You often see them petting animals in exam rooms or typing behind desks, but the work of veterinary technicians is complex and crucial. In honor of National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW), we want thank our techs for their daily contributions that keep our operations running smoothly.
Here are just a few of the several reasons we salute them …
They perform many nursing duties. Whether they’re keeping a cat from wiggling around during an exam, conducting an x-ray or administering anesthesia, vet techs juggle several medical responsibilities. And they do so with the keen understanding that they’re not just treating an animal — they’re caring for someone’s beloved family member. In that sense, they work just as hard as nurses at hospitals for humans. Among other things, they’re surgical assistants, post-op caregivers, dental hygienists, pharmacy technicians — all in one.
They’re practically professional athletes. From chasing cats to lifting heavy dogs, working at a clinic is like participating in the Olympics! The average workday for a vet tech burns 200-400 calories per hour. But they handle it all like skilled athletes.
They’re housekeepers. Pets can be messy, but vet techs are always ready to whip out a broom and mop to keep the clinic clean. They’re sensitive to animals’ accidents, and they never judge or make pet owners feel embarrassed.
They’re soldiers. It’s dangerous out here on the frontlines of pet care, and vet techs bear many battle scars to prove it — from cat scratches and dog bites to mysterious bruises from the mess of activity. Throughout all of it, they maintain the patience of saints, work through the pain and deliver the best care with a smile.
Their hearts reach out in hard times. Sometimes, a visit to the vet is a pet owner’s farewell to their furry friend. Vet techs serve as shoulders to cry on during those days, which are tough for them as well since they love these pets just like their own. Even when animals aren’t in grave condition, seeing them distressed or in pain can take a toll — and vet techs are always ready to provide comfort to pets and their owners. This is important work, and we applaud them for doing it so gracefully day in and day out.
Thank you to all of our vet techs, not just this week but all year round!
