National Veterinary Technician Week: Showing Appreciation to Veterinary Teams
National Veterinary Technician Week is an annual celebration in October dedicated to recognizing one of the veterinary profession’s heroes—veterinary technicians. These skilled professionals do more than most people realize to keep pets healthy and veterinary hospitals running. As a pet owner, you’ve likely experienced the compassion and care vet techs provide each time you walk through the door.
Vet techs are the nurses, radiology technicians, anesthetists, surgical assistants, lab technicians, pharmacy technicians, and patient advocates of the veterinary world. Their educational path to obtain a two- or four-year degree is similar to human nurses, except that they must learn to care for multiple species.
Vet techs are deeply dedicated to their life’s work and try every day to make a difference in pets’ and pet owners’ lives. During Vet Tech Week 2024 (October 13 to 19), take a few moments to show your appreciation for the glue that holds your AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital together! Here are some ideas for meaningful ways to say “Thanks.”
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1. Write a personal thank you note
Sometimes, simple gestures make a significant impact. A heartfelt thank-you note expressing gratitude for your pet’s care can mean a lot to a vet tech. Try sharing a specific instance that stood out, include notes from your pet’s point of view, or simply say “Thank you for all you do.” Personal notes can brighten and turn around a bad day, helping vet techs to continue to provide exceptional care during vet tech week and beyond.
2. Send a gift or token of appreciation
A small, thoughtful gift can also express appreciation, but don’t forget to add a personal touch with a handwritten note. A little goes a long way. Gifts don’t have to be—and shouldn’t be—overly extravagant. Some tried-and-true ideas include gift cards, snacks, or coffee, but you can also get creative and think outside the box. If you aren’t sure, try asking the practice manager what their team would appreciate most from a client.
3. Share appreciation publicly
Glowing online reviews from happy, appreciative clients do wonders for clinic morale! If a particular vet tech made a difference for you or your pet, don’t be afraid to mention them personally. However, when writing reviews on Google, Yelp, or social media, be mindful of the words you use to describe vet techs. Show respect for what they do and highlight their roles as crucial veterinary team members. On social media, tag #vettechweek to show your support.
4. Show the veterinary team respect
A vet tech’s job can be physically and emotionally demanding, and acknowledging and respecting their time is one way to make their lives easier. Arrive at your appointment early, comply with pre-visit instructions, and treat all team members kindly. Actions speak louder than words, and treating your veterinary team with kindness and respect shows them you genuinely care.
5. Spread the word
You know that the vet techs at your clinic are incredible, but others might not. Spreading the word about their work helps the general public recognize who vet techs are, what they do, and their impact on pets’ and pet owners’ lives. Like and share Vet Tech Week posts on social media, and let your fellow pet-loving friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues know how they can show their appreciation. Point them toward your veterinary practice’s website or social media accounts, so they can see vet techs in action.
Vet Tech Week is the perfect time to show the veterinary technicians at your AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital that you appreciate their dedication and hard work. However you acknowledge them, your efforts will mean the world to the vet techs who spend their days behind the scenes providing endless love and care to your furry pals.