In a world where traditional careers often mean rigid schedules, limited autonomy, and slow income growth, one veterinarian is rewriting the rules—turning her profession into a high-earning, flexible, startup-like venture that’s as fulfilling as it is financially empowering.
Meet Dr. Sidrah Nisar, a 30-year-old relief veterinarian based in Corona, California, who went from earning $125,000 a year as a full-time vet to an impressive $386,000 in 2024—all by embracing the gig economy model in veterinary medicine. But her story isn’t just about money. It’s about passion, purpose, and the smart use of modern platforms that are transforming how professionals work.
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your expertise into a self-directed, scalable career—whether you’re a vet, a healthcare worker, or an aspiring solopreneur—Sidrah’s journey offers a powerful blueprint.
From Full-Time Vet to Six-Figure Relief Entrepreneur
Dr. Nisar’s transformation began with a simple yet profound realization: relief veterinary work offered freedom, flexibility, and far greater earning potential than the traditional clinic path.
After graduating from St. Matthew’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in the Cayman Islands—and completing her clinical year in Illinois—she returned to Southern California, where her family resides. Starting in corporate veterinary practice, she was lured by sign-on bonuses and the stability of a steady paycheck. But something felt off.
“I just like the idea of free flow with private practice… I like the energy more than corporate,” she explains.
That’s when her older sister—a fellow veterinarian—introduced her to Roo, a leading digital platform connecting relief veterinarians with clinics in need of temporary coverage.
Suddenly, Sidrah wasn’t just an employee. She became a freelance professional running her own micro-business—a startup in everything but name.
The Relief Vet “Startup” Model: Flexibility, Control, and Income Growth
Relief veterinary medicine is often misunderstood. Many imagine it as “fill-in” work—less prestigious, less stable, and lower-paying. But the reality, especially in today’s high-demand pet care market, is the opposite.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) , the U.S. faces a significant shortage of veterinarians, with demand for pet care services surging post-pandemic. In 2023, over 70% of U.S. households owned a pet, up from 56% in 1988. This boom has created unprecedented opportunities for mobile, skilled professionals.
Sidrah capitalized on this shift by:
- Choosing her own schedule (working 40–60 hours/week based on preference)
- Selecting clinics based on culture, location, and case type (GP, urgent care, ER)
- Maximizing income through multiple streams: primary shifts via Roo, ambassador bonuses, and select outside gigs
“With Roo, you can pick up shifts whenever you want… They kind of do the work for you,” she says.
This model mirrors the startup founder mindset: you’re the CEO of your time, your brand, and your income. There’s no boss, no fixed hours—just performance, reputation, and smart decision-making.
And the payoff? A 208% increase in annual income—from $125K to $386,000—in just a few years.
Breaking Barriers: Allergic to Pets, Yet Passionate About Healing Them
Here’s one of the most inspiring parts of Sidrah’s story: she’s allergic to cats, dogs, and all animal fur.
For most, that would be a dealbreaker. For Sidrah, it was a challenge to overcome.
“It was a little thing I had to overcome, but I’m very happy with my career choice.”
She manages her allergies with medication and protective gear, proving that passion can trump even biological obstacles. This resilience is a hallmark of successful entrepreneurs—solving problems, adapting, and pushing forward.
Her niche? Exclusively small animal medicine (cats and dogs). By focusing, she’s built expertise, efficiency, and a trusted reputation—key ingredients in any scalable service business.
The Hidden Realities of Veterinary Work (It’s Not All Puppies and Kittens)
One of the biggest myths about veterinary medicine is that it’s all cuddly animals and happy endings.
Sidrah is quick to clarify:
“We definitely don’t play with kittens and puppies all day. That’s a part of our job, but it’s not our entire job.”
A typical day involves:
- Diagnosing and treating sick pets
- Communicating complex medical info to worried owners
- Writing detailed medical records
- Coordinating with vet techs and support staff
- Managing emotional euthanasias
Behind every invoice is labor, expertise, and emotional toll—not profit padding.
“The costs quoted to you go into our time, supplies, staff… We’re not taking every single penny we charge into our pockets.”
This transparency is crucial as pet care costs rise. According to a 2024 Banfield Pet Hospital report, the average annual cost of owning a dog now exceeds $1,500, with emergency visits averaging $1,200–$3,000. Relief vets like Sidrah help clinics manage these surges without compromising care.
Financial Freedom: Buying a House at 30 (Without Student Debt)
Perhaps the most tangible sign of Sidrah’s success? She bought a house before getting engaged—on her own—by age 30.
This is extraordinary in today’s economy, especially for professionals burdened by student loans. The average veterinary school graduate carries $183,014 in debt, per the AVMA.
But Sidrah’s parents covered her undergraduate and veterinary school costs—a rare privilege that allowed her to focus on income growth, not debt repayment.
Even so, transitioning from employee to independent contractor came with financial hurdles.
“The challenge buying a house was that I’m not full-time… I don’t have proof of consistent income.”
Enter Roo again. The platform provided an official income verification letter listing all her completed shifts—giving lenders the confidence to approve her mortgage.
Today, she works with an accountant and fiancé to manage a detailed budget. They plan to split housing costs 50/50 after marriage and are saving for a honeymoon in 2026.
Most importantly, she’s supercharging her retirement savings:
“I’m able to put a lot more toward retirement… hopefully retire a lot sooner than I initially planned.”
Why Sidrah Doesn’t Recommend Relief Work Right Out of School
Despite her success, Sidrah is adamant: new grads should not jump straight into relief work.
“You definitely have a lot to learn. Doing that full-time job and learning from your mentor is very, very important.”
The steep learning curve of veterinary medicine—diagnostic reasoning, surgical skills, client communication—requires structured mentorship. Relief work assumes competence. Without it, you risk burnout, mistakes, or worse.
She recommends:
- 1–2 years in a full-time associate role
- Strong mentorship (private practice > corporate, in her view)
- Mastery of foundational skills
- Then transition to relief for autonomy and income growth
This phased approach mirrors how many startup founders begin: learn in a stable environment, then launch independently once ready.
The Future: Scaling, Family, and Sustainable Impact
Looking ahead, Sidrah plans to reduce hours when she becomes a mom, maintaining work-life balance without sacrificing financial security.
She’s also acutely aware of post-pandemic shifts in client behavior:
“There’s definitely been a little shift in attitude… patience with us has become a lot less.”
Veterinarians now face increased stress, moral injury, and emotional fatigue. According to a 2023 AVMA survey, 1 in 6 veterinarians has considered suicide—a crisis the profession is urgently addressing.
Yet for Sidrah, the rewards outweigh the challenges:
“It’s not that hard [to see sick animals] as long as they’re able to go home or we’re able to give them a better future.”
Her work isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. And by structuring it like a business, she ensures she can keep serving pets (and their humans) for decades to come.
Key Takeaways: Building Your Own “Startup” in Any Field
Sidrah’s story proves that you don’t need to code an app or raise venture capital to build a startup. A startup is any self-directed, scalable, value-driven venture—whether you’re a vet, designer, consultant, or tradesperson.
Here’s how to apply her model:
- Leverage platforms (like Roo, Upwork, or Shiftwise) to access flexible, high-demand gigs.
- Specialize to increase value and reduce competition.
- Manage finances proactively—use accountants, budgeting tools, and income verification services.
- Protect your well-being—set boundaries, leave work at work, and prioritize sustainability.
- Start stable, then scale independently—mentorship first, autonomy second.
Final Thoughts: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
Dr. Sidrah Nisar didn’t just change jobs—she reimagined her career as a purpose-driven, location-flexible, income-optimized lifestyle. She’s proof that in the gig economy, professionals can thrive without sacrificing ethics, passion, or personal goals.
And while she may not call it a “startup,” her approach embodies the entrepreneurial spirit: solve real problems, serve with heart, and build a life—not just a livelihood.
For anyone feeling trapped in a 9-to-5 grind, her journey is a beacon: freedom, fulfillment, and financial success are possible—when you work smarter, not just harder.
Ready to explore relief veterinary work or build your own professional “startup”? Platforms like Roo, VetRelief, and IndeVets are making it easier than ever to take control of your career—on your terms.
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