Relief Vets: Should You Be Charging More for Weekend and Holiday Shifts?

What’s the hottest topic in relief vet circles? Rates.

Setting your fees as a relief vet can be one of the trickiest parts of the job: especially when it comes to holidays, weekends, and late shifts. Knowing what to charge, when to increase it, and when your time deserves a little extra compensation isn’t always straightforward.

Every relief vet I know has a slightly different approach. Some have strong boundaries and firm premium rates. Others hesitate, afraid of losing clients or being seen as “greedy.” On the flip side, clinics vary just as much. Some are grateful for the help and pay without question. Others flinch at even your base rate.

Last week, we talked about how to set your standard rates as a relief vet. This week, we’re digging into the nuances… should you charge more for those high-demand shifts?

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The Value of Time and Availability

Your availability is a resource. And like any valuable resource, its worth can shift depending on demand.

When you take a holiday, weekend, or overnight shift, you’re usually giving up something: time with family, personal rest, or the ability to travel or recharge. If you’re showing up when others won’t, that’s a premium service.

Veterinary clinics know this. They often offer their own staff holiday pay, shift differentials, or bonuses. Relief work should be no different. Your reliability and flexibility during those time slots are worth more—not less.

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Holidays (and Border Holiday Rates)

One of the reasons I left my corporate ER job and returned to relief work was because I was done working holidays. I’m not sure there’s any amount of money that makes missing Christmas Day with my 93-year-old grandfather feel worth it… but that’s a personal line, and yours might be different.

If there are holidays that don’t mean much to you, they can be strategic opportunities. Working those days might allow you to work fewer days overall while earning more per shift.

Another thing to consider: border holiday rates.

Anyone who’s worked the day before or after a major holiday knows how chaotic it can be. The day before? Full of last-minute “he’s been sick for two weeks” cases. The day after? Overflowing with emergencies that couldn’t wait any longer.

If the thought of working Black Friday makes your stomach turn, you’re not alone. If you do choose to work it, that’s a perfect time to charge a premium rate.

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Weekends: Why They Deserve a Premium Too

Weekend shifts might be shorter, but they’re often busier. Clinics tend to see a higher caseload, more urgent appointments, and fewer staff members working. And because the day is abbreviated, you may not log as many hours as you would during a regular weekday shift—yet you’re still investing the same effort to prepare, commute, and show up ready to work. Charging a slightly higher rate helps reflect both the intensity of the day and the time commitment required, so you’re fairly compensated for the value you bring.

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Pros and Cons of Charging More

Pros:

• You’re fairly compensated for giving up personal time
• It discourages last-minute or casual weekend/holiday requests
• You can limit your availability without having to say “no”
• Clinics often expect premium pricing for those dates

Cons:

• Some practices may decline or try to negotiate
• It might feel awkward if your base rate is already high
• You’ll need to track when premium rates apply

Like most things in relief work, it comes down to your boundaries, your availability, and your goals. If your calendar stays full and you’re giving up meaningful personal time, premium pricing can be both a filter and a reward.

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How to Communicate Premium Rates Professionally

Here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be awkward.

If you clearly state your holiday and weekend rates up front, most clinics will understand. Try something like:

“I’m available for those dates! For weekend and major holiday shifts, my rate is $XXX/hr. For the days immediately before and after a holiday, my rate is $XXX/hr. Let me know if you’d like to get any of those booked.”

Keep it short, confident, and friendly. You’re not justifying anything- you’re setting expectations.

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Final Thoughts: You’re Allowed to Protect Your Time

Whether you work every holiday or none at all, just remember: your time matters.

Relief work gives you freedom and flexibility, but that doesn’t mean you owe anyone your weekends, nights, or holidays.

If a holiday shift aligns with your goals, great. If it doesn’t, that’s okay too. You’re allowed to decline. You’re allowed to charge more. You’re allowed to value your time.

You get to set the terms.

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📘 Want More Support Setting Your Rates?

If you found this post helpful, you’ll love my upcoming ebook:
Freedom, Not Frenzy: The Relief Vet’s Survival and Success Manual.

It’s packed with guidance on setting rates, avoiding burnout, managing clinics, and building a career that fits your life… not the other way around.

👉 Sign up here to be the first to know when it drops: