due to the part-time nature of work. Moreover, relief veterinarians tend to control their own rates and negotiate based on their skills and availability. With planning, they can earn equal to or better than full-time pay while putting in fewer hours.

Cons of Relief Veterinary Work

1: No Employee Benefits

A relief veterinarian has no medical coverage, pension plans, or paid time off in most instances.

2: No Job Security

Even though a relief veterinarian job comes with a lot of flexibility, the availability of work can depend on the season, location, or the needs of clinics.

3: Fewer Client Relationships

A relief veterinarian has less of a chance to form long-term relationships with pet owners or pets as compared to a full-time or permanent veterinarian.

4: New Workplaces Constantly

Shifting constantly to new clinic systems, staff, and procedures can be difficult. Moreover, a relief veterinarian might end up with minimal or no peer connections due to the continuous shifting of clinics and slots.

5: Administrative Burden

Being a relief veterinarian, you could be required to pay your own taxes insurance, and schedule your own appointments.

Pros and Cons of a Full-Time Veterinarian

Advantages of Full-Time Veterinary Practice

1: Secure Income & Benefits

A full-time or permanent veterinarian job comes with numerous benefits, including a fixed salary, comprehensive medical benefits, paid holidays, and a retirement plan.

2: Team Setting

A full-time veterinarian can form lasting professional relationships and have the comfort of a team setting while working in the same setup for an extended period.

3: Client Retention

A permanent or full-time veterinarian can establish long-term relationships with patients and pet owners, fostering trust and comfort.

4: Career Advancement Opportunities

A full-time role typically comes with mentorship, continued education, and opportunities for career growth within the firm.

5: Predictable Routine

When you work in a full-time setting or environment, you have a routine workflow, and strict timetables can give you a sense of stability and security.

Negative Side of Full-Time Veterinary Practice

1: Less Flexibility

Full-time veterinarians have less control over their work schedules, days off, and daily tasks.

2: Risk of Burnout

The likelihood of emotional cases, paperwork, and lengthy work hours contributes to veterinary burnout even among the most dedicated professionals.

3: Office Politics & Responsibilities

Being a full-time veterinarian, you may be asked to handle management issues, employee issues, and office politics.

4: Slower Salary Growth

Full-time salaries can rise consistently, but not as quickly as those in relief work, which tends to command a premium.

So, What's Best for You?

There's no one-size-fits-all solution. Your best path depends on your professional goals, personal requirements, and budgeting considerations.

Select relief veterinary work if you:

• Enjoy flexibility and autonomy
• Desire to work in different clinic environments
• Love short-term commitments
• Are at ease with conducting your own business affairs

Opt for full-time veterinary employment if you:

• Crave stability, benefits, and regular income
• Like being a member of a tight-knit group
• Prefer long-term client and pet relationships
• Are you looking for career progression within one company

Some veterinarians even combine both options, working full-time in some stages of life and relief in others. The best part? The veterinary profession is evolving, and you can always shift as your circumstances shift.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're attracted to the liberty of relief work or the security of a full-time veterinary career, ultimately, it is about selecting an option that is best suited for your values, aspirations, and health.

Vet And Tech provides trusted learning resources to support veterinary professionals throughout their careers, from expert insights to interactive sponsored webinars organized to help you grow and stay ahead in your practice.

FAQs

Do relief veterinarians earn more?

Yes, relief veterinarians tend to earn more per hour than regular, full-time vets. Relief veterinarians have more benefits in terms of flexibility and hourly pay rates. However, total yearly earnings can vary based on the frequency of their work, their hourly rate, and their ability to effectively manage business expenditures.

Are emergency vets different from regular vets?

Yes, emergency veterinarians are trained to handle serious or life-threatening situations, unlike regular veterinarians who mostly deal with routine care. They’re available after hours, act quickly in urgent cases, and have special equipment to treat critical conditions, giving your pet the care they need when every second counts.

Do Emergency or relief vets get retirement benefits?

No. Emergency or relief veterinarians work independently or without a contract. That’s why they generally don’t get retirement benefits. However, they are responsible for their retirement planning or savings