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Veterinary Locum Relief Marketplace

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đź©ş Locum Relief Work: Decided. Preparation? Here’s How

[ Still considering getting into Locum Relief Work? Visit our first article in this series ]

You’ve made the call to try locum relief work, whether that means the occasional weekend to keep skills fresh or a full shift into flexible, independent practice. You want more say over when you work, who you work with, and how your week fits around real life. The goal now is simple. Build a foundation that keeps you steady when clinics, teams, and caseloads change, so you can walk in confident and get straight to good medicine.

Preparation is not busywork. It is the quiet structure that gives you freedom. As you set clear rules for the work you accept, sort out how you’ll handle money that arrives at different times, choose the right business setup, and gather the documents clinics actually ask for, you test your readiness in the best possible way. Some people realise they want to start small. Others feel ready to go all in. Either way, the steps you take here turn a bold idea into a calm, professional plan…

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Mindset: Build stability you can carry from clinic to clinic

Stepping into locum work means the rhythm of your week will feel different. Instead of the same roster, same team, and same systems, you’ll find that shifts vary, colleagues change, and clinics run things in their own way. That can feel unsettling at first, but it’s also what gives you the freedom to shape work around your life. The trick is to create a few anchors that travel with you, no matter where you are.

Start by getting clear on your own rules. Ask yourself:

  • How far am I willing to travel?

  • What hours work best for me?

  • Which types of cases do I enjoy most, and which do I prefer to avoid?

When you know those boundaries in advance, it’s easier to say yes with confidence and no without guilt. Pair that with a simple buffer for the quieter weeks and a habit of looking back at what worked each Friday, and suddenly the uncertainty feels much more manageable. You won’t control every detail, but you’ll know exactly how to steady yourself when the week takes an unexpected turn.

Instant Tip: Write down your three non-negotiables for accepting shifts. Keep them in your phone so every decision is quick and consistent.

I used to accept everything and felt exhausted. Once I set my own rules, I worked fewer nights, earned what I needed, and enjoyed the variety again – Maria L., Emergency Vet, Austin, Texas, USA

Money Systems: Treat this like a real business from day one

One of the biggest shifts when you start locum work is realising that you are now your own business. That doesn’t mean you need to love spreadsheets or spend hours on admin, but it does mean putting a few simple systems in place so your work feels professional and your income feels reliable. The way you handle money will shape how confident you feel about this new chapter.

Think first about the structure you want to work under. Setting up as a business, whatever that looks like in your region, is more than just paperwork. It is a signal to yourself that this isn’t a side hustle, it is a professional commitment. That mindset will help you approach clinics with confidence, price your time accurately, and keep tax time from becoming a nightmare.

Next comes knowing your worth. Locum rates can look attractive on paper, but you need to build in everything that a salaried role once covered for you: tax, insurance, continuing education, unpaid leave, and even the time it takes to do your own admin. When you add those layers in, you arrive at a minimum daily or hourly rate that actually sustains you long term and makes it much easier to say no to offers that undervalue your skills.

Finally, think about tools that keep money flowing smoothly without much effort. A lightweight invoicing app, a simple way to track expenses, and a cash flow snapshot you update once a week is enough. None of this needs to be complex. The goal is clarity: you always know what is coming in, what is going out, and whether you are on track. That clarity gives you the freedom to focus on patients instead of paperwork.

Instant Tip: Create a one page rate calculator. List your monthly expenses (personal and professional), add in your target savings, and divide it by the number of shifts you want to work. The number you see is the minimum rate you need to feel secure.

I used to guess what I should charge, then felt guilty for asking. Once I worked out my true daily rate, I stopped second guessing and clinics respected it straight away – James P., Small Animal Vet, Manchester, UK

Compliance & Credentials: Be ready before anyone asks

One of the quickest ways to stand out as a locum is to be easy to book. Clinics move fast, and if they have to chase you for paperwork or double check your registration status, that hesitation can cost you shifts. When everything they might ask for is already organised and ready to share, you come across as professional and dependable before you even walk through the door.

Think of compliance as your foundation. Registration, licensing, insurance, and continuing education records are not just legal requirements, they are signals of your reliability. Keeping them current shows you take your profession seriously and that you are someone a clinic can trust to step in with minimal fuss. The simplest way to do this is to create a secure digital folder that holds your essentials — proof of identity, CV, professional registration, insurance certificate, immunisation record, CPD log, and at least two referees. Shareable with a private link, this folder makes every request a matter of minutes, not hours.

It also pays to be proactive. Different regions and clinics will have their own expectations around prescribing rights, controlled drugs, and documentation. By making yourself aware of the broad differences before you accept work, you avoid awkward last minute surprises. More importantly, you build the habit of reviewing and renewing regularly, so nothing important ever lapses unnoticed.

Instant Tip: Create a one page credentials summary that lists your qualifications, registration numbers, insurance details, and key renewal dates. Save it as a PDF in your secure folder and update it every time something changes.

I once lost a two week block of work because I couldn’t produce proof of insurance quickly enough. Now I keep everything in one folder with a private link and it has never been a problem again – Sophie T., Veterinary Nurse, Brisbane, Australia

Insurance & Risk: Protect your license, income, and peace of mind

Working as a locum gives you freedom, but it also means the safety nets of a permanent job are no longer there. No practice manager is keeping track of your insurance, no HR team is making sure your cover is up to date. That responsibility is yours, and the best time to think about it is before your first booking, not after something goes wrong.

Professional liability insurance is the big one. It protects you if a case outcome is challenged and, in many regions, it also covers the legal costs of defending your license. Public liability is different. It protects you if a client, visitor, or another third party is injured or suffers damage in connection with your work. Some clinics include this in their own cover, others expect you to have it yourself, so it is worth checking before you sign.

The other side of risk is your own livelihood. As a locum, no shifts means no pay, so it is worth considering income protection or personal accident cover that suits your situation. Even a short period off work due to illness or injury can disrupt your plans, and having a backup in place makes the financial side of recovery much easier.

Finally, keep it simple. One current certificate of insurance in your digital folder, renewal dates set as calendar reminders, and a short incident log template you update after critical events. That is all it takes to go from exposed to prepared.

Instant Tip: Add your insurance renewal dates to your phone calendar with a 30 day reminder. That way you will never find yourself mid shift with lapsed cover.

A colleague once challenged a treatment plan I had documented, and my insurance covered the review and legal advice. It was a relief to know I did not have to manage it alone – Kevin S., Small Animal Vet, Denver, Colorado, USA

Operations Toolkit: Make your workflow portable

Every clinic runs things differently. Software, drug names, case handovers, even where they keep the bandage scissors can vary from place to place. Walking into that mix without preparation can feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a few portable systems, you can steady yourself quickly and get straight to patient care.

Start with your Day-1 pack. This might include a short clinic questionnaire, your preferred analgesia or anesthesia protocols, an emergency drug reference, and a simple consent template. Having these ready means you can adapt to a new environment without losing time. Pair that with a light gear list of the tools you like to bring yourself, balanced with the essentials you expect the clinic to provide, and you’ll never feel caught short.

Digital tools matter too. A calendar that syncs across devices, a task list that helps you keep on top of follow-ups, a password manager, and a secure notes app can make every new shift easier. Add your preferred clinical references — whether that is VIN, Vetlexicon, or Plumb’s — and you have a toolkit that works anywhere.

Finally, think about your first ten minutes. If you build a simple checklist for how you orient yourself in a new clinic, you remove the small frustrations that can add up. Knowing which software shortcuts you rely on, who to call for lab results, or where to find crash drugs can make a big difference in how smooth your day feels.

Instant Tip: Write a “before you leave the house” checklist with the essentials you never want to forget. A charged laptop, charger, stethoscope, ID badge, lunch, and your Day-1 pack can all live on the list. Tick it off every time and you’ll start each shift with less stress.

I used to waste half an hour every shift figuring out software and chasing supplies. Once I wrote a quick first-ten-minutes checklist, I felt calmer and clinics noticed I was ready to work straight away – Lauren B., Veterinary Technician, Portland, Oregon, USA

Marketing & Networking: Make work find you

Many new locums imagine they will spend hours chasing clinics for shifts. In reality, the clinics are often the ones looking, they just need to know who you are and that you are ready. A little upfront effort in how you present yourself can generate one off bookings that then turn into repeat calls, and repeat calls are what build stability.

Start with the basics. A one page bio with a clear headshot and three short testimonials goes a long way. Keep it simple: who you are, the work you enjoy most, and the types of shifts you are open to. The key is consistency. When clinics see a clear, professional profile again and again, you become the person they think of first when gaps appear in the roster.

And then there is the easiest option of all: put yourself where clinics are already searching. Veterinary Locumotion was built to do exactly that, giving you one polished profile with your credentials and preferences all in one place. Instead of chasing, you become visible to the practices that need you most.

Instant Tip: Take 5 minutes to register and set up your Veterinary Locumotion profile. Upload your bio, headshot, credentials summary, and a couple of strong testimonials. It really does take just 5 minutes 🌞

I used to take on any work and felt like I was always behind my budget. Once I set up a profile on Veterinary Locumotion, clinics started contacting me first. Now I get to choose better – Hannah W., Veterinary Technician, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Interstate and International Readiness: Be location aware, not location bound

One of the attractions of locum work is the ability to say yes to opportunities beyond your usual patch. A weekend in another state, a summer in a different city, or even a stretch overseas can bring variety and growth. But to make those opportunities safe and smooth, you need to be clear on what each new location expects from you before you arrive.

Every region has its own rules about professional registration, prescribing rights, and insurance cover. Some requirements overlap neatly, others do not. The clinics you work with will assume you have checked the details, so the safest habit is to review the official veterinary board or regulator website before you commit. Building this as part of your workflow means you never need to second guess whether you are compliant.

Travel logistics also matter. Health insurance, travel cover, access to prescriptions, and even basics like banking or phone service can all shift once you cross a border. Creating a short “travel ready” checklist for yourself ensures you do not waste energy scrambling for essentials. The more these steps are standardised, the easier it is to focus on the work itself rather than worrying about what you might have overlooked.

Instant Tip: Pick one new state and one country where you would like to spend some time living as well as working, and start exploring what you need for licensing, insurance coverage, and everyday logistics to practice there for six months. It is an exciting goal to have on your horizon.

I missed a great opportunity just across the border because I assumed my license was still valid when it had actually expired. Now I have set a calendar reminder for all my renewals – Chris D., Emergency Vet, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Closing Thoughts

Starting locum work is more than just booking your first shift. It is a conscious shift in how you approach your career, your income, and your professional identity. The preparation you put in now, setting your rules, organising your documents, securing your insurance, and choosing the tools that make you calm and effective, will shape how smooth and rewarding this transition feels. Locum work can look uncertain from the outside, but with the right foundations it becomes one of the most flexible and fulfilling ways to practice.

And remember, this applies no matter how you approach it. Some of you will start with the occasional weekend, others may take the leap into a fully committed locum relief lifestyle. Neither path is better. What matters is that you are intentional about how you prepare, so that each shift reflects the kind of career and lifestyle you want. Done well, locum work can give you more variety, more freedom, and a clearer sense of control over your professional future.

Pre-Start Preparation Checklist

Mindset

  • Set your personal rules for accepting work: shift length, travel distance, after-hours, and case types

  • Keep a small savings buffer to smooth quieter weeks

  • Schedule a simple weekly review: what worked, what to stop, what to adjust

  • Build a reset routine you can rely on after challenging shifts

Money

  • Choose a business structure that fits how you want to work

  • Work out a minimum daily or hourly rate that covers all true costs, including tax, insurance, CPD, and unpaid leave

  • Use a lightweight system for invoicing, expense tracking, and cash flow snapshots

  • Set quarterly reminders to review your pricing and availability against your goals

Compliance & Credentials

  • Store essential documents in a single secure digital folder with a private link

  • Include photo ID, CV, professional registration, insurance, immunisation record, CPD log, and referees

  • Create a one page credentials summary with renewal dates clearly listed

  • Add calendar reminders 30 and 60 days before each renewal

Insurance & Risk

  • Maintain professional liability insurance with license defense where available

  • Confirm whether public liability is required in your typical contracts

  • Consider income protection or personal accident cover suited to your situation

  • Keep a simple incident log template ready for use after critical events

Operations Toolkit

  • Prepare a Day-1 pack: clinic questionnaire, protocols, emergency references, consent templates, invoice template

  • Define a light gear list you carry yourself and what you expect the clinic to provide

  • Set up digital basics: synced calendar, task list, password manager, secure notes, and e-signature

  • Keep your preferred clinical references accessible on your phone or laptop

Marketing & Networking

  • Write a one page bio that highlights your skills and interests

  • Add a clear headshot and gather three short testimonials

  • Refresh your professional presence on LinkedIn and in local groups

  • Take five minutes to set up your Veterinary Locumotion profile with your bio, credentials, and testimonials

Interstate and International

  • Make it a habit to check the official veterinary board or regulator website before confirming work outside your usual region

  • Prepare a short “travel ready” checklist that covers insurance, health cover, prescriptions, and banking essentials

  • Set calendar reminders for all license renewals so you never discover an expiry at the wrong time

Tools Index: Practical Helpers for Everyday Locum Life

Once you’ve laid the groundwork, getting your mindset, finances, credentials, insurance, operations and networking systems in place, the right digital tools can turn preparation into daily ease. These apps and platforms help you stay organised, connected, and confident, whether you’re doing the occasional weekend shift or building a full time locum career.

Bookkeeping and Invoicing

Staying Organised and On Time

Your Veterinary Brain in Your Pocket

Information in a Click

Smart Job Tracking and Networking

Focus and Flow Tools

Travel Made Easy

Peace of Mind While You Work

Rest and Recharge

Veterinary Locumotion is brought to you by the Team that also drives Veterinary Jobs Marketplace, the leading global veterinary jobs marketplace…

Every Veterinarian, Veterinary Nurse or Veterinary Technician can now enjoy our elegantly simple, extremely flexible and highly professional platform. Publish your Profile and post your Availabilities – from just a single day to multiple days and weeks, and up to 400 days in advance – and be instantly Matched with Locum Relief jobs and work opportunities locally, interstate or internationally.

Veterinary Employers can now enjoy our elegantly simple, extremely flexible and highly professional platform. Publish your Business Profile and post your open shift Needs – from just a single day to multiple days and weeks, and up to 400 days in advance – and be instantly Matched with Locum Relief team members locally, interstate or internationally.

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Completely transparent. No agency fees. No hourly rate markups. No complex arrangements or middlemen. No payment delays. Employers and Veterinarians, Veterinary Nurses or Veterinary Technicians deal directly with each other. No-one in between, not even us!

Discover more about our Veterinary Locum Relief Marketplace and get all of the answers to your FAQ’s here.