Celebrating veterinary technicians: Beyond Vet Tech Week

Every year, Vet Tech Week rolls around in October, offering clinics nationwide an opportunity to pause and celebrate the indispensable contributions of their credentialed veterinary technicians. It’s a time for recognition, appreciation, and reflection on the vital roles technicians play in animal health care. But how can clinics ensure that the appreciation lasts beyond the confines of one week (or one pizza party) and truly honors the hard work, expertise, and dedication of these professionals?

To dive deeper into this conversation, I spoke with several veterinary technicians to get their perspectives on what true appreciation looks like, both during Vet Tech Week and throughout the year.

Recognition beyond a simple “thank you”

Noah Meyers, LVT, emphasizes that while a heartfelt “thank you” is important, appreciation must go further: “For me, true recognition and appreciation for credentialed veterinary technicians means acknowledging the critical role we play in patient care, not just during Vet Tech Week but consistently throughout the year. It’s about more than just a ‘thank you’—it’s being included in decision-making processes, given growth opportunities, and having our expertise respected by the entire veterinary team.”

Technicians are multifaceted, highly trained professionals whose skills are vital to patient care. Acknowledging their expertise by involving them in decisions and valuing their input elevates the role they play in the veterinary team. “It also means providing adequate compensation, mental health support, and continuing education that fosters professional development,” Meyers adds. In essence, creating an environment where technicians feel empowered, heard, and supported is key to long-term recognition.

Sincere appreciation speaks volumes

Jody Nugent-Deal, RVT, VTS, echoes the sentiment that recognition should go beyond surface-level gestures: “I think [recognition] can come in many different forms, but it needs to be sincere and not just another pizza party.” 

While food-based celebrations have their place, they should be thoughtful and feel special—something more meaningful than the usual clinic fare. Nugent-Deal mentions some of the ways clinics could show deeper appreciation: “I would love a bonus or additional PTO. I would love more CE money. I would love a special gift that was thoughtful and from the heart.”

Like Meyers, Nugent-Deal highlights the need for ongoing appreciation not just limited to one week of the year. “I would also love a work environment that truly values the technicians year-round. I would love a genuine thank you and heartfelt appreciation for doing a great job.” 

In other words, true recognition is not about grand gestures but about creating a supportive, respectful environment that values technicians’ work every day.

The power of personalization

Sometimes, it’s the small, personal touches that make the biggest difference. “For me, a personal thank you note recognizing my role on the team and how I contribute to patient care would go a long, long way,” said Liz Hughston RVT, VTS. 

A handwritten note specifically acknowledging a technician’s unique contributions can make them feel seen and appreciated in ways that generic praise cannot. But Hughston also emphasizes that thank you cards and complimentary lunches cannot replace the kinds of perks highlighted by veterinary neurologist Dr. Carrie Jurney when she discusses how she recognizes her team. According to Jurney, “pay being at a living wage, and preferably better than that,” is a great way to show appreciation for veterinary technicians. 

“It should be tied to skill level,” she added. “Things like management duties, VTS, certifications–that should up your pay. You should be allowed autonomy in your job. You should get to decide how some aspects of it get done. If you tell me a dog needs a sedative, I believe you. If you don’t think we have time for another case today, you should feel okay telling your DVM that. You should work in an environment where your opinion is respected.”

Year-round appreciation

While Vet Tech Week is a wonderful celebration opportunity, appreciation must extend beyond just one week. Regularly repeated recognition—through personal gestures, bonuses, growth opportunities, and inclusion in decisions—builds a culture of appreciation that sustains the veterinary technician workforce. 

To celebrate outstanding veterinary technicians, AAHA recognizes the American Animal Hospital Association Veterinary Technician of the Year each fall. Check out the finalists and prizes here.

Photo credit: © SbytovaMN via Getty Images Plus 

Disclaimer: The views expressed, and topics discussed, in any NEWStat column or article are intended to inform, educate, or entertain, and do not represent an official position by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors.