Working as a relief vet in the Centennial State can have a host of advantages. Salaries are on par with the national average. The state’s combination of dramatic scenery, lively cities and towns, and laid-back culture all make for a fantastic setting for vet relief work.

Becoming a Relief Vet in Colorado

Colorado is a highly sought-after travel destination, especially for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Whether you’re looking to peak bag or cruise down famous slopes, adding some time to do relief work in Colorado can take the financial sting out of what can be a very pricey vacation. 

Relief work is also excellent for veterinarians looking to relocate to Colorado. With a variety of corporate hospitals and private clinics, relief work allows you to get the lay of the land before signing on with a practice full-time.

Licensing

Your Colorado veterinary license is good for two years and expires on October 31 of even-numbered years. Licensing by endorsement is available and costs $150. All license applications are done online, and state boards are not required. 

Salary

Colorado vets’ salary averages out to $103,700 annually, with a growth of less than 5% from 2021. That places it in the middle of its neighbors. Relief veterinarians in Utah top out the list at $124,000 on average.

State	Salary	Tax	Net
Utah	$124,940	4.85%	$118,880
Kansas	$105,810	5.70%	$99,779
Colorado	$103,700	4.40%	$99,137
Wyoming	$96,220	0.00%	$96,220
New Mexico	$95,110	4.90%	$90,450
Nebraska	$87,440	6.84%	$81,459

Inside the state, Boulder County has the highest average salary, topping out at $110,860. The Denver area is close behind at over $107,000. Greely, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins are all around the $100k mark. The more rural areas command lower rates.

Issues Pertinent To Relief Vets in Colorado

Colorado strongly recommends veterinary dental work to be done with anesthesia and recommends a disclosure form for any anesthesia-free dentistry offered. You may want to briefly address this with your clinic/s.

From a health issue perspective, Colorado relief veterinarians should keep an eye out for:

• Hypothermia (seasonally)
• Antifreeze poisoning
• Mistreatment and abuse
• Equine West Nile Virus
• Avian infuenza
• Anthrax
• Hantavirus

Ticks native to Colorado do not carry Lyme disease, but may carry other infections, like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or Colorado Tick Fever. 

Altitude does have an impact on animals. In Colorado, you may see effects on patients that have recently been relocated from other states or that go hiking with their owners. Patients native to Colorado shouldn’t see any issues from the elevation.

Balancing Work and Life In Colorado

Colorado is defined by its mountainous landscape. Whether you’re taking a weekend in the mile-high city, skiing at one of the numerous resorts, or enjoying the fantastic nature in the summer, there’s a lot of ways to relax. 

Let Holiday Vet help you get relief veterinarian work in Colorado!