As a child, Dr. Amanda Clouser lost a cat to FeLV before a vaccine existed, and decided then that she would be the one to create one. She became a veterinarian instead, and moved into relief work at the start of the pandemic, specifically to give Bay Area colleagues the chance to step away for their own health or their families'. When she isn't covering general practice or ER shifts, she's hiking, boating, or on horseback around the Bay Area. This profile first ran on Relief Rover, the relief-vet community platform that joined Hound in 2023.

In Her Own Words

What inspired you to become a veterinarian?

"As a small child, I had a cat that contracted FeLV and had to be euthanized. At that time, there was no vaccine available, and I decided I would be the one to make one. Fortunately, a vaccine became available while I was still on the path to becoming a veterinarian."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

What roles have you had within the veterinary profession, and outside of it?

"I've practiced as both a general practice and emergency veterinarian."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

What made you switch to relief practice?

"When the pandemic hit, the need became greater for veterinarians to be able to step away for their own health, or the health of their families. I wanted to help fill these needs for my colleagues, and to keep pets in the Bay Area happy and healthy."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

What is your most memorable relief job?

"Too many to pick just one."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

How do you feel relief practice supports the veterinary profession as a whole?

"Having a resource for clinics and colleagues to provide continuous care for people's animals is important, from both a medical and emotional standpoint."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

What are your favorite things about being a relief vet?

"I really enjoy meeting new staff and learning the new approaches and protocols that different clinics use."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

What are your least favorite things about being a relief vet?

"I don't always get to know the outcome of a particular patient, especially when I'm on ER service. My technicians will often contact me to let me know how Fluffy did after surgery or extended hospitalization, since I care about every life I touch."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

What do you look for in a practice when deciding to cover shifts for them?

"I look for hospitals that understand the dynamics of teamwork, while also respecting that as the doctor, I'm steering the ship. I need them to trust that I'm ultimately making the best decisions for the pets, clients, and staff."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

What supplies or equipment do you bring with you on the job?

"My medical training, experience, people skills, and common sense."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

Have you picked up any unique practice tips along the way?

"I'm always open to a new, better, or alternative way to do things. In this role, I'm the teacher and the student, always."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

What advice would you give new relief vets?

"I think gaining the team's trust, and being comfortable being uncomfortable, is a must, since a new environment is around every corner. All clinics operate differently. A relief vet has to be flexible enough to carry out protocols that differ from clinic to clinic, while also knowing the boundaries our license dictates."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

How has the pandemic affected your relief practice?

"I've only practiced relief during the pandemic, so I don't have a reference point for relief work prior to it."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

What states are you licensed in?

"I'm licensed in California."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

Aside from English, what languages do you speak?

"I'm English speaking only."
Dr. Amanda Clouser

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

"I enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with friends. I also love horseback riding and anything on a beach or on a boat."
Dr. Amanda Clouser