When you complete a relief shift booked through Hound, the clinic pays you directly. Hound is the marketplace that connects you with clinics and handles booking. but we are not your employer and we do not run your pay through payroll. You agree on the posted hourly rate, complete the shift, send the clinic an invoice, and the clinic pays you, typically as a 1099 independent contractor.
How does relief shift payment work, step by step?
Confirm the rate. Each relief shift lists an hourly pay rate, and whether the rate is negotiable. If there is no pay rate set, then it's up to you and the practice to agree on the rate before the shift starts.
Work the shift. Track your start time, end time, and total hours.
Send an invoice to the clinic. Unless agreed upon otherwise, send the clinic an invoice for your hours at the agreed rate (typically after the shift was completed). Include the practice name, shift date, hours worked, your rate, the total due, and your payment details.
Get paid by the clinic. The clinic pays you directly using whatever method you and the clinic agree on (for example, direct deposit, check, Venmo, etc).
Does Hound take a cut of my pay?
No. You receive the full agreed rate from the clinic. Hound's booking fee is charged separately to the clinic and does not reduce what you are paid.
Am I an employee or an independent contractor?
Relief professionals working shifts found through Hound are generally treated as independent contractors (1099), not employees of Hound or, in most cases, of the clinic. That means you are responsible for setting aside and reporting your own taxes. Hound does not withhold taxes from your pay. If you have questions about your tax situation, we recommend speaking with a tax professional.
When will I get paid?
Payment timing is set by the clinic, since the clinic pays you directly. We recommend confirming the clinic's payment terms before you accept the shift so you know when to expect payment and how you'll be paid.
How do I set or negotiate my rate?
The hourly pay rate is set by the clinic on the shift posting. If you'd like to discuss the rate, do so with the clinic before accepting the shift.
What if I completed a shift but haven't been paid?
First, reach out to the clinic directly — usually the office manager or the contact who booked you — to follow up on your invoice. Most payment delays are resolved this way.
If you've followed up and still haven't been paid, contact Hound support. Let us know which clinic you worked at and the date of the shift, and our team can reach out to the clinic on your behalf to help get your payment resolved.
Still have questions? Reach out to us any time through the chat or at hey@hound.vet and we'll be glad to help.