By Mary Tan
Photos provided by Roo
t’s no secret that being a veterinarian can be extremely grueling and stressful. The long hours, working with difficult pet parents, the sometimes grim patient outcomes and feelings of being unappreciated have many veterinarians expressing burnout in the profession. But what if you could take control of your life and work as an independent contractor or relief veterinarian instead?
“It was great to be your own boss and have so much flexibility,” Dr. Steller shares. “I was really an entrepreneur running a one-person business. I would recommend doing relief work to anyone. But you do have to know how to run a business, especially when it comes to taxes.”
Taxes are one of the challenges of doing relief work, but according to Dr. Andrew Findlaytor, who started working as a relief vet while also holding a full-time position after finishing veterinary school in 2015, it’s far easier than you think.
Dr. Findlaytor worked as a relief veterinarian for many years. With plenty of student debt after he graduated from the University of California, Davis, he worked extra hours at another veterinary clinic to supplement his income and pay off his loans. Soon he found that he liked the freedom so much, he decided to become a full-time contract vet. Dr. Findlaytor loved the ability to control his own schedule and meet and work with new people.
“You have so much control over your life that it’s hard to go back to a full-time position,” he states. “I remember I took a trip to Japan and wanted to stay longer. I was able to do that because, as a relief vet, I had so much flexibility. You also learn and experience so much working at a variety of places: in big and fancy hospitals, as well as unique and small clinics.”
You have so much control over your life that it’s hard to go back to a full-time position. You also learn and experience so much working at a variety of places.
– Dr. Andrew Findlaytor
When you’re a relief vet, you’re a small business. Dr. Findlaytor recommends establishing an LLC and/or S-Corp in your state. S-Corp status is often the best way to go as a small business since it has better tax advantages. When you work as a contractor for a clinic, you’ll also have to fill out a 1099 form, which the hospital or clinic will submit to the government to report what they paid you.
As a small business, you’re responsible for making sure Uncle Sam gets your tax money. Don’t forget to put aside this money, as it could be difficult paying a large tax bill if you haven’t saved properly. Dr. Findlaytor recommends saving 30% of your total earnings to cover taxes.
As a relief vet, however, you can deduct anything you use for your profession, like mileage, cell phone bills or any veterinary supplies. That can really help lower how much you pay in taxes when you file your tax return.
If you feel uneasy about doing your own tax work, most accountants can easily help you, and their fees are usually reasonable. If you don’t like to do the “business” side of relief work, hiring an expert in the area is advisable, as they can guide you every step of the way.
Dr. Steller says one of her challenges was not always planning for her taxes at the end of the year, which led her to some hefty tax bills.
“I chose not to hire an accountant; I did it by myself,” she explains. “I have to admit this is the part I didn’t care for. But I do think I made considerably more as a relief vet.”
“I love animals, and I love people,” he shares. “It’s exciting to me to work with new people and environments. After working in many hospitals, I have found friendships at all of them.”
For those just graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Findlaytor recommends working a full-time veterinary position to get your feet wet first. Relief work can be beneficial in finding the animal hospital or clinic that meets your needs, but working in a clinic full time gives you the experience to learn more so you can get a feel for what you like and don’t like.
If being a relief vet interests you in the future, be careful not to lock yourself into a non-compete and understand the ramifications of agreeing to a signing bonus. The hospitals may ask for that money back if you leave!
Those who are specialty-boarded veterinarians in areas like cardiology or dentistry also have opportunities for relief work, and often, there is a nice pay differential that can supplement your income even more.
Dr. Findlaytor says working as a relief vet has been perfect for him and his lifestyle, providing him with the freedom to do what he wants. Dr. Steller agrees. While she now works a full-time job, she was able to experience what it was like at a small animal hospital, a big chain of veterinary practices, and a high-volume spay and neuter clinic at a Minnesota animal shelter.
“Being a relief vet allowed me to figure out what kind of situation I like best. I enjoy what I do now, which I figured out thanks to my experiences as a relief vet,” concludes Dr. Steller.
- Roo. https://www.roo.vet/
