Work and Play for Relief Veterinarians in Arizona
The Copper State is an interesting state for veterinarians. Let’s take a look at the situation for relief veterinarians in Arizona. We’ll then review some of the places to find work-life balance in the Grand Canyon State.
Veterinarian Basics in Arizona
We’ll start with the basics of being a relief veterinarian in Arizona. We’ll take an in-depth look at:
- Licensing
- Salaries
- Regional risks
Licensing as a Relief Vet in Arizona
Arizona has three ways to get a veterinary license:
- Regular license – if you have taken the NAVLE in the last five years
- Licensure by Endorsement – if it’s been over five years since you’ve taken the NAVLE
- Licensure by Universal Recognition – if you’ve had an out-of-state license for at least a year and are now an Arizona resident
Licenses expire in even years on December 31.
The regular license and licensure by universal endorsement are both $400 plus a license issuance fee of maximum $200 for a total of $600. The issuance fee reduces to $100 in even-numbered years, as you’re only getting one year of licensure.
Licensure by endorsement is a whopping $750. There is no additional issuance fee.
You must pass the state boards. There is no additional fee for the state board exam, which can be done as a take-home test.
Arizona Veterinary Salaries
The average veterinarian salary for Arizona is $136,780, significantly above the national average. Here’s a comparison of salary, tax rate, and take home pay based on our research on vet salaries across the nation:
| State | Avg Salary | Tax Rate | Net Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $136,780 | 4.17% | $127,217 |
| California | $134,190 | 9.30% | $124,627 |
| Utah | $124,940 | 4.95% | $115,377 |
| Nevada | $100,380 | 0.00% | $90,817 |
| New Mexico | $95,110 | 4.90% | $85,547 |
Regional Risks for Relief Veterinarians in Arizona
For vets coming in from outside the Southwest, Arizona’s dry, hot climate leads to a surplus of heat-related health issues. Be ready for:
- Burned paws
- Heatstroke
- Dehydration
You’ll see less incidences of:
- Fleas and ticks
- Parasites
Where Relief Veterinarians in Arizona Work
There is high demand for relief vets in the Phoenix metro area, including Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and Chandler. We have strong demand from animal hospitals in these cities and jobs available for you right now.
Additionally, the Tucson area needs relief veterinarians. We’re excited to offer a variety of shifts at veterinary clinics in the Tucson area.
For relief vets in Nevada with an Arizona license, relief work may be available in Bullhead City, the Mohave Valley, and down to Lake Havasu City. Obviously these shifts are also available to local Arizona residents as well.
Work-Life Balance in Arizona
It’s no secret that Arizona has great options for rest and relaxation. For Arizona veterinarians, the Grand Canyon is a must-do, but we’d like to highlight some spots that are closer to locals. Whether you love the vortexes of Sedona, the nostalgia of Route 66, or extreme science, there’s something for everyone.
Vortexes and Rock Slides in Sedona
For those who find balance with spiritual energy, Sedona is a fantastic destination. From the famous energy vortexes across the town to the dramatic Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona offers plenty of ways to find inner peace and balance.
If you find water experiences refreshing, then you’ll want to stop by Slide Rock State Park just outside Sedona. Erosion has created a natural waterslide in this popular swimming spot. While leashed pets are allowed in the park, they have to stay away from the swimming area.
Prime Route 66 Nostalgia
One of the best stretches of the original Route 66 is in Arizona. From Ash Fork, just west of Flagstaff, to the California border, long stretches of the Mother Road invite motorists for a view of the road less traveled. This section includes an old general store in Hackberry, a Route 66 museum in Kingman, and historic Oatman, where donkeys rule the streets.
Sections of the road have the iconic highway badge painted on the pavement. We do not recommend parking your car in the middle of the street to run out and get your photo with these unique road markings. We haven’t done this ourselves, of course not!
Airplanes and Biodomes near Tucson
If science is your jam, then you’ll want to spend a few days in Tucson. Just north of the city is the Pima Air & Space Museum. This is the place to see some of the wildest aircraft, like the Super Guppy. The Super Guppy carried stages of the Saturn rocket and looks, well, a little like a fat guppy. Your pets are more than welcome on the museum grounds, but there are a few areas, like the restaurant, that are pet-free zones.
South of Tucson is the Biodome 2, an extensive experiment in biodome creation. The site was constructed for a multi-year experiment and is now open to visitors. If you want to explore 5 different ecologies before returning to the desert, this is the place. Because of the delicate ecological balance in the Biodome, pets are not allowed.
Arizona is a Great Place For Relief Vets
Don’t mind the heat. With a variety of natural enticements, stunning vistas, good pay and strong demand, relief veterinarians in Arizona have great career options. Finding a work-life balance here is possible! Join Holiday Vet in finding good animal hospitals to work for in Arizona. We know how to balance work and play.