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Temporary Veterinary information

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How much do temporary veterinary jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary veterinary in California is $21.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary veterinary?

Temporary veterinary positions are short-term roles in the veterinary field, often filled to cover for staff absences, seasonal increases in workload, or specific projects. These positions can be for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, or assistants, and may last from a few days to several months. Temporary veterinary staff perform many of the same duties as permanent employees, such as diagnosing and treating animals, assisting in surgery, or providing routine care. These roles offer flexibility and are ideal for gaining experience or working in different types of practices. Temporary positions can be found in private clinics, animal hospitals, shelters, or research facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary veterinary?

To thrive as a Temporary Veterinary, you need a veterinary medicine degree (DVM or equivalent), licensure, and solid clinical skills in animal diagnostics and treatment. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, digital radiography, and lab equipment is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for integrating quickly into new environments and supporting clients and staff. These skills ensure quality animal care, efficient workflow, and seamless transitions between practices.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary veterinarians, and how can they prepare to succeed in short-term assignments?

Temporary veterinarians often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new clinic protocols, integrating with unfamiliar teams, and managing a diverse caseload without much onboarding time. To succeed, it's important to be adaptable, communicate clearly with both staff and clients, and review any available clinic materials or procedures in advance. Proactively asking questions and being flexible can help establish rapport and ensure high-quality patient care, even in short-term roles.

What is the difference between Temporary Veterinary vs Permanent Veterinary?

AspectTemporary VeterinaryPermanent Veterinary
CredentialsVeterinary degree, license, and certificationsVeterinary degree, license, and certifications
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments, clinics, or hospitalsLong-term employment, clinics, hospitals, or private practices
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for staffing gaps, seasonal needs, or project-based workFull-time, ongoing employment in veterinary practices
Search & Comparison IntentTemporary veterinary work, short-term veterinary jobsPermanent veterinary positions, full-time veterinary jobs

Temporary Veterinary roles are short-term positions often used to fill staffing gaps or seasonal needs, requiring the same credentials as permanent roles. Permanent Veterinary positions involve ongoing employment with benefits and long-term commitments. Both roles require veterinary licensure, but their employment terms and work environments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in California?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Veterinary jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Veterinary job openings:

Temporary Veterinary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Veterinary job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,553 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Temporary RVT, Surgery

Ethos Veterinary Health

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$40/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) - Surgery
Up to $40.00/hour (based on experience and skill set) + $5.50/hour shift differential for hours worked between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM
Full-Time | Temporary (6-12 Months) | 4/10 Schedule with Occasional Weekend Day
Potential Sign-On Bonus if Converted to Full-Time
SAGE Veterinary Centers - Redwood City is seeking a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to join our Surgery team in a temporary full-time role with the potential to transition into a permanent position. As one of the Bay Area's premier specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals, SAGE Redwood City provides advanced surgical care supported by board-certified surgeons and a collaborative team of specialists dedicated to delivering exceptional patient outcomes.
This role is ideal for an experienced RVT who thrives in a fast-paced surgical environment and is passionate about anesthesia, perioperative nursing, and providing exceptional patient care from admission through recovery.
Why Join SAGE Redwood City?
At SAGE Redwood City, you'll work alongside board-certified surgeons and specialty teams in a collaborative, team-focused environment that encourages continuous learning and professional growth. You'll gain hands-on experience with advanced surgical procedures while helping deliver exceptional care using state-of-the-art equipment and evidence-based medicine. This temporary opportunity also offers the possibility of transitioning into a full-time position with a sign-on bonus and comprehensive benefits.
In Your Day-to-Day, You Will:
  • Prepare surgical suites, sterilize instruments, and assist with patient preparation before surgery.
  • Administer, monitor, and adjust anesthesia throughout surgical procedures.
  • Assist surgeons by supplying instruments and maintaining strict aseptic technique.
  • Monitor patients during recovery, administer medications, and maintain accurate medical records.
  • Obtain and process radiographs to support surgical planning and patient care.
  • Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and anesthesia equipment.
  • Educate clients on postoperative care, medications, and discharge instructions.
  • Assist with emergency surgical procedures as needed.
  • Accurately calculate drug dosages, continuous rate infusions (CRIs), client estimates, and invoices.
  • Collaborate closely with surgeons, RVTs, and support staff to ensure efficient workflow and outstanding patient care.
  • Contribute to a positive, collaborative hospital culture focused on surgical excellence.

What You Bring
  • Current California Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Clinical experience in veterinary surgery required.
  • Strong anesthesia monitoring and perioperative nursing skills.
  • Ability to accurately calculate medication dosages, CRIs, client estimates, and invoices.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with clients and team members.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
  • California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) within 60 days of hire if not already waived by a valid California RVT license.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced specialty surgical environment.

Perks & Benefits
Benefits for this temporary role may vary. If converted to a full-time position, benefits may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance.
  • 401(k) with employer contribution, paid vacation, and sick leave (full-time eligible)
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance (full-time eligible)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) (full-time eligible)
  • Annual RVT Continuing Education (CE) allowance
  • VetBloom continuing education access, RACE-approved courses, training, curriculum library, and monthly staff development opportunities
  • Paid continuing education and eligible coursework
  • RVT license application and renewal reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), health and wellness resources, League wellness app access, onsite Veterinary Social Worker, and uniforms provided
  • Cash bonuses for major career milestones, including earning your RVT or VTS
  • Career advancement opportunities within Ethos Veterinary Health

Location Highlight
Redwood City offers the best of the San Francisco Peninsula, with easy access to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, coastal destinations, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities. Enjoy a vibrant community while advancing your career at one of the nation's leading specialty veterinary hospitals.
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 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 is an opportunity to advance your surgical nursing career while working alongside an exceptional team committed to providing outstanding patient care-with the potential to transition into a permanent full-time role.
Candidates can confidentially submit their CV to the Talent Acquisition team.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by applicable law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

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