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Per Diem Veterinary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Per Diem Veterinary information

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$12

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$31

How much do per diem veterinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem veterinary in the United States is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a per diem veterinary?

A Per Diem Veterinary professional is a veterinarian who works on an as-needed, temporary, or substitute basis rather than as a full-time or part-time permanent employee. These veterinarians typically fill in during staff shortages, busy periods, or when regular staff members are on leave. Per diem veterinarians may work at different clinics or hospitals and often have flexible schedules. This arrangement allows both the employer and the veterinarian to have flexibility in staffing and work-life balance.

How do per diem veterinary roles typically integrate into existing clinic teams, and what should I expect in terms of collaboration?

Per diem veterinarians often work alongside regular staff, filling in during peak times or when full-time doctors are unavailable. You can expect to quickly adapt to each clinic's protocols while collaborating closely with veterinary technicians and support staff to provide seamless patient care. Effective communication and flexibility are crucial, as you'll frequently encounter new team dynamics and workflows. This role is ideal for professionals who enjoy variety and are comfortable jumping into different environments with minimal onboarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem veterinarian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, a valid veterinary license, and strong diagnostic and surgical skills. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, digital radiography, and anesthesia monitoring equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and teamwork help per diem veterinarians integrate quickly into different clinical environments and build rapport with staff and clients. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering high-quality patient care and maintaining workflow efficiency in a variety of veterinary settings.

What is the difference between Per Diem Veterinary vs Emergency Veterinary Technician?

AspectPer Diem VeterinaryEmergency Veterinary Technician
CredentialsVeterinary Technician LicenseVeterinary Technician License
Work EnvironmentGeneral clinics, scheduled shiftsEmergency clinics, irregular hours
Employer & IndustryAnimal clinics, hospitals24/7 emergency hospitals
Work FocusRoutine care, scheduled proceduresCritical care, urgent procedures

Per Diem Veterinary roles typically involve scheduled, routine veterinary care in general clinics, while Emergency Veterinary Technicians work in urgent, high-pressure emergency settings. Both require veterinary technician credentials but differ mainly in work environment and focus.

More about Per Diem Veterinary jobs

What cities are hiring for Per Diem Veterinary jobs?

Cities with the most Per Diem Veterinary job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs are:

What states have the most Per Diem Veterinary jobs?

States with the most job openings for Per Diem Veterinary jobs include:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Veterinary job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Per Diem Veterinary Technician

Ethos Veterinary Health

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$19 - $34/hr

Contractor

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Per Diem Veterinary Technician (RVT) / Veterinary Assistant
$19-$34/hr DOE
$5.00/hr differential for any hours worked between 6pm-6am
$1.00/hr weekend shift differential
Sacramento, California
Schedule: Per Diem | Day, Swing, Overnight, Weekend, and Holiday shifts available | Minimum availability of one shift every 30 days
Looking for a flexible opportunity to advance your career in emergency and specialty veterinary medicine? Vista Veterinary Specialists is seeking an experienced Per Diem Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Veterinary Assistant to join our collaborative team. Whether you're looking to supplement your current schedule or gain experience in a fast-paced specialty hospital, this role offers flexibility, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care.
Why Join Vista Veterinary Specialists
Vista Veterinary Specialists, part of Ethos Veterinary Health, is the Sacramento region's leading 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital. Our team provides advanced patient care across Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, and Cardiology.
You'll work alongside experienced emergency and specialty clinicians in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning. Every shift provides opportunities to strengthen your clinical skills while delivering exceptional care to patients and their families.
In your day-to-day, you will:
  • Deliver high-quality nursing care for emergency, critical care, and hospitalized canine and feline patients.
  • Perform venipuncture, phlebotomy, IV catheter placement, medication administration, and patient monitoring.
  • Recognize changes in patient condition and communicate findings promptly with veterinarians.
  • Prioritize hourly patient treatments while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
  • Perform medical calculations and administer medications safely and accurately.
  • Execute, monitor, and recover sedation and anesthesia events.
  • Assist veterinarians during minor surgical procedures.
  • Triage emergency patients and support efficient patient flow.
  • Educate clients regarding patient care, hospitalization, and discharge instructions.
  • Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams.
  • Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture.
What You Bring
  • California Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license or Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) required.
  • Minimum of three years of experience as a Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant in progressive general practice, or two years in an emergency or specialty veterinary hospital.
  • Strong technical skills including IV catheter placement, phlebotomy, anesthesia monitoring, pharmacology, and emergency patient care.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple patients in a fast-paced emergency environment while maintaining accuracy and compassion.
  • Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
  • A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.
Perks & Benefits
Benefits for eligible part-time and per diem employees may include participation in health and wellness programs, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities.
  • Competitive hourly compensation
  • Flexible per diem scheduling
  • VetBloom RACE-approved continuing education and training library
  • Career growth and advancement opportunities
  • 401(k) participation
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Uniform allowance
  • Employee pet benefits
Location Highlight
Sacramento offers an exceptional quality of life with easy access to outdoor recreation, award-winning restaurants, vibrant neighborhoods, and Northern California destinations including Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and the Bay Area. It's an ideal place to grow your veterinary career while enjoying an outstanding work-life balance.
About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.
Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow clinically, professionally, and personally.
At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.
Join Us
At Ethos, this isn't just a job-it's an opportunity to build your career in emergency and specialty veterinary medicine while making a lasting impact on the lives of pets and their families.
Candidates can confidentially submit their application through our careers page or contact our Talent Acquisition team to learn more.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business needs.