Kayla Shertzer grew up playing with calves, lambs, chicks, and kittens on her grandparents' dairy farm, and that early hands on start turned into a career as a certified veterinary technician spanning general practice, emergency medicine, and her favorite, internal medicine specialty work. She has scanned puppies for ectopic ureters and once helped run an upper GI scope on a wolf from a local sanctuary, the kind of variety that pulled her toward relief work. Already covering shifts across Pennsylvania and Maryland, she has New Jersey and Delaware next on her list. This profile first ran on Relief Rover, the relief-vet community platform that joined Hound in 2023.

In Her Own Words

Name your niche: large animal, small animal, pocket pets, and/or exotics? ER, GP, and/or shelter?

"Small animal practice. I have done general practice, emergency and urgent care, and specialty."
Kayla Shertzer

Everyone has a story, what's yours? What inspired you to become a technician or nurse?

"I have loved animals since I was little. My grandparents owned a dairy farm growing up, and I can remember playing with calves, lambs, chicks, and kittens. It really drew my attention toward the care and respect for these animals that support us so much. Throughout high school, I was keen to take agricultural and science based classes to better myself in the direction I was headed."
Kayla Shertzer

What roles have you had within the veterinary profession? How about outside of this industry?

"I have worked in a variety of different hospitals ranging from general practice to emergency, and my favorite, specialty medicine, internal medicine specifically. I have been a kennel attendant, weekend help, and even covered reception shifts. My main role has been as a CVT."
Kayla Shertzer

What made you switch to relief practice?

"My personal needs, work and life balance, and the need for relief coverage in my geographical area drove the decision."
Kayla Shertzer

Keeping it PG, what is your favorite relief job story?

"I work with a specialty clinic on their procedure days, and we recently did a CT scan on a puppy with incontinence. He had an ectopic ureter, among other things, which was incredibly interesting to see. Prior to relief work, I got to help with a CT and an upper GI scoping of a wolf from a local sanctuary."
Kayla Shertzer

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

"I think it helps clinics fill in gaps without the financial strain of hiring and onboarding a long term employee. It also allows clinics to say yes to an additional person out on vacation or to cover a parental leave without feeling short staffed. It almost acts like a security net for staffing coverage."
Kayla Shertzer

What are your favorite things about being a relief tech or nurse?

"I get to meet a lot of new people, share experiences, and teach fellow techs tips I have learned over the years. I also get to learn things I have never seen before."
Kayla Shertzer

Techs and nurses are known for their Mary Poppins pockets that seem to contain the world. What supplies or equipment do you bring with you on the job?

"Notebook, stethoscope, and pens."
Kayla Shertzer

What are your least favorite things about being a relief tech or nurse?

"Having to turn a potential clinic down because I am already booked out for those dates."
Kayla Shertzer

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

"I look for a practice that understands my capabilities and respects my personal time. I am always willing to give every clinic a chance, but I may not return if I personally did not feel that it was a good fit."
Kayla Shertzer

Have you picked up any unique practice tips while working relief? These could be related to medicine, workflow, practice organization, or anything really.

"Every clinic has different flows. Pick a flow that works easiest for you and try to blend it with theirs. For example, I always take my histories the same way, same questions, same notes no matter where I am. For some practices it's overkill, but I know I covered a detailed history that way. Also, always ask where the emergency drugs are and the MSDS sheets. You never know who or what might need them, and you may be the only help around."
Kayla Shertzer

What advice would you give new relief techs or nurses, or to someone who is thinking about being a relief tech or nurse?

"Be patient and be kind to yourself. You can't please everyone, and you shouldn't try to. This just means you have a target audience, and you shoot for those stars. Know your worth. You also need to be adaptable and able to self manage."
Kayla Shertzer

What states do you currently work within? Any other states in your sights?

"Currently working in Pennsylvania and Maryland. I have my sights on New Jersey and Delaware, too."
Kayla Shertzer

What are your hobbies or passions outside of work?

"Gardening, being outdoors, hiking, hunting, and so on, watching movies, spending time with my cats and chickens, and food."
Kayla Shertzer