Veterinary Support Staff Relief
I provide professional veterinary support staff relief services designed to assist clinics during planned absences, maternity or medical leave, defined staffing gaps, periods of growth, or other scheduling challenges. My goal is to integrate seamlessly into your team while maintaining the high standard of care your clients and patients expect.
With more than a decade of experience in general practice, emergency care, animal behavior, client communication, and clinic operations, I bring a practical perspective that emphasizes patient welfare, efficient workflow, staff support, and low-stress handling. I understand that every hospital operates differently, and I adapt to its established protocols, culture, and expectations.
Relief services are available to veterinary practices nationwide and may include general practice support, surgical preparation and monitoring support, inpatient care, laboratory and pharmacy tasks, client communication, animal handling, administrative assistance, and workflow support. Specific duties are determined by my training and experience, applicable state requirements, hospital protocols, and the direction of the attending veterinarian.
A complimentary consultation is required before scheduling relief services. This allows us to review the requested duties, assignment length, hospital expectations, travel requirements, and whether the arrangement is an appropriate fit for both parties.
General Practice Support
Support for daily veterinary hospital operations may include patient restraint and low-stress handling, obtaining patient histories and vital signs, preparing exam rooms, assisting with sample collection and in-house laboratory testing, radiology assistance, inpatient care, medical record documentation, client education, discharge assistance, and other permitted general practice support duties.
Specific duties are customized to the hospital’s needs and are performed according to applicable state requirements, established hospital protocols, and the direction of the attending veterinarian.
Surgical & Patient Care Support
Support for surgical, procedural, and hospitalized patients may include preparing patients and surgical areas, setting up equipment and supplies, assisting with anesthesia monitoring and documentation, maintaining patient comfort and cleanliness, monitoring recovery, providing inpatient care, preparing discharge instructions, and assisting with client communication.
Specific duties are based on my training and experience and are performed according to applicable state requirements, established hospital protocols, and the direction of the attending veterinarian.
Administrative & Operational Support
Temporary administrative and operational support is available when a practice manager, hospital administrator, or other leadership team member is away for a planned or defined period. Support may include coordinating daily operations, helping maintain staff schedules and workflow, addressing routine team or client concerns, managing internal communication, assisting with inventory and vendor needs, and ensuring established responsibilities continue to be completed.
The purpose of administrative relief is to maintain stability and follow the hospital’s existing policies, procedures, and leadership expectations during the absence. Changes to practice operations, protocols, staffing structure, or management systems are not made unless they are specifically requested, reviewed, and included within the agreed scope of services.
Relief Service Pricing
Veterinary support staff relief services are provided through Compass Collars & Co., LLC as an independent 1099 contractor. Pricing is customized according to the requested role and duties, assignment length, work schedule, hospital location, and travel requirements.
Following the initial consultation, the hospital will receive a written service and pricing package outlining the agreed scope of work, schedule, fees, travel arrangements, payment terms, and other applicable requirements before an agreement is finalized.
Scheduling & Availability
A standard relief assignment requires a minimum of one full business week based on the hospital’s normal operating schedule, such as Monday through Friday or Monday through Saturday, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Single-shift or urgent coverage may occasionally be considered when I am already in the area, but availability is limited and should not be expected.
Clinics are encouraged to request coverage as far in advance as possible. Availability depends on the requested dates, assignment length, hospital location, travel route, and scope of services. Once the coverage dates, schedule, and responsibilities have been agreed upon, a written contractor agreement must be signed by all parties before the assignment is officially confirmed.
Overtime
Hours worked beyond the agreed-upon schedule will be billed at one and one-half times (1.5x) the contracted rate.
Payment Terms
Invoices will be issued upon completion of services unless otherwise outlined in the service agreement. Payment is due within seven (7) calendar days of the invoice date.
Cancellation Policy
Due to the advance scheduling and travel requirements associated with relief services, the following cancellation terms apply to all confirmed assignments:
Cancellations made 14 or more calendar days before the scheduled start date will not incur a service cancellation fee. The hospital remains responsible for any nonrefundable travel expenses already incurred.
Cancellations made 7–13 calendar days before the scheduled start date will incur a fee equal to 50% of the scheduled services, plus any nonrefundable travel expenses already incurred.
Cancellations made fewer than 7 calendar days before the scheduled start date will incur a fee equal to 100% of the scheduled services, plus any nonrefundable travel expenses already incurred.
If the hospital ends an assignment after travel or services have begun, the hospital remains responsible for all completed work, completed travel days, nonrefundable travel expenses, and other costs already incurred. Any additional early-termination charges will be determined case by case according to the circumstances, notice provided, and individual service agreement.
When severe weather or an official government emergency prevents the assignment from proceeding safely, one rescheduling opportunity will be offered, subject to availability. The hospital remains responsible for nonrefundable travel expenses already incurred. If mutually acceptable replacement dates cannot be arranged, no service cancellation fee will be charged; however, incurred nonrefundable travel expenses remain due.
Cancellation fees and related expenses will be invoiced according to the standard payment terms. The complete cancellation and rescheduling terms included in the signed service agreement will apply to each assignment.
Need Veterinary Support Staff Relief?
To discuss upcoming coverage, requested duties, assignment dates, and travel requirements, submit an inquiry to begin the complimentary consultation process. I will follow up with you by email.