ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Relief Vet Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

San Leandro, CA

$27.52 - $39.75/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Encinitas, CA

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

San Jose, CA

$27.52 - $39.75/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Santa Rosa, CA

$27.52 - $39.75/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

San Jose, CA · On-site

$27.52 - $39.75/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

San Diego, CA

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Santa Ana, CA

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Danville, CA

$27.52 - $39.75/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

San Francisco, CA

$27.52 - $39.75/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Roseville, CA

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Sacramento, CA

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

Banfield

Registered Vet Tech

Yorba Linda, CA · On-site

$24.22 - $34.98/hr

Best-in-Class Student Debt Relief Program (for Full-Time DVMs): At Banfield, we understand the significant financial burden of student debt on veterinarians. We are committed to supporting our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRelief Vet Tech JobsRelief Vet Tech Jobs in California

Relief Vet Tech information

See California salary details

$41K

$70.8K

$102.6K

How much do relief vet tech jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for relief vet tech in California is $70,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,700.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a relief vet tech?

Relief vet techs are veterinary technicians who provide temporary or short-term support to veterinary practices. They fill in for regular staff during absences, busy periods, or staff shortages. Relief vet techs perform many of the same duties as full-time vet techs, such as assisting veterinarians, monitoring anesthesia, and providing patient care. Their flexible schedules allow clinics to maintain high standards of care without disruption. This role is ideal for techs seeking variety and autonomy in their work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a relief vet tech?

To thrive as a Relief Vet Tech, you need a strong background in animal nursing, laboratory procedures, and veterinary pharmacology, usually supported by a veterinary technician certification or license. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, diagnostic imaging equipment, and anesthesia machines is commonly required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills help you integrate quickly into new teams and handle varied clinical situations. These abilities ensure that you can deliver high-quality patient care and support veterinary teams effectively, even in temporary or unfamiliar environments.

What are some common challenges faced by relief vet techs, and how can they prepare for them?

Relief veterinary technicians often work in unfamiliar clinics with different protocols, equipment, and team dynamics. Adapting quickly to each new environment and building rapport with permanent staff can be challenging. To prepare, relief techs should maintain strong communication skills, be adaptable, and familiarize themselves with various clinic workflows. Bringing personal essentials, reviewing assignment details in advance, and staying up-to-date with industry best practices can also help ensure a smooth transition between workplaces.

What is the difference between Relief Vet Tech vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectRelief Vet TechVeterinary Technician
CredentialsLicensed or certified veterinary technician (varies by state)Licensed or certified veterinary technician (varies by state)
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments across clinics, hospitals, or sheltersFull-time or part-time employment at a single clinic or hospital
Employer UsageUsed by clinics needing flexible staffingTypically employed directly by a veterinary practice
Common Search/ComparisonRelief Vet Tech vs Veterinary Technician

Relief Vet Techs provide flexible, temporary support across various veterinary settings, often working on short-term assignments. Veterinary Technicians are usually employed full-time or part-time at a specific practice, with consistent responsibilities. Both roles require similar credentials, but Relief Vet Techs offer greater flexibility in work location and schedule.

What are popular job titles related to Relief Vet Tech jobs in California?

For Relief Vet Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Relief Vet Tech jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Relief Vet Tech jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Relief Vet Tech jobs?

Cities in California with the most Relief Vet Tech job openings:

Relief Vet Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Relief Vet Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,796 per year, or $34 per hour.

Locum (Relief) Vet Tech or experienced Vet Assistant

Antioch, CA • On-site

VCA Animal Hospitals

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 52 rated veterinary

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers

Learn more about VCA Animal Hospitalsexternal

$26 - $36/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

VCA East Bay Veterinary Emergency is adding an RVT or experienced ER assistant to join our Veterinary team on a relief basis.
East Bay Veterinary Emergency is an ER only hospital. We are seeking a Credentialed Veterinary Technician (RVT) or experienced assistant.
This is a relief, part time position working when needed. Mostly will be swing or overnights. Hourly Rate $26-$36 DOE and credentials
Required experience:
Must be experienced and skilled in the following:
  • Venipuncture
  • Catheter placement
  • Radiology
  • Anesthesia monitoring
  • Physical examinations and patient assessment
  • Surgical preparation and assisting
  • Laboratory work
  • Pharmacy
  • Patient recovery
  • Compassionate care for our hospitalized patients
  • CPR

Why join the VCA East Bay Veterinary Emergency team :
VCA offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and professional development of its associates. Some benefits are for F/T only.
Health & Well-being:
  • Paid sick: Paid sick according to CA law.
  • Latest Tech & Innovation: OppProfessional Development: opportunities to work with the latest technology and programs that encourage innovation and creativity, such as VCA Next.
  • Additional Benefits:
  • Pet Care Perks: Generous pet care discounts.

  • If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

What VCA Animal Hospitals employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply