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Relief Veterinary Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

$83 - $193/hr

Position Overview The Relief Veterinarian provides high-quality medical care to companion animals ... Collaborate with veterinary technicians, assistants, and support staff to ensure efficient patient ...

VCA Veterinary Emergency Service / Veterinary Specialty Center (VCA VES/VSC), is a steadily ... and Assistants. In addition, VCA VES/VSC engages several Client Care Coordinators and numerous ...

VCA Veterinary Emergency Service / Veterinary Specialty Center (VCA VES/VSC), is a steadily ... and Assistants. In addition, VCA VES/VSC engages several Client Care Coordinators and numerous ...

Regional Social Workers assist with stress management, mental health awareness, compassion fatigue ... Relief associates are not eligible. * BluePearl Library - clinicians can access more than 2,000 ...

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Relief Veterinary Assistant information

What is a relief veterinary assistant?

A Relief Veterinary Assistant is a trained professional who temporarily fills in at veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, or shelters when regular staff are unavailable due to vacations, illness, or staffing shortages. They perform a variety of tasks, such as assisting veterinarians during exams and procedures, caring for animals, maintaining clean facilities, and communicating with pet owners. Relief Veterinary Assistants provide flexibility for clinics and help ensure consistent care for animal patients. Their role is essential for maintaining smooth clinic operations in the absence of regular staff.

How does the role of a relief veterinary assistant differ from that of a full-time veterinary assistant, especially regarding work schedules and team dynamics?

As a Relief Veterinary Assistant, you typically fill in on an as-needed basis to cover staff shortages, vacations, or busy periods, which means your schedule may be less predictable compared to permanent staff. This role often requires quickly adapting to new clinic environments, workflows, and team members, so strong communication and flexibility are crucial. You'll collaborate closely with veterinarians and technicians to support animal care and maintain clinic operations, often stepping into routines with minimal orientation. The variety and pace can be rewarding, but being proactive and adaptable will help you succeed in different settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a relief veterinary assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Relief Veterinary Assistant, you need a solid understanding of animal care, handling, and basic veterinary procedures, often supported by on-the-job training or a veterinary assistant certificate. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and proper sanitation protocols is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and compassion are vital soft skills for effectively supporting both veterinarians and pet owners in dynamic environments. These skills ensure the efficient delivery of quality animal care and smooth integration into various veterinary teams on short notice.

What is the difference between Relief Veterinary Assistant vs Veterinary Assistant?

AspectRelief Veterinary AssistantVeterinary Assistant
CertificationsOften requires veterinary assistant certification or related trainingTypically requires veterinary assistant certification or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentTemporary, varied clinics or hospitals, flexible schedulingFull-time or part-time at a specific clinic or hospital
Employer UsageUsed by clinics needing temporary staffing or coverageEmployed directly by a veterinary practice
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly searched for temporary or substitute rolesStandard, ongoing veterinary support roles

In summary, Relief Veterinary Assistants provide temporary support across various clinics, often requiring similar certifications as Veterinary Assistants. They offer flexible, short-term coverage, whereas Veterinary Assistants typically work full-time at a single practice. Both roles require relevant certifications and support veterinary teams in daily tasks.

Where do relief veterinary assistants make the most money?

Relief veterinary assistants tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for veterinary services, such as urban areas or states with a strong veterinary industry. Salary can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the type of veterinary practice, with specialized clinics often offering higher pay. However, overall compensation is generally comparable across regions, with geographic differences influenced by local economic factors.

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Relief Veterinary Assistant jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Relief Veterinary Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Relief Veterinary Assistant job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) - Relief

BluePearl Pet Hospitals

Port Washington, WI • On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago


BluePearl rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 118 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Emergency Veterinary Technician

BluePearl Pet Hospital in Port Washington, WI is hiring an experienced Relief Veterinary Technician join our team in our Emergency and Critical Care department.

Position: Emergency Veterinary Technician with our ER/ICU Department.

Shifts: Relief

Pay Range CVTI-II: $22.00 - $35.00/hour

This pay band is dependent on local veterinary licensing, experience, and advancement through our competency assessment tool.

As an Emergency Veterinary Technician, you will:

  • Induce, monitor, and recover anesthesia in patients and use anesthesia/monitoring equipment.
  • Triage emergency cases as they arrive at the hospital, including obtaining vitals such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
  • Perform digital radiography using proper technique, including proper positioning of patients.
  • Assist with or perform CT, endoscopy, and ultrasonography.
  • Have a complete understanding of normal ranges of patient vital signs, including but not limited to heart and respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
  • Obtain and interpret blood pressure and other vital signs and alert veterinarians to changes and issues.
  • Identify patients at risk for arrest and initiate CPR.
  • Calculate medical math (including constant rate infusions) and administer medications via appropriate routes and duration.
  • Are proficient at performing phlebotomy and placing intravenous catheters in all peripheral vessels.
  • Place and maintain feeding tubes, drains, PICC line catheters, and central line catheters.
  • Have a passion for mentoring and training other co-workers.
  • Have patience and empathy to address client concerns.
  • Remain current on R.E.C.O.V.E.R (basic and advanced) CPR guidelines. ALS and BLS certification is provided at no cost to you.
  • Mentor and train fellow team members and engage with clients with empathy and professionalism.

Why BluePearl?

  • Growth Opportunities: Advance your skills with our talent development programs and leadership workshops. As a member of Mars Veterinary Health, our associates have endless opportunities to advance in their careers.
  • Career Advancement: Explore roles in our specialty departments (Critical Care, Ophthalmology, Surgery, Neurology, Internal Medicine, and Radiology) and enjoy financial support for VTS credentials.

Apply Today: Apply now and become a key part of our vibrant team, dedicated to providing exceptional care in an innovative and supportive environment.

BluePearl Pet Hospital-Where your passion for pets meets endless career possibilities.

Transform your career and make a real difference!

We promote a collaborative culture in our hospitals. We believe in working together to lead the industry by enriching lives through remarkable care for pets and our team.

BluePearl is committed to a diverse work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We are an equal opportunity employer and you will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.


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