AVMA: Santa’s reindeer pass annual veterinary exam, cleared for flight

(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) December 16, 2024-Children around the world received some good news today, with officials from the North Pole confirming that Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and the rest of Santa's reindeer have been approved for their Christmas Eve flight following a health checkup from Santa's veterinarian.

Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and veterinary technician Jamie Rauscher, president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), traveled to the North Pole earlier this year to perform a series of critical health checks, ensuring the reindeer are fit for their grueling global journey on Christmas Eve.

Santa contacted Dr. Faeh earlier than usual this year after noticing Dasher wasn't acting like himself. The reindeer, a key leader of Santa's team, had developed keratitis, or pink eye, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Faeh diagnosed the issue during a preliminary visit and prescribed a treatment plan of eye drops and rest, closely monitored by Santa and his elves.

"Dasher responded wonderfully to treatment and is back to his energetic leading role," said Dr. Faeh. "It's always a privilege to care for these incredible animals, and it's reassuring to know they're all in peak condition for their important global journey."

"Veterinary technicians are an essential part of every veterinary team, and working with Santa's reindeer is no exception," said Rauscher. "From diagnostic tests to ensuring the reindeer's comfort during exams, it's rewarding to play a role in keeping them healthy for such a key voyage."

Reindeer exams

The initial visit wasn't just to address Dasher's health. Dr. Faeh and Rauscher conducted a full-body examination of all nine reindeer, checking for signs of illness, injury, or parasites that could endanger their health or the health of other animals they might encounter during their travels. These checks included x-rays, blood tests and inspections of their antlers, hooves, fur and vital signs.

In addition to ensuring the reindeer's health, the AVMA team provided Santa with the official "North Pole Certificate of Animal Export," which is required for his international flight. This document certifies that the reindeer meet global health standards and can safely cross country borders.

The North Pole visit also highlighted the broader contributions of veterinarians and veterinary technicians to global public and animal health. Dr. Faeh noted that the care given to Santa's reindeer underscores the work that veterinary professionals perform for all animals, regardless of size or species. "This work reflects what veterinary professionals do every day-keeping animals healthy and safe while protecting public health," she said.

Santa expressed heartfelt thanks to the veterinary team, saying, "Without my reindeer, there would be no Christmas, and without veterinarians, my reindeer wouldn't be ready for the big night. Dr. Faeh and Jamie are truly on my 'nice list' this year!"

Dr. Faeh and Rauscher will return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve for a final pre-flight check of the reindeer and will examine them again upon their return. This level of care ensures that Santa's team is not only ready for the big night but is also protected from the risk of spreading or contracting diseases during their journey.

For those looking to help support Santa's reindeer, Dr. Faeh and Rauscher recommend leaving out their favorite treat-graham cracker cookies-on Christmas Eve. Not only does it make Santa's stops a little sweeter, but it also helps give the reindeer a tasty energy boost.

Become one of Santa's E.L.V.E.S.

While only one veterinarian and veterinary technician can serve on the official veterinary team of the North Pole, every veterinary office can help the cause by volunteering to be part of Santa's emergency veterinary staff on Christmas Eve. AVMA members can download a badge to let their clients know they are part of Santa's Emergency Landing and Veterinary Expert System (E.L.V.E.S.) support team. Veterinarians and their teams are invited to help spread holiday cheer by displaying their official E.L.V.E.S. badge on their clinics' social media channels and educating clients on the various ways that veterinarians and their support teams can help keep all animals healthy-even reindeer.

AVMA members can visit the AVMA website to download the official E.L.V.E.S. badge. [https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/practice-management/santas-elves-social-media-veterinarians]

To learn more about Dr. Faeh's role as North Pole Veterinarian, including answers to kids' questions about reindeer, visit avma.org/Santa [https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/yourvet/even-santas-reindeer-need-veterinarian].

For more information about the role veterinarians play in global health, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Faeh, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA senior media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell/text) or msanfilippoavma[dot] org(msanfilippo[at]avma[dot]org).

For more information about the role of credentialed veterinary technicians, please contact Phil Russo, NAVTA Executive Director, at directornavta[dot] net(director[at]navta[dot]net).