1

Per Diem Veterinary Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Per Diem Veterinary information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do per diem veterinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem veterinary in Riverside, CA is $22.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $25.82 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Per Diem Veterinary jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Per Diem Veterinary job openings:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Veterinary job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,097 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Per Diem Emergency Veterinary Assistant

Ethos Veterinary Health

Grand Terrace, CA • On-site

$21 - $26/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Veterinary Assistant - Per Diem
$21.00-$26.00/hour (DOE)
Per diem opportunity in Grand Terrace, California
Schedule: Casual | Evening, Weekend & Holiday Shifts | Minimum of 2 Shifts per Month
Enjoy the flexibility of per diem work while building your emergency veterinary career at Animal Emergency Clinic (AEC), part of Ethos Veterinary Health. As a Per Diem Veterinary Assistant, you'll support experienced emergency veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians in providing exceptional care for critically ill and injured patients while working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Per Diem Requirements: This is a casual, as-needed position. Team members are required to work a minimum of two shifts per month and must be available for evening, weekend, and holiday coverage based on hospital needs.Why Join Animal Emergency Clinic
Animal Emergency Clinic (AEC) has proudly served the Inland Empire for more than 50 years as an AAHA-accredited emergency veterinary hospital. Located in Grand Terrace, our experienced emergency team is dedicated to providing exceptional after-hours care, with exciting plans to expand to 24/7 emergency services.
Whether you're looking to supplement your schedule or gain additional emergency experience, you'll become part of a supportive, highly skilled team committed to exceptional patient care.In Your Day-to-Day, You Will
  • Assist emergency veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians with patient care and advanced procedures.
  • Perform technical nursing skills under the supervision of the medical team.
  • Monitor patients during anesthesia and recovery.
  • Assist with laboratory sample collection, diagnostics, and treatments.
  • Accurately document treatments, observations, and patient progress.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and fully stocked treatment areas.
  • Support emergency procedures and patient care as directed.
  • Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams.
  • Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture.
What You Bring
  • Minimum of one year of experience in a veterinary hospital required.
  • Recent graduates with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Technology are encouraged to apply.
  • RVT certification preferred but not required.
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong computer skills and experience working with electronic medical records.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced emergency environment.
  • Reliable, flexible, and organized with strong time management skills.
  • A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.
Perks & Benefits
Per diem team members enjoy competitive compensation and opportunities to grow within one of North America's leading specialty veterinary networks.
  • Competitive compensation based on experience and skill set
  • Scrub allowance
  • Continuing Education (CE), VetBloom continuing education access, and ongoing professional development opportunities
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources where available
  • Career advancement opportunities within Ethos Veterinary Health
Location Highlight
Located in the Inland Empire, Grand Terrace offers convenient access to Southern California's mountains, beaches, and desert destinations. Animal Emergency Clinic welcomes team members commuting from Riverside, San Bernardino, Colton, Loma Linda, Redlands, Moreno Valley, Highland, Fontana, Rialto, Corona, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and surrounding Inland Empire communities.About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class veterinary medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of more than 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary professionals in hospitals designed for learning, collaboration, and excellence.
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 help advance veterinary medicine-together.Join Us
At Ethos, this isn't just a job-it's an opportunity to gain valuable emergency medicine experience while enjoying the flexibility of per diem work. If you're passionate about patient care and want to be part of an exceptional emergency veterinary team, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become an essential part of the Animal Emergency Clinic team.Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.