Surgery Incentives During Duty Hours: What Vets Need to Understand
One common question I hear again and again from colleagues is this:
“Is it normal that there is no incentive for surgeries because it’s considered part of duty hours?”
The honest answer is simple:
It depends on the contract.
If your agreement clearly states that there are surgery incentives, then yes — you should receive them.
But if your contract states fixed salary only, then technically, the clinic is not obligated to add incentives, because your work — including surgery — is already covered by your pay.
Where the confusion usually starts
Many vets think this way:
“Surgery is difficult and stressful, so I should automatically get extra pay.”
Emotionally, we understand that feeling. Surgery involves:
- pressure
- risk
- responsibility
- long hours
But legally and professionally, it always goes back to whatever was agreed and signed.
For new graduates — reality check
If you’re new, especially pandemic graduates who had limited live surgical exposure, clinics often become:
- your training ground
- your real-life laboratory
- your source of confidence and skill
Learning before earning
In many cases, you are still learning more than you are earning from surgery.
Sometimes the truth is:
The clinic is still investing in you first, before you truly become profitable.
That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve respect.
It simply means the focus in your early years is competence before compensation.
Positioning yourself for future negotiation
The more skilled, safe, and efficient you become, the stronger your position when you negotiate later.
As veterinarians — let’s avoid becoming too “calculating”
It’s not wrong to ask.
It’s not wrong to value yourself.
But if every single procedure becomes a “computation,” we risk losing something important:
- teamwork
- gratitude
- trust
- professional growth
Sometimes, the experience you gain today becomes the opportunity that feeds you tomorrow.
For clinic owners — also a reminder
Fair conversation still matters.
Explain clearly:
- what the salary includes
- what incentives exist (if any)
- what skills are expected
- growth path and future opportunities
Transparency prevents resentment.
Final thought
Every clinic is different.
Every contract is different.
Every situation is different.
But the foundation should always be:
clarity, respect, and growth on both sides.
Sharing this helps others understand what it really means to be a vet.
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