Will Relief Work Dry Up? Why the Demand Isn’t Going Anywhere

The Big Question: Is the Demand for Relief Veterinarians “Drying Up”?

I keep seeing posts online (and hearing chatter from other relief veterinarians) about the demand for relief work slowing down. I think this has always been a fear for many of us… what happens if bookings dry up and we’re forced back into associate jobs?

Some relief vets even discourage others from starting, especially in Facebook groups, citing slower bookings or an oversaturated relief pool. Is that fear valid, or is it a fear of competition?

Yes, vet school classes are larger, and we have more new grads entering the workforce. The post-COVID hiring frenzy has cooled off, and the economic uncertainty of 2024–2025 has everyone watching their budgets. Platforms like Roo have made relief work more accessible than ever so that even full-time associates can easily pick up shifts.

Here’s the thing: I have an abundance mindset, and you won’t get fearmongering from me. Quite the opposite. I believe 2025 (and moving into 2026) is still an excellent time to be a relief veterinarian. This part of our profession is needed, valued, and here to stay. Here’s why.

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1. The Veterinary Shortage Is Real

Long before I applied to vet school, I remember reading a newspaper article about the “vet shortage” — my high school boyfriend’s mom clipped it for me in 2008.

When I graduated, the job market had swung slightly the other way, and there were more veterinarians than openings. But around 2020, the shortage came roaring back. Today, it’s here to stay.

According to the AAVMC, there will be a shortage of 15,000 to 24,000 companion animal veterinarians by 2030. Meanwhile, the need for labor in the veterinary profession is expected to grow 10–19%, which means more open shifts than people to fill them.

Enter relief veterinarians. We are the ones who cover gaps created by turnover, leaves, and rising patient demand; especially in areas where there are plenty of pets but not enough DVMs.

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2. Culture Shift = More Coverage Needs

Veterinary medicine looks very different than it did 20 years ago. Today, it’s a female-majority profession. That shift has brought positive change including stronger advocacy for work/life balance, maternity and paternity leave policies, and more sustainable scheduling.

It isn’t just women leading this charge. More male veterinarians are taking paternity leave, using vacation time, and advocating for healthy boundaries too.

Think back to the small-town veterinarian you grew up with… or even James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small. Do you think those guys ever took a real vacation?

The modern profession is better for everyone: happier doctors, healthier teams, and pets who get cared for by staff who aren’t completely burned out.

Relief vets make this possible by filling coverage gaps. Whether it’s PTO, school programs, CE, or vacations- someone has to keep the doors open. There will always be vacations and parental leave. Somebody has to cover them!

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3. Relief Work Fills Gaps No One Else Can

A few weeks ago, I read a post in a Facebook group from a clinic owner who claimed “relief vets aren’t worth hiring.” The comments section lit up! Practice owners, managers, and fellow relief vets pushed back hard.

Here’s the truth: relief veterinarians keep clinics running when permanent staff can’t be there.

It doesn’t matter if the absence is for parental leave, CE, vacations, sabbaticals, illness, or sudden turnover — if clients can’t get care, they may find another hospital. That isn’t just a financial hit, it’s a relationship-breaker.

Relief veterinarians are the safety net that keeps a clinic’s schedule, revenue, and client trust intact.

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4. Location, Location, Location

Yes, location matters. My own success as a relief veterinarian is partly due to being in a large metro area (Cincinnati/NKY) and being willing to travel when needed.

If you’re not in a metro hub, don’t panic… there’s still work if you’re flexible, especially if you have a niche skill set like urgent care or ER.

I recommend setting a reasonable travel radius (45–60 minutes is my sweet spot) and charging more or arranging accommodations for longer distances. Rural relief vets often cover multiple counties or even states — there are opportunities everywhere if you’re willing to plan strategically.

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5. How to Stay in Demand as a Relief Vet

If you want to stay booked, remember this: your business exists to help other businesses.

Always strive to make a good impression and put your best foot forward. Keep your communication professional, be on time, and practice good medicine. You can blend into any clinic culture without sacrificing quality or boundaries. Avoid snide comments, eye rolls, or negativity — that kind of energy always finds its way back to the owner.

Make your presence a positive experience for clients, staff, and yourself.

One of the best compliments you can get as a relief veterinarian is when a clinic manager says, “Let me know if you ever want a job.” That kind of networking builds trust, creates loyal fans, and guarantees that you’ll always have options, even if you eventually leave relief work.

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Conclusion: Relief Work Isn’t Going Anywhere

The need for relief coverage is growing, not shrinking. You can set up your business with confidence as long as you stay professional, network well, and stay flexible.

If you’re thinking about taking the leap into relief work, check out the free resources on this blog and download my free Relief Vet Starter Kit. You’ll get pricing tips, contract help, and my first-shift checklist to make starting easier. And stay tuned: my new ebook is coming soon!

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