When is vet tech week 2017

Purdue Veterinary Medicine celebrated National Veterinary Technician Week with a variety of activities this week, including a traditional pancake breakfast served by the Veterinary Technology Program staff.

The annual celebration recognizes veterinary technicians for their contributions in pet healthcare. This year's theme is "Advancing Veterinary Nursing and Veterinary Technology," focusing on the diversity experienced and the animals treated in the veterinary field. Instead, consider buying your staff tools and treatments they can use to relax at home. Foot massagers can help soothe aching feet and foot spas elevate the experience with water. Car massage seats are great for the ride home from a long day at the practice.

Bath bombs, bath salts, and candles are classic options. Pro tip: Ask vendor reps to contribute. Save your time and your money by asking vendors to sponsor aspects of your Vet Tech Week celebration.

Most vendors are happy to provide lunch or swag in an effort to support your relationship and might even have extra budget available since many conferences were canceled or drastically reduced this year.

Respect employee dietary preferences by offering vegan and gluten-free options wherever possible. Food trucks can also be pandemic-appropriate options and their popularity and numbers have really grown in the past few years. Pay for the ice cream truck to show up at your practice and watch the joy spread through your team as they hear the music and enjoy a treat.

Food trucks are also a great way to maintain social distance outside. With emotions running high during the pandemic, shocking client behavior and escalations are on the rise and typically directed at techs.

Post an open letter to your clients from the owner, managers, and DVMs on your website and social media clearly stating what behavior you will not tolerate. After completion of studies in both large- and small-animal science, graduates have to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam or VTNE to receive their license and an associate degree in science.

To maintain a current license, techs are required to complete continuing education CE hours, with the requirements differing from state to state. However, the education does not stop there. In recent years, just as the demand for specialized care from veterinarians has increased, it has also spawned specialties within the veterinary nursing profession. Today, there are 12 specialties that techs can apply for, including veterinary technician anesthetists, veterinary surgical technicians, veterinary critical care technicians, veterinary oncology technicians, veterinary rehabilitation technicians, and behavioral specialists.

More importantly, a vet tech must be compassionate and help both pets and their people feel at ease. However, this is a fun time of recognition for a job well done. We welcome you to express your thanks to our veterinary technicians also. Our entire staff appreciates the opportunity we have each day to care for the beloved pets of the people in our community.

What Do Veterinary Technicians Do?