Dr. Chrissy Mamone wanted to be a veterinarian since she was a little girl dressing up in a lab coat for career day, and she has stayed close to that early instinct ever since, working as a medical director, associate veterinarian, and veterinary consultant before shifting into relief practice. She built her career around variety, moving between emergency medicine, general practice, and high volume spay and neuter work within the same week, and now shares her home with three rescue pets adopted from as far apart as Ohio and Saint Kitts. 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?

"Becoming a veterinarian has always been my dream, ever since I was a little girl. Every year for career day, I would dress up with a lab coat, stethoscope, and a name badge that said veterinarian. Volunteering, and eventually working, at my local veterinary clinic solidified my passion for wanting to work with and help animals."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

What states are you licensed in, or working to obtain licensure within?

"I am actively licensed in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

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

"For six years prior to doing relief work, I held a variety of full time positions, including Medical Director, Associate Veterinarian, and Veterinary Consultant. I was also a rotating intern and a surgical intern, one year each. Aside from high school jobs, I have always been in the vet med world."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

What made you switch to relief practice?

"Relief work provides me the independence and flexibility to create my own work schedule. I thoroughly enjoy traveling, so the freedom to take unlimited vacation days is priceless."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

What are your favorite things about being a relief vet?

"I really enjoy being able to experience all different varieties of clinics, staff, and animals. One day I may work in ER, see appointments in general practice the next day, and then do high volume spays and neuters later that week. There is never a dull moment. I appreciate the challenge of working in different environments, meeting new people, and being able to see veterinary medicine practiced in so many ways, learning from veterinarians with different experiences."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

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

"One of the challenges of being a relief vet is building trust with clients that I will provide great advice and medicine for their animals. Without being a client's full time veterinarian and building a rapport, they are not able to become familiar with my credentials and experience, and it is often difficult to create lasting relationships with the owners and their pets."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

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

"Relief vets are essential to filling in the gaps in the veterinary profession and making sure animal health is always a top priority. I fill in as a relief vet when a doctor is going on maternity or paternity leave, is unexpectedly sick, wants to take a vacation or day off, or when there is an excessive amount of appointments or surgeries that warrant another doctor in the clinic."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

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

"I always bring my stethoscope, a Sharpie, regular pens, a portable cautery pen, masks, my calculator, and my great attitude."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

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

"Before I select a clinic to cover shifts, I ask about staffing, and whether they have a full staff and adequate veterinary techs per shift. Another important aspect when selecting a clinic is being familiar with the type of medical equipment available at the office, as well as the computer software, diagnostics, and stocked medications. All of these are critical pieces for me to be able to practice the best medicine."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

Have you picked up any unique practice tips while being a relief vet?

"Being a relief vet means you are always traveling to new clinics, meeting new staff and personalities, and working with different protocols. I find it helpful to always introduce myself to all of the staff and immediately speak with the techs and team members regarding protocols and comfort levels for tasks. One tip is to always know each staff member's qualifications and skill set prior to making any assumptions. This has made my days go more smoothly and helped me avoid unpleasant surprises."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

What is your most memorable relief job?

"Working at Tampa Bay Veterinary Emergency Service in Tampa, Florida. I worked there for almost five years with amazing staff and veterinarians. They were intelligent, kind, helpful, and team oriented, which allowed us to provide efficient care and quality medicine to animals, even during the busiest of days. I gained a lot of knowledge as a result of working with this incredible team. I remember working extremely hard and long hours, but at the same time having the most fun in my career."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

What advice would you give new relief vets, or someone thinking about becoming one?

"Have a positive and friendly attitude. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Treat all staff members equally and with respect, and always offer help. For those thinking about becoming a relief vet, I would definitely recommend it if you enjoy freedom of time, do not mind traveling to different clinics, are comfortable working alone at times, and enjoy working with new staff regularly."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

How has the global pandemic affected your relief practice?

"I am grateful that the pandemic has not negatively affected my relief work. I have actually been quite busy, with the option of being able to work seven days a week. This pandemic has reminded me that even in trying times, the love for animals does not stop, and people still want the best care for their pets."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

What are your hobbies and passions outside of work?

"My favorite daily hobby is taking care of and loving on my sweet pets: Hayley, an 11 year old boxer from the OSU shelter, Lola, a 7 year old Boston Terrier from the Tampa Bay Humane Society, and Cheechu, a 12 year old domestic medium hair cat from the island of St. Kitts. I also love traveling to new places, hiking, reading, spending time with family, going to the gym, running, kayaking, spin class, and yoga."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone

Anything else you'd like to share?

"I am grateful to have had amazing mentors during my career who have helped my personal and professional growth. As a result, I feel especially eager to mentor others and pay it forward. I am always available for any vet questions, so please do not hesitate to reach out."
Dr. Chrissy Mamone