Choosing Your Veterinary Journey: The Rewards and Risks of Relief Work

Veterinary medicine is a profession filled with passion, compassion, and commitment. Within this field, veterinarians have diverse career paths, ranging from the types of animals seen, the size of the hospital worked at, and the type of employment one pursues: specifically relief or full-time work. Between 2008 and 2018, the number of relief veterinarians grew roughly 30% with no sign of slowing down.* Relief work attracts veterinarians with its flexibility in scheduling and autonomy over both pay and working environment. So what’s the catch? In this article, we look at the benefits and challenges of relief and full-time employment to help you decide the best option forward. 

The Relief Veterinarian: Flexibility and Variety 

Relief veterinarians, often referred to as locum doctors, are the freelancers of the veterinary world. They provide temporary services to veterinary practices, filling in for regular veterinarians during their absence.

This role offers several advantages: 

• Flexibility: Relief veterinarians have the freedom to set their schedules. They can choose when and where they want to work, allowing for a better work-life balance. This flexibility is particularly appealing to individuals with familial obligations, personal interests, or other commitments outside of work. 
• Variety: Working as a relief veterinarian exposes individuals to a wide range of clinical settings, procedures, and clientele. This diversity fosters professional growth, as it challenges veterinarians to adapt to different environments, protocols, and team dynamics. It also provides opportunities to learn new skills and expand one’s knowledge base. 
• Autonomy: Relief veterinarians have a degree of autonomy that may not be as prevalent in traditional full-time roles. They can practice medicine without the administrative responsibilities and organizational constraints often associated with permanent positions.  

However, relief veterinary work also presents challenges: 

• Financial Uncertainty: While relief veterinarians can potentially earn higher hourly rates compared to their full-time counterparts, their income may fluctuate depending on the availability of assignments. Without a consistent workload, financial planning can be challenging, especially during periods of low demand. Additionally, if the veterinarian is a high producer, they could be missing out on the upside of receiving a portion of production. 
• Limited Benefits: Unlike full-time employees, relief veterinarians typically do not receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. They are responsible for managing their own benefits, expenses, and professional liability insurance which can add complexity to their financial planning and healthcare coverage. 
• Adaptability: Working in different clinics with varying protocols and team dynamics requires strong adaptability skills. Relief veterinarians must quickly acclimate to new environments, establish rapport with unfamiliar colleagues, and navigate diverse workflows. This constant adjustment can be mentally and emotionally taxing, particularly for individuals who thrive in more stable and predictable work settings. 
• Isolation: Unlike full-time employees who work within a consistent team and social interaction, relief veterinarians are at risk for isolation and detachment. They may not have the same level of support and camaraderie as their full-time peers, which especially can show up when dealing with a difficult case or client.  

The Full-Time Employee: Stability and Commitment 

Full-time veterinary positions offer stability and continuity, providing veterinarians with a sense of belonging and security within a practice.

Here are some benefits of being a full-time employee: 

• Stable Income and Benefits: Full-time veterinarians typically receive a steady income and comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. This financial security and support can alleviate stress and enhance overall well-being. 
• Career Progression: Full-time employees often have opportunities for career advancement within their practice, such as leadership roles, training and development, or partnership options. They can build long-term relationships with clients and colleagues, fostering a sense of community and professional fulfillment. 
• Work-Life Balance: While the demands of a full-time veterinary position can be intense, many practices prioritize work-life balance and offer consistent, reasonable schedules and time off. This stability allows veterinarians to establish routines, pursue personal interests, and maintain a healthy lifestyle outside of work. 

Despite these advantages, full-time employment also presents challenges: 

• Limited Flexibility: Full-time veterinarians have less flexibility in their schedules compared to relief workers. They are typically required to adhere to set hours and may have limited control over their workloads and assignments. This lack of flexibility can be restrictive for individuals with unconventional lifestyles or non-traditional career aspirations. 
• Routine and Fatigue: For some veterinarians, the routine nature of full-time positions can lead to burnout or boredom. Continuously managing needs of patients and clients can lead to physical or emotional exhaustion over time. 
• Administrative Responsibilities: Full-time veterinarians often bear administrative responsibilities, such as staff management, inventory control, and financial oversight. While these responsibilities allow for more autonomy and influence on a practice workflow, the duties can detract from clinical practice and patient care, adding stress and complexity to the job. 

In conclusion, both relief veterinary work and full-time employment offer distinct advantages and challenges. Ultimately, the choice between relief work and full-time employment depends on individual preferences, priorities, and career objectives.  

* https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2019-12-01/relief-practice-not-just-temporary-gig