Relief vet in Utah – Everything you need to know
Should you become a relief vet in Utah? The process is easy and the fees are low. But so is the pay when compared to the similar jobs across the country. But if you’ve ever wanted to do that epic road trip to see the National Parks, relief work in Utah can fund it. Or maybe you love to ski. Hitting the slopes is easier when you can pick up some relief shifts to pay for your lift ticket. Getting your Utah veterinary license can easily pay for itself.
Becoming a relief vet in Utah
License information
Utah has a license by endorsement process for veterinarians who have been in practice for a year or more. This makes getting your relief vet Utah license a snap. Unlike California and Nevada, there is no state board exam. Opposite of California veterinary requirements, which only tests at certain time periods, you can apply online at any time.
The license is a very affordable $150, with an additional $100 fee for a controlled substance license, which can be helpful in emergency services.
Financial information
The average annual salary of a veterinarian in UT is $124,940. This is well above the national average, and one of the higher rates among neighboring states like Nevada and Colorado. Arizona beats out Utah average salaries by about $10k, though.
Utah has a 4.95% income tax to consider as well.
Where to find work for a relief vet in Utah
The bulk of Utah’s population is in the Salt Lake City metro area, which includes towns like Provo and Sandy. Naturally, there will be high demand for veterinary care in that area. St George and Cedar City near Zion and Bryce National Parks form a strong veterinary care area as well.
Most work is for small animal clinics and veterinary hospitals, which can include dentistry, dermatology, and emergency care. There’s also some shelter work available.
How to find relief vet work in Utah
A new job search can be tough. Many relief vets start by combing the job ads in their local region or state. Some clinicians will use a job board where you can bid on jobs or automatically accept them. Searching through job ads, whether traditional or electronic, can be a lot of work. Holiday Vet can fill your schedule, instead of you having to search for and bid on jobs.
Finding work-life balance
Utah is a great place for relief veterinarians who love the outdoors. From hiking in the spring and summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Utah has year-round attractions for active people.
Active relief vets in Utah will love the winter sport options
Salt Lake City was home to the 2002 Winter Olympics for a good reason. There’s plenty of snow and a lot of mountains, providing ample ground for all kinds of winter fun. Ski Utah lists 12 resorts in 5 distinct areas all within an hour drive of Salt Lake City. You can even try for your own piece of Olympic glory on the actual bobsled track from the 2002 Olympics.
“The Mighty Five”
You can’t talk about the outdoors in Utah without mentioning the fantastic National Parks. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks are all within a day’s drive of each other. But it could take a lifetime to discover all the beautiful trails and vistas. The best time to hike Utah’s Mighty Five is either the late spring or the fall, avoiding winter weather in Bryce and summer heat and crowds in all the parks.
Zion is the most popular of Utah’s parks, partially due to its proximity to Las Vegas. It’s just about a 3-hour drive from Sin City to Zion, making the most accessible of all the parks. The least visited is Capitol Reef. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Capitol Reef is your best best at the National Park level. The major disadvantage to National Parks is that pets are severly limited. Clinicians who want to take their furry friend along will find a lot of restrictions at the national parks.
State Parks
But the NPS doesn’t have a lock on the most beautiful vistas or best hikes. Utah’s state parks offer a great contrast to the crowded trails of their federal cousins. However, some state parks, like Dead Horse Point or Goblin Valley, have seen an increase in visitation.
Our tip is Kodachrome State Park. It features a unique type of rock formation called sedimentary pipes. Unlike most formations in Utah, these formations grew inside sandstone and were revealed as wind and water wore away the exterior rock.
The best benefit to state parks is that pets are allowed. Most Utah National Parks have severe pet restrictions. In Zion, for example, pets are only allowed on the Pa’rus Trail near the visitor center. None of the National Parks allow pets on unpaved trails. In state parks, pets are allowed on the trails but must be on a six-foot leash.
Are you ready to visit the Mighty Five? How about a shot at Olympic-level skill? Utah is ready for you. If you’re ready to become a relief vet in Utah, contact us for placements and shifts!