Being a successful locum vet isn’t just about showing up with a stethoscope and a smile. Whether you’re hopping between clinics a few days a week or fully committed to the relief lifestyle, you’re managing a small, mobile business — and that means juggling rosters, invoices, travel, paperwork, and clinical decisions, often solo. The good news? You don’t need to do it all with just memory and Post-it notes.

Your phone is already in your pocket — and with the right mix of smart, reliable apps, it can be your PA, bookkeeper, scheduler, and stress buffer. In this guide, we’ve hand-picked tools that help you stay on top of the practical stuff, keep your work-life balance in check, and make every day on the job feel just a bit smoother. From managing your bookings to finding great coffee near your next gig, here’s the digital support crew every locum vet should have…

While recent articles from locum relief agencies comparing relief veterinary work to full-time employment highlight some important points about flexibility and hourly rates, they don’t always tell the full story or make an “apples to apples” comparison. It’s crucial to understand the complete financial picture to make an informed career decision. Let’s examine the key factors that impact actual take-home earnings as well as your lifestyle…

The day starts early. Backpack packed, stethoscope checked, scrubs on. Every choice ahead belongs to the vet, supported by the practice. Being a locum relief veterinarian means stepping into new clinics, working with different teams, and shaping every workday without the weight of long-term obligations.

It is not just about flexibility. You also need to have a plan and approach that works for all stakeholders. It is about learning how to make each shift run smoothly, adapt quickly, and still walk out the door on time, with work done and life waiting. Here is what that looks like hour-by-hour…

As a practice owner, you might be feeling the pinch of being short-staffed lately. With the growing demand for veterinary services, there just aren’t enough Veterinarians, Veterinary Nurses, and Technicians to cover every open position. In many practices, this means temporarily leaning on a locum relief team member. While locum relief Veterinary Pros can be a fabulous asset to your practice and help fill those pesky gaps, they can also be hard to come by. Depending on your location, there may be a limited supply of locum relief vets, nurses, and techs in your area, and you might find yourself in a friendly competition with other practices vying for their attention. Discover how you can make your practice shine bright, increasing your chances of finding, wooing, and keeping top-notch locum relief team members…

The freedom and flexibility of locum relief work opens doors to diverse clinical experiences while giving you control over your schedule—benefits that make this career path increasingly attractive for veterinary professionals. But this professional liberty comes with unique responsibilities, particularly when it comes to protecting yourself legally and financially. Comprehensive insurance coverage isn’t just paperwork; it’s the foundation that allows you to practice with confidence across different settings.

For veterinarians, nurses, and technicians working across state lines or international borders, understanding your insurance needs becomes even more critical. The right coverage doesn’t just shield you from potential claims—it demonstrates your commitment to professional standards and gives practice owners peace of mind when bringing you onto their team. With thoughtful preparation, you can focus on providing exceptional patient care rather than worrying about coverage gaps…

Locum relief work: it’s a world of opportunity, flexibility, and, yes, occasional stress. Whether you’re a veteran relief pro or considering the leap, mastering the art of a stress-free locum lifestyle is key to long-term success and satisfaction.

Tap into the collective wisdom of experienced locum vets, nurses, and techs. They share real-life strategies for thriving amidst changing clinics, variable incomes, and evolving professional demands. From crafting stability in an inherently flexible career to keeping your skills sharp on the move, learn the essentials of a balanced locum life.

Discover how to anticipate challenges, build resilience, and turn the unique aspects of locum work to your advantage. Transform potential stressors into stepping stones for a fulfilling career – one that’s not just stress-free but deeply rewarding…

Some Locum Relief Veterinarians, Nurses, and Veterinary Technicians operate without a written Contract, preferring to make all of their arrangements verbally. Not exactly the best idea, but for occasional work, that can be sufficient. However, as a regular Locum Relief provider, a Contract is as essential as a stethoscope. Having a simple, Plain English Contract helps formalize the nature of the relationship, pre-empts any potential misunderstandings, and is mutually beneficial for all Parties concerned. So, whether you are a seasoned Locum Relief Veterinary Professional or just starting out, our Locum Relief Contract checklist is a great place to start…

Considering a move into locum relief work? Whether you’re a veterinarian, nurse, or technician, you already know your way around your regular practice. But locum life brings its own set of unique challenges and opportunities. We’ve reached out to some seasoned professionals in our Community, and they’ve shared their insights on 5 key skills that will help you thrive as a locum relief professional. Ready to expand your horizons and make a real impact? Let’s explore what it takes to succeed…

Have you ever considered dipping your toes into the world of relief work? Also known as locum work, this flexible career path is gaining popularity among veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary technicians. It’s a chance to shake up your routine, expand your horizons, and potentially boost your income – all while maintaining control over your schedule. Relief work isn’t just for the seasoned pros looking to mix things up. New graduates can use it to sample different practice styles, mid-career professionals might leverage it for better work-life balance, and those nearing retirement could find it’s a perfect way to stay engaged without the full-time commitment.

This introductory guide aims to give you a solid starting point for exploring the world of veterinary relief work. We’ll cover the basics of getting started, marketing yourself, managing assignments, and key financial considerations. While we can’t cover every detail, we’ll provide you with enough information to begin your preparations and decide if relief work might be right for you. So, whether you’re a vet, vet nurse, or vet tech, let’s explore how you can make a splash in the relief pool. Who knows? You might find it’s the perfect temperature for your career…