Most vets work 40 to 50 hours a week, but the actual number depends on the type of practice and whether they own the clinic

A typical veterinarian employed at an animal hospital or clinic works between 40 and 50 hours per week. This usually means a standard five-day schedule, though many practices stay open six days a week and rotate staff. Emergency and specialty practices run longer hours — some 24 hours a day — so vets working those shifts may work fewer consecutive days but longer shifts when they are on call.

Veterinarians who own their own practice often work longer hours, especially in the first few years. Solo practitioners and small-clinic owners frequently work 50 to 60 hours weekly because they handle not only patient care but also scheduling, billing, staff management, and ordering supplies. Large animal vets (those treating cattle, horses, and farm animals) may work irregular hours that include early mornings, evenings, and weekends to accommodate farm schedules.

Key Takeaways

  • Employed veterinarians at standard clinics typically work 40 to 50 hours per week across five or six days.
  • Emergency and specialty animal hospitals operate around the clock, so vets there work shift schedules that may include nights and weekends.
  • Practice owners usually work longer hours than employed vets, often 50 to 60 hours weekly, because they manage the business side as well as patient care.
  • Large animal veterinarians work irregular schedules that follow farm and ranch routines rather than standard business hours.
  • Many veterinarians work on-call rotations, meaning they may be contacted outside their scheduled hours for emergencies.

How hours differ by practice type

Small animal clinics (treating dogs, cats, and small pets) typically operate 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and shorter hours on Saturday. A vet working full-time at this type of clinic usually works 40 to 45 hours per week. Some clinics close on Sundays; others stay open one evening per week. If the clinic has multiple vets, they rotate weekend duty.

Emergency and specialty hospitals operate differently. These facilities stay open 24 hours or have extended evening and weekend hours because they handle urgent cases after regular clinics close. A vet working at an emergency hospital might work a 12-hour shift four days a week, or a 10-hour shift five days a week. The total hours can be similar to a standard clinic, but the schedule is compressed into fewer days with longer shifts.

Large animal practices serving farms and ranches have no fixed schedule. A vet may start at 5 a.m. to treat a sick cow, work through the afternoon, and return at night if an animal is in labor. These vets often work 50 to 60 hours per week, though the hours are spread unevenly across the days.

Research and laboratory positions typically follow standard business hours — 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. These roles do not involve emergency calls or weekend coverage.

On-call and emergency coverage

Many veterinarians work on-call rotations, which means they are available to handle emergencies outside their regular hours. On-call time is not always paid at the same rate as regular hours, and policies vary by employer. Some clinics pay a flat on-call fee; others pay only when the vet is actually called in.

A vet on call might be contacted once a week or several times per week, depending on the practice size and location. Rural practices often have longer on-call stretches because there are fewer vets available. Urban emergency hospitals have more vets sharing the rotation, so each person's on-call burden is lighter.

On-call hours are often not counted toward the standard 40-hour work week, so a vet working 40 hours plus on-call duty is effectively working more than 40 hours per week when you include the time spent responding to emergencies.

How ownership affects work hours

Veterinarians who own their practice work significantly more than employed vets. A practice owner handles patient care, staff hiring and training, scheduling, inventory management, billing disputes, and business planning. These tasks happen before the clinic opens, after it closes, and often on days off.

New practice owners often work 60 to 70 hours per week in the first few years while building the business and establishing a client base. As the practice grows and the owner hires more staff, hours may decrease, but most owners continue to work 50 to 60 hours weekly. Some owners reduce their clinical hours as they take on more administrative work, while others maintain a full patient schedule and add management hours on top.

Part-time and flexible schedules

Not all veterinarians work full-time. Some work part-time schedules of 20 to 30 hours per week, often to balance work with family or other commitments. Part-time vets are common in larger clinics where multiple vets can share the patient load.

A few practices offer flexible scheduling, where a vet might work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days, or work three longer days per week. These arrangements are less common in small clinics but more available in larger hospitals and corporate-owned chains.

Seasonal variation in hours

Some veterinary practices experience seasonal changes in workload. Small animal clinics may be busier in spring and summer when people travel with pets or when outdoor injuries are more common. Large animal practices are busier during calving season (winter and early spring) and breeding season (spring and summer).

During busy seasons, vets may work longer hours or more days per week. During slower seasons, hours may drop slightly. This variation is more pronounced in rural and large animal practices than in urban small animal clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do veterinarians work weekends?

Many do. Small animal clinics typically stay open Saturday and rotate Sunday coverage among staff. Emergency hospitals operate seven days a week. Large animal vets often work weekends because farm emergencies do not follow a schedule. Research positions usually do not require weekend work.

Are veterinarians on call all the time?

No. Most employed vets have scheduled on-call rotations, meaning they are on call one or two weeks per month, not constantly. Practice owners may feel more pressure to be available, but they typically set their own on-call schedule. Research and laboratory vets usually have no on-call duties.

Can a veterinarian work part-time?

Yes. Many clinics hire part-time vets working 20 to 30 hours per week. Part-time positions are more common in larger practices and corporate chains than in solo clinics. Some vets transition to part-time as they near retirement.

Do veterinarians work more hours than human doctors?

Hours are similar. Both veterinarians and physicians typically work 40 to 60 hours per week depending on their specialty and whether they own their practice. Emergency medicine specialists in both fields work longer, compressed shifts. Practice owners in both fields work longer hours than employed professionals.

What time do veterinary clinics usually open and close?

Most small animal clinics open at 8 or 9 a.m. and close at 5 or 6 p.m. on weekdays. Saturday hours are usually 9 a.m. to 1 or 2 p.m. Emergency hospitals stay open 24 hours or have evening and overnight hours. Hours vary by location and individual practice, so calling ahead is the best way to confirm.