Frequently Asked Questions
by Relief Veterinarians

How do I Search for work and Bid on Jobs?

First Create an Account. Then follow the steps listed below or check-out this graphic.

Login to your account.
Select Jobs from the Graphic Ads scrolling at the top of the web page, from the Map, or from the Available Jobs link found on the main menu bar.
For more details click on one of the Map points or from the browse the Available Jobs list then click on a job's date.
To Create a Bid scroll down and Check Boxes to indicate your availability.
Click Continue Bid.
Enter your Fee then select daily, hourly, total, or other.
Enter any questions or prerequisites in the comment section of the bid form.
Click Submit Bid.
The hospital's reply to your bid will be posted to a bid memo online and a copy emailed to you as well.

How to Respond to a Hospital's reply, check-out this graphic.

What are the relief veterinarian's obligations to VetRelief.com when additional work or employment is offered from a referred hospital?

Your main obligation is to inform and updated us when you schedule additional work at a hospital where we referred you. As a courtesy we will email you a reminder each month.
Learn more: our agreement.

Am I restricted from accepting relief work or employment independently from VetRelief.com?

No. However our user agreement restricts you from acting as an online 'referral service' or 'employment agency' where you might compete against VetRelief.com by providing veterinarians other than yourself to veterinary facilities.
Learn more: our agreement.

My surgical skills are limited. Is it appropriate to submit a bid for employment at a hospital?

Yes. In general bids are always welcomed. However make a note in the comment section of the bid form indicating your limitations.

My bid was accepted by a hospital. Should I confirm it by email or go to the web site to confirm?

Either way is fine. We prefer that you confirm via the web site whenever possible.

If I find that I don't like the hospital may I remove myself from other relief work dates?

The answer is complicated and beyond the scope of these faqs. With that said and in most circumstances, No, or at least not immediately. Let us try and unwind you from your upcoming work dates. We will post a back-up job and try to find someone qualified to replace you. Once we find another doctor and you have not resolved your diferences with the hospital then we will let them know that someone else is willing to work as a replacement. If you simply remove yourself from confirmed dates you may be liable for breach of contract if your employment relationship was not 'at will'.

If my bid has been accepted can the hospital cancel me after the first work day?

The answer is complicated and beyond the scope of these faqs. Cancelations are handled on a case by case basis. Try not to take it personal and work together if their issues are reconcilable. However that may not always be possible. Contact us.

Can I withdrawn my bid for relief work before the hospital replies?

Yes, and you may bid on other jobs. When one of your bids is accepted though, any conflicting bid dates will be automatically withdrawn.

How much should a relief veterinarian charge? How do I determine what to charge a hospital for relief work?

To derive a reasonable introductory fee consider your interpersonal skills, your income generation abilities, medical and surgical experience, and your professional demeanor. Hospitals located in metropolitan areas pay more than those in rural zones but usually expect a doctor to generate more income. You should also consider whether the relief work is during peak relief season such as holidays, summer, or during a major veterinary conference. We have not seen a major fluctuation in fees since Covid-19 pandemic

I bid for relief work but have not received a reply. How do you know if the job has already been covered? Who informs me if my bid is not accepted?

VetRelief.com will follow-up and notify you of our progress and the outcome of your bid. In the meantime you are eiligible to bid on other jobs. You are not required to wait for a reply based solely upon creating a bid! Please let us know if this is not clear or you have additional questions related to this topic

Once a bid has been accepted can the hospital change the schedule?

Yes, and so can you. However when the schedule is changed, negotiations are re-opened. Meaning to say you are no longer bound to the original agreement and schedule. When you and the hospital accept the newer changes then a newer agreement is in effect.

What is your advise when searching for relief work away from home?

Here's our recommendation for a 'traveling vet': Well-ahead of your travel plans bid on jobs. When you bid on jobs you might want to alert the hospital (use the comment section of the bid) that your bid is conditioned upon you successfully scheduling a critical number of work dates. Once you've scheduled enough shifts, then traveling becomes profitable. Finally new jobs are constantly being posted to the web site. You may still bid on newer jobs that compliment your confirmed itinerary of scheduled work and travel dates.

What can VetRelief offer me?

Access to relief work or casual employment that may compliment your Life-Style.
Seeking Permanent Employment? Do Relief Work as an On-the-Job Interview.
Entrepreneur? Gain a Wealth of Experience and Knowledge at a Variety of Companion Animal Practices.

How to conduct relief work as a (successful) business?

Treat Their Practice Like Your Own!
Bring your Smile (or Mask), Sense of Humor, a Great Attitude, and a Strong Work Ethic.
Communicate Effectively with Clients and Especially the Staff!
WARNING: Good Clinical Skills and Competency are an Expectation of This Hiring Process!
Generate Medical and Surgical Services Revenue for the Practice.
Project a Professional Demeanor and Dress Smartly.

Are there states that offer reciprocity?

Yes, do an Internet search for the veterinary state board of interest. Try this link: https://www.aavsb.org/OurServices/look-up-a-license. Also the AVMA devotes a section on their web site for state veterinary boards and their respective requirements.

When I login an agreement page appears.

The first time you login you'll be presented with VetRelief.com User Agreement. Read it. To accept it click the checkbox and then click on the I accept button. The next time you login the user agreement will no longer appear.

I don't see any relief job listings in my area.

You are not seeing any jobs because there are none currently posted in your area.

Before I bid on a job what kind of neighborhood it is and am I going to be alone at anytime?

Go ahead and Bid on Jobs of interest. Use the Comment Section in the bid form to inquire about your prerequisite regarding hospital security, safety, as well as their Covid 19 protocols. Also you may visit the facility during the bid's acceptance period to further evaluate its suitability. [top]

The hospital just called and cancelled me. What recourse do I have?

If you disagree with their decision, send them an itemized invoice explaining any direct expenses you may have incurred to uphold your end of the commitment. If you have turned down other work ASK for some remuneration. Once you've made your request move-on and don't be surprised if no response or a good-faith offer is not forthcoming. At some point if you feel strongly about their decision you may have to resort to small claims court for recourse.

What happens if a hospital cancels me? How will I know?

As soon as VetRelief is notified of a cancellation we will immediately post a message, email you, or text requesting that you acknowledge the cancellation alert.

A clinic wants me to work permanent part-time. What should I do?

That is good news! It is not unusual for a clinic to find a permanent part-time doctor through their VetRelief.com contacts. Likewise it is also common for relief doctors to accept additional work as well as a permanent position made through their VetRelief.com contacts. You have agreed to notify us of any new employment arrangement and to update us with your schedule at this clinic. In doing so you will be released from any financial obligation to us by simply providing VetRelief.com the schedule updates when requested.
Learn more: our agreement.

May I modify or withdraw my bid?

Yes, you may modify or withdraw a pending bid. Simply post a bid memo. [ top ]

When should I notify the hospital of my personal policies for doing relief work?

When you create a bid enter your provisions into the comments section of the bid form. Or if you need more room you may post your policies to a bid memo.

Is a relief veterinarian obligated to work if my bid is accepted?

There is no obligation for a hospital or clinic to hire you just because you bid on their job. Likewise you are not obligated either if you do not agree to their employment offer. However, once a hospital accepts your bid, you've agreed to their offer then yes, you are obligated and service relationship agreement is made confirming your bid. [ top ]

Does a relief veterinarian need a business license?

Maybe, however in our opinion it is much more important to incorporate yourself as a relief veterinarian. [ top

What guaranty does the relief doctor have to get paid?

There are no guarantees. However, demonstrating while on the job great interpersonal skills, effective and thoughful communication with staff and clients, competent clinical skills, generating income for the practice by providing quality care and work-ups, good medical record keeping, maintaining a professional demeanor, dressing smartly, and treating their practice like you would your own may be all the guarantee to get paid that you need. With that said, we provide written service relationship agreements stating the specifics of your agreement: fees, work dates, when and where payment is to be sent. In addition an invoice is prepared in your name and presented on your behalf to the hospital.

When is the relief veterinarian paid? My question is related to the statement that VetRelief.com offers a written agreement to the employer describing fees, work dates, when and where payment is sent, etc. Does this mean that I do not have to provide such information? Are there any other recommended protections I can make such as requesting payment be made at the end of the shift?

Payment of fees should be discussed after a bid is accepted and before the job begins. During this time VetRelief.com expects you to call (or visit) and introduce yourself to the hospital in advance of your schedule there. This is especially true where you have not worked previously. When you first speak directly with the hospital a well-timed 'when may I expect payment?' should be all that is needed. Or post a bid memo requesting to learn 'when you may expect payment for services'. Or you may simply state in the comment section of the bid form 'when payment should be made'. Payment expectations may sometimes be a sticky point though. Along with the service agreements that describe your fees, work schedule, and when and where payment for services are to be sent, VetRelief.com automatically prepares and sends an invoice on your behalf to each hospital as well. This invoice though does not make a specific time-demand. When 'time is of the essence' make your expectations precise and satisfy yourself that your payment requests will be met timely! When it comes to getting paid be certain to clear-up any miscommunication that might exist ahead of time. Post a bid memo restating what your understanding is of your payment expecations.
Also you may provide the hospital with an invoice if you like as well as a W-9 form.
Learn more: W-9 form

I just bid on a Job where I already work part-time.

Leave your bid as-is, Work the Job. Regardless of your previous relationship you bid on a job posted on VetRelief.com. If there is any issues we will deal with the hospital directly.

Frequently Asked Questions by Relief Veterinarians