Top Relief Vet Questions, Answered

How to choose a relief vet you can trust: The questions every practice manager and clinic owner should ask

If you’re managing schedules, juggling doctor PTO, and trying to protect your clinic culture while keeping patient care consistent, you’re not alone. Between rising caseloads, burnt-out staff, and financial pressures, finding quality relief veterinary coverage is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s a business imperative. But with so many options out there, how do you know who you can really count on? How can you ensure the relief doctor you bring in won’t just show up, but actually step up and deliver care that reflects your standards, builds client trust, and keeps your team flowing – not frustrated?

In this blog, we’re sharing the must-ask questions that help smart PMs choose relief coverage that doesn’t compromise on quality. Because when it comes to your hospital, your team, and your bottom line, you deserve more than a warm body.

Let’s break it down.

How can I find a relief doctor for my animal hospital?

Start by tapping into your network. A referral from someone you trust can go a long way in finding a great doctor. But not all relief vets or relief staffing companies are created equal. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions.

Here are some key questions to ask before selecting a relief vet:

• Beyond an active license, what reassurance can you give me that the vet has been properly vetted? What’s their track record, who’s checked them out, and can you trust the vet coming through your doors?
• Does someone actively ensure the vet is developing their clinical skills? Medicine evolves constantly. You want someone who’s engaged in ongoing development—not someone coasting on outdated habits.
• Who oversees their medical performance, so my team doesn’t have to? If something’s off, who handles it? You shouldn’t have to manage someone else’s doctor.
• Do you have proof of their skills, such as references or ratings from other clinics? Think reviews, performance data, feedback from hospitals like yours. That kind of transparency builds trust fast.
• What kind of production can I expect from the relief vet? Not just how many appointments they can see, but how they contribute to your clinic’s flow, morale, and standard of care.
• Will they understand and follow our protocols? Consistency matters. Ask how relief vets get up to speed on your systems and how much you can expect them to align with your hospital’s medical standards and workflows.

Why IndeVets is the answer to every one of these questions

You’ve got the right questions, want to hear all about a partner with all the right answers? At IndeVets, we don’t just fill shifts, we elevate them. From clinical quality to cultural fit, our model is designed to take the guesswork (and the stress) out of finding reliable veterinary relief. Let’s walk through how we stack up.

Staffing made easy.

We make it easy to find coverage with just a few clicks. Post your shifts in our scheduling system and we’ll match you with one of our highly qualified doctors. You’ll get their full bio and profile—and they’ll get details about your hospital, so they can hit the ground running.

Unlike traditional relief vets who are independent contractors, IndeVets are W-2 employees. That means we handle all the logistics, so our doctors can focus on what matters most: great medicine and great teamwork.

Every IndeVet goes through a rigorous vetting process, including clinical interviews, personality assessments, and background checks. We only hire doctors who are clinically strong, reliable, and genuinely kind.

Quality and consistency, guaranteed.

Every IndeVet is more than a licensed clinician—we’re hand-picked, trained, and continuously supported to deliver your hospital’s standard of care.

Before joining, each doctor goes through a rigorous 8-step selection process that includes clinical interviews, personality assessments, and multiple reference checks. Once hired, they’re not left to drift—our clinical leadership team actively supports and oversees our doctors, providing real-time feedback, ongoing development, and routine check-ins.

We don’t just credential—we coach, mentor, and stay involved to ensure consistency and quality every shift.

The cost of a relief vet and the value they add.

IndeVets charges an hourly rate depending on your region. Specialty shifts like ER, surgery, and urgent care carry an additional premium.

But cost is only part of the equation. When you schedule an IndeVet, you’re getting a fully credentialed, highly skilled doctor who’s ready to contribute from day one. They help maintain continuity of care, boost team morale, and keep revenue flowing.

The all-in cost of scheduling an IndeVet is often lower than hiring a full-time associate. Why? Because we cover licensing, liability insurance, payroll taxes, benefits, and more.

Hiring a full-time doctor can be expensive and time consuming. Between recruiting, onboarding, benefits, CE allowances, licensing, and bonuses, the total cost is usually 1.25 to 1.4 times their base salary. That’s before you factor in the cost of burnout, turnover, or unfilled appointments.

With relief coverage, you stay open, avoid burnout, and keep clients happy. Plus, our credentialed vets consistently match or exceed staff DVM revenue and can deliver up to a 5X return on your investment—ensuring you’re not just covering shifts, but growing your bottom line.

The advantages of using a relief vet instead of hiring a full-time vet

If you have sustained demand, hiring a full-time associate is a great move. But recruiting and onboarding can take months—sometimes over a year. In the meantime, relief vets can bridge the gap.

And in today’s market, where there are more open roles than job-seeking vets, finding that perfect full-time doctor isn’t easy.

Relief coverage is also a smart way to test demand. Not sure if you need another full-timer? Try bringing in a relief doc for one or two days a week. It’s a low-risk way to gauge appointment volume and grow your client base without overcommitting.

Relief coverage can also help reduce burnout and turnover—giving your team the breathing room they need to take time off and stay energized.

What kind of continuity can I expect from relief doctors?

One of the biggest misconceptions about relief work is that it’s always one-and-done. But at IndeVets, that’s not the case.

Over 60% of our doctors return to the same hospitals for at least six months. That means you can have the same doctors return to your clinic again and again, building familiarity, consistency, and client trust.

Plus, with long-term options like our Associate IndeVet in Residence (AIVR) program, you can secure a consistent doctor for extended support—whether it’s to cover parental leave or bridge a hiring gap.

What’s the difference between IndeVets and other relief providers?

Many relief vets operate as 1099 contractors—meaning they handle their own scheduling, taxes, insurance, and CE. While that can work for some hospitals, it often leads to inconsistencies, last-minute cancellations, or mismatches in quality and culture.
IndeVets are full-time W-2 employees. We handle the logistics so our doctors can focus on medicine. That includes:

• Full credentialing and onboarding
• Clinical oversight and professional development
• Real-time shift feedback from hospitals like yours
• Guaranteed insurance coverage, payroll, and benefits

The result? Doctors who show up prepared, practice great medicine, and feel like part of the team.

Does IndeVets guarantee shift coverage?

We can’t promise every shift will get filled, but we do everything we can to make it happen. Posting your shifts 2–3 months in advance gives us the best shot at matching you with the right doctor.

We’re here to help you find the right doctor, not just any doctor. For more on how relief staffing works with IndeVets, check out our Hospital FAQ page or our overview on veterinary relief services.

Need someone consistent week to week? Over 60% of our doctors return to the same hospitals for at least six months, providing the continuity of care and clinic culture alignment that full-time doctors offer—without the long-term commitment.

To sign up to partner with IndeVets, click here.