Hiring the right team is essential for any veterinary practice, but deciding between locum and permanent staff can be challenging. Both options offer unique benefits and potential drawbacks, depending on your practice’s needs. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of hiring locum vets versus permanent staff to help you make the best choice for your clinic.
What Is a Locum Vet?
A locum vet is a temporary veterinary professional who fills in for absent staff, covers busy periods, or helps when there’s a shortage of permanent employees. Locum vets can work on short- or long-term contracts and often bring flexibility to a practice, but should not be used for regular shifts/days.
What Is a Permanent Vet?
A permanent vet is a full-time or part-time employee who works consistently within your practice. They are part of your long-term team and play a key role in the overall development of your clinic.
Pros and Cons of Hiring Locum Vets
Pros:
Flexibility – Locums allow you to scale your workforce up or down based on demand.
Immediate Cover – Ideal for covering staff absences, holidays, maternity leave, or sudden departures.
Specialist Skills – Some locums bring expertise in areas like surgery or exotic animal care.
Trial Periods – A great way to assess a vet’s compatibility before offering a permanent role.
Cons:
Higher Cost – Locum vets often charge higher daily rates compared to salaried employees.
Less Team Continuity – Regular staff changes can disrupt client relationships and team dynamics.
Limited Commitment – Locums may not invest in the long-term success of your practice.
Availability Issues – Good locum vets are in high demand, making it harder to secure consistent cover.
Pros and Cons of Hiring Permanent Vets
Pros:
Consistency & Team Stability – Builds strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
Long-Term Investment – Permanent vets contribute to the growth and reputation of your practice.
More Cost-Effective – While salaries and benefits are ongoing expenses, they often cost less than frequent locum fees.
Better Practice Development – Permanent staff are involved in strategic decisions, training, and clinic improvements.
Cons:
Less Flexibility – You can’t scale staff numbers as easily in response to demand fluctuations.
Recruitment Challenges – Finding and onboarding the right permanent vet takes time and resources.
Risk of Turnover – If a permanent employee leaves, you’ll need to repeat the hiring process.
Potential Burnout – Without locum support, full-time vets may experience stress from heavy caseloads.
Which Option Is Best for Your Practice?
Choose Locum Vets If:
You need temporary cover for holidays, sickness, or unexpected absences.
Your practice experiences seasonal fluctuations in demand.
You’re struggling to find a permanent hire but need immediate help.
You want to trial a vet before offering a full-time role.
Choose Permanent Vets If:
You want to build a stable, long-term team.
Your practice relies on strong client relationships and continuity of care.
You’re focused on developing a specific workplace culture.
You want a more predictable staffing budget.
Finding the Right Balance
Many successful veterinary practices use a mix of both locum and permanent staff. Locum vets provide flexibility when needed, while a strong permanent team ensures stability and growth. The key is to assess your clinic’s specific needs and plan accordingly.
If you’re looking to hire the right veterinary professionals—whether locum or permanent— Vetted Recruitment Limited can help! Get in touch today to discuss your staffing needs.