Weeklong celebration honors veterinary technicians

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is honoring veterinary technicians during National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW), which is October 13-19 this year. The week celebrates, recognizes, and promotes the valuable contributions that credentialed veterinary technicians (CrVTs), veterinary technologists, and veterinary technician specialists (VTSs) make to the veterinary profession and society. Integral players on the veterinary health care team, veterinary technicians work on the front lines, using their technical and scientific knowledge to treat and care for animals, allowing veterinarians to work with increased efficiency and effectiveness.

The theme this year, "Credentialed Veterinary Technicians Change Lives," demonstrates how CrVTs, VTSs, and others can have a profound impact-known or unknown-on the lives of their patients, clients, colleagues, and community.

Jamie Rauscher, current NAVTA president, has been a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) for the past 16 years and has over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She has worked with countless team members, patients, pet owners, and members of the veterinary community in that time.

"I have worked as a kennel assistant, veterinary assistant, LVT, hospital manager, and practice owner. I have celebrated the highs and lows with my team and even my clients," she said. "I remember the mentors and teachers who helped me when I was new to the profession, and I hope that I can fill those shoes for the new team members I work with today.

"Every day, we have a chance to positively impact and change the lives of those around us, even if we never know we did. How are you going to change a life?"

The AVMA is currently working to support the development and expansion of veterinary technology programs, title protection and licensing, better recognition and appropriate credentialing of VTSs, and appropriate pay and benefits.

AVMA President Sandra Faeh says that credentialed veterinary technicians play crucial roles in advancing animal health and welfare.

"The AVMA deeply appreciates the dedication and expertise that they bring to the veterinary health care team," Dr. Faeh said. "Their technical knowledge and compassionate care are invaluable, ensuring the highest quality of treatment for our animal patients while enabling veterinarians to work more effectively. We are proud to support and celebrate their tireless efforts to improve the lives of animals and strengthen the human-animal bond."

Hill's Pet Nutrition, which sponsors National Veterinary Technician Week, is providing funding for social media and public relations outreach. Hill's field representatives will also deliver NVTW posters and other goodies to their clients across nearly 5,000 practices in the U.S. In celebration of NVTW, NAVTA will host several contests, giving members a chance to win gift cards, discounts on memberships, and more. Any company or organization hosting NVTW events that would like to be highlighted on the NAVTA website can email the details to infonavta.net(info[at]navta[dot]net).

Visit the NAVTA website for more information and to download NAVTA's 2024 National Veterinary Technician Week Poster or access sample press releases, public service announcements, presentation and event ideas, and more.

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