Side Hustles For a Veterinarian

What are the best side hustles for a veterinarian? This question comes up often because many vets are finding it difficult to pay off their student loans.

As such, there is now an increasing search for an alternative means to make extra income among vets.

In this guide, I have explained 15 good side hustles that you can jump on as a veterinarian. Let’s take a look at them.

15 Profitable Side Hustles For a Veterinarian

A vet rendering behavioral training to a dog. This is one of the profitable side Hustles For a Veterinarian

1. Become an Animal Behavior Consultant:

Specializing in animal behavior, you can provide consultations and training sessions for pets with behavioral issues.

Your medical background gives you insights into how health issues might affect behavior, offering a more holistic approach to solving problems.

2. Offer Telemedicine Services:

As a veterinarian, you can provide expert advice and care from the comfort of your home.

This innovative approach allows for consultations, follow-ups, and in some cases, prescribing medication online.

It’s a convenient option for both vets and pet owners, especially in areas with limited access to veterinary services.

Telemedicine requires minimal setup – a good internet connection, a computer or smartphone, and a quiet space.

It’s a great way to expand your reach while maintaining a work-life balance.

3. Guest Lecturing or Teaching:

As a veterinarian, you can offer guest lectures or part-time teaching at local colleges, universities, or vocational schools.

Sharing your real-world experience and knowledge with students can be a way to earn extra income

4. Vaccine Clinics:

Another lucrative side for a veterinarian is participating in vaccine clinics. These clinics usually involve administering vaccinations in a high-volume, low-stress environment.

The work is straightforward and typically pays well for the time invested. It’s an ideal side hustle for vets seeking a break from the complexities of regular clinical duties.

Additionally, vaccine clinics often provide community service, ensuring widespread pet health and wellness.

5. Animal Nutrition Consulting:

Specializing in pet nutrition, you can provide diet plans and nutrition advice tailored to individual pets’ needs.

This veterinary side hustle is perfect because it relies on your deep understanding of animal physiology and health requirements.

You can help pet owners with pets having specific dietary needs, like allergies or chronic illnesses, thereby improving their quality of life.

You can offer your services online or in person, depending on your preference.

If you are considering other side hustles outside veterinary field, you can check out our resources below:

6. Emergency Relief Shifts:

This involves temporarily working in various clinics or emergency rooms, exposing you to a variety of medical cases and operational styles. Tools like the Roo app streamline the search for these opportunities.

It’s suited for those who can work in critical care environments and are looking to challenge themselves professionally.

7. Veterinary Blogging/Vlogging:

Sharing your veterinary knowledge through a blog or vlog can be both fulfilling and profitable.

Your professional insights into pet care, disease prevention, and animal behavior can attract a wide readership or viewership.

This platform can be monetized through advertisements, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content.

Additionally, it’s an opportunity to educate the public, enhance your reputation and potentially attract more clients to your primary practice.

8. Mobile Nail Trimming Services:

Some vets offer mobile nail trimming services as a niche side hustle.

All you need to do is visit clients’ homes to provide basic grooming services, primarily focusing on nail care.

This hustle requires little equipment and can be easily scheduled around a vet’s primary work commitments.

9. Creating and Selling Veterinary Products:

Utilizing your veterinary knowledge, you can develop and sell pet care products such as supplements, grooming tools, or eco-friendly toys.

Your expertise in what animals need and what is safe for them gives your products a credible edge in the market.

This side hustle can start small and grow over time, possibly even becoming a significant source of income.

10. House Call Euthanasia Practice:

Establishing a house-call euthanasia service fills a vital need for compassionate end-of-life care in a pet’s familiar environment.

The business model involves low overhead costs and can be quite lucrative. It also offers the flexibility to work around your primary job schedule, typically involving evenings and weekends.

11. Veterinary Medical Writing:

With your extensive knowledge in animal health, writing articles, research papers, or educational materials for pet care websites, veterinary journals, or pharmaceutical companies can be a lucrative side hustle.

Your ability to translate complex medical information into understandable language is invaluable, making this a perfect fit for veterinarians looking to supplement their income while contributing to the field.

12. Quality of Life Assessments and End-of-Life Counseling:

As a vet, you can also earn extra income by providing in-home quality-of-life assessments and end-of-life counseling.

This service involves evaluating a pet’s health and comfort levels, and guiding owners through difficult decisions regarding their pet’s care.

It’s a service that not only helps pet owners but also brings personal fulfillment, knowing you’re making a difference in the final stages of a pet’s life.

13. Spay/Neuter Surgeries for Local Shelters:

Performing spay/neuter surgeries for local animal shelters is both financially rewarding and socially responsible.

Many shelters lack the resources for these essential services and often pay veterinarians to perform these surgeries.

This role provides a steady stream of work and the satisfaction of contributing to animal welfare and population control efforts.

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14. Greyhound Race Vetting:

Working as a veterinarian for greyhound races presents an unusual yet profitable side hustle.

The role typically involves overseeing the health and welfare of racing dogs, ensuring they are fit for competition.

It’s generally a low-stress job with good financial rewards, appealing to those interested in sports veterinary medicine.

15. Pet Sitting for Special Needs Animals:

Offering pet-sitting services, especially for animals with special medical needs, leverages a veterinarian’s medical expertise.

This service is in high demand among pet owners who require someone knowledgeable to care for their pets with specific health issues or medication regimens.

This side hustle can be particularly rewarding, both financially and emotionally, as it involves personalized care for pets with unique needs.

Starting a side hustle as a veterinarian can be a rewarding way to leverage your skills and experience while earning extra income. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Tips for Starting a Side Hustle as a Veterinarian

1. Identify Your Niche: Consider what unique services you can offer. Do you have a special interest or expertise in a particular area, like emergency care, telemedicine, or end-of-life services? Your niche should align with your interests and strengths.

2. Market Research: Understand the demand for your chosen service in your area. For instance, if you’re considering a mobile euthanasia service, research the existing providers and community needs. This helps in identifying gaps you can fill.

3. Compliance with Regulations: Ensure you’re aware of and comply with all relevant veterinary laws and regulations in your region. This includes any licensing requirements for practicing outside of a standard clinic.

4. Balance Your Schedule: Juggling a side hustle with a full-time veterinary job can be challenging. Carefully plan your schedule to avoid burnout. Prioritize flexibility in your side hustle to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

5. Build a Network: Leverage your existing professional connections and build new ones. Networking can be crucial in finding clients and opportunities, especially in the early stages of your side hustle.

6. Invest in Marketing: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your services. This might include creating a website, using social media, or networking within local pet owner communities. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients can also be incredibly valuable.

7. Invest in Quality Equipment and Tools: Depending on your side hustle, you may need specific equipment or technology. For instance, telemedicine requires reliable tech and software, while mobile services might need a well-equipped vehicle.

8. Insurance and Legal Protection: Obtain appropriate insurance to cover your side hustle activities. This includes liability insurance and possibly others depending on your service type. Consulting a legal professional to ensure you’re covered is advisable.

Side Hustles For a Veterinarian