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Relief Veterinarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Relief Veterinarian Looking to supplement your current work with meaningful relief shifts? Interested in making a tangible difference for companion animals across Alaska? The Alaska SPCA is seeking a ...

Relief veterinarians provide coverage for scheduled absences with shifts available on an as-needed basis. Our clinic provides low-cost spay and neuter services, dental and surgical procedures, and ...

Relief veterinarians provide coverage for scheduled absences with shifts available on an as-needed basis. Our clinic provides low-cost spay and neuter services, dental and surgical procedures, and ...

Relief veterinarians provide coverage for scheduled absences with shifts available on an as-needed basis. Our clinic provideslow-cost spay and neuter services, dental and surgical procedures, and ...

Relief Veterinarian Department: General Practice Hospitals Employment Type: Contract Location: CountryChase Veterinary Hospital Description We are seeking a Relief Veterinarian to cover shifts at our ...

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Relief Veterinarian information

See salary details

$49.5K

$165.5K

$294K

How much do relief veterinarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for relief veterinarian in the United States is $165,527.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $218,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a relief veterinarian?

A Relief Veterinarian is a licensed veterinary professional who provides temporary coverage for veterinary clinics, hospitals, or shelters when regular staff veterinarians are unavailable due to vacation, illness, or other reasons. They perform routine exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, perform surgeries, and ensure high-quality patient care. Relief veterinarians offer flexibility for both clinics and themselves, allowing them to work in various settings without long-term commitments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a relief veterinarian?

To thrive as a Relief Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, active veterinary licensure, and strong clinical skills across a variety of animal species. Competence with practice management systems, diagnostic equipment, and familiarity with electronic medical records is often required. Exceptional adaptability, communication, and problem-solving abilities set standout professionals apart in this flexible role. These skills are vital for efficiently providing high-quality patient care, integrating quickly into new teams, and ensuring seamless practice operations during staff absences.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a relief veterinarian, and how much flexibility can I expect?

Relief Veterinarians often enjoy a flexible schedule, as they are typically brought in to provide coverage on an as-needed basis when regular staff are unavailable. Assignments can vary in duration from a single day to several weeks, and work hours may include weekends or overnight shifts depending on the clinic’s needs. This flexibility allows you to choose opportunities that fit your availability and preferred practice environment, making it a great option for those seeking variety or work-life balance. Additionally, you’ll gain experience in different clinic settings, which can broaden your skill set and professional network.

More about Relief Veterinarian jobs

What cities are hiring for Relief Veterinarian jobs?

Cities with the most Relief Veterinarian job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Relief Veterinarian jobs?

The most popular types of Relief Veterinarian jobs are:

What states have the most Relief Veterinarian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Relief Veterinarian jobs include:

Infographic showing various Relief Veterinarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,527 per year, or $79.6 per hour.

Relief Veterinarian

Alaska SPCA

Anchorage, AK • On-site

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Relief Veterinarian

Looking to supplement your current work with meaningful relief shifts? Interested in making a tangible difference for companion animals across Alaska?

The Alaska SPCA is seeking a Relief Veterinarian to support our Anchorage-based clinic as needed throughout the year. Relief veterinarians provide coverage for scheduled absences with shifts available on an as-needed basis.

Our clinic provides low-cost spay and neuter services, dental and surgical procedures, and basic wellness care for dogs, cats, and rabbits. Relief veterinarians may be scheduled for spay/neuter surgery days, dental and soft-tissue surgery, exam shifts, or a combination depending on experience and clinic needs. Relief vets may also provide occasional support to our animal shelter.

This is an excellent opportunity for veterinarians seeking flexible scheduling, mission-driven work, or supplemental income without the demands of a full-time position.

The Alaska SPCA is a private nonprofit organization and the oldest animal welfare organization in the state. In addition to our Anchorage-based clinic and shelter, we operate a mobile outreach clinic and partner to deliver critical veterinary services to remote communities without access to veterinary care. We also provide pet family support resources and public education programs.

Qualifications

  • Graduation from an accredited veterinary school
  • Eligible for Alaska state licensure and DEA registration
  • Surgical experience with high-volume spay/neuter strongly preferred, but not required
  • Recent graduates and experienced veterinarians are welcome to apply
  • Board certification not required

Compensation

Compensation is based on experience, credentials, and type of shift worked. The Relief Veterinarian position is classified as on-call and not benefits-eligible.

To Apply

To be considered for future relief opportunities, please submit your resume, brief cover letter, and references.