Celebrating 31 Years of National Veterinary Technician Week

Daniel Rost, CVT

OVMA Board Director- Membership

The In 1993, National Veterinary Technician Week was introduced by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America

(NAVTA) to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our veterinary teams. This year, on its 31st anniversary, the Oregon Veterinary

Technician and Assistant Association (OVTAA) stands firm in echoing that sentiment: our veterinary technicians and assistants are

not just vital – they’re irreplaceable. The special anniversary week starts October 13th and lasts through October 19th, 2024.

The Contemporary Need for Recognition

The evolution of veterinary medicine, especially in the backdrop of Oregon’s increasing demand for veterinary care, has seen vet

techs taking on broader responsibilities. From client education to advanced procedures, their versatility is astounding. This week

serves as a reminder of their ever-growing importance in our ecosystem.

A Call to Action for Oregon’s Veterinary Clinics

Genuine Recognition: Now, more than ever, it’s vital for clinics across Oregon to ensure that their techs and assistants feel valued

not just this week, but every day. Their feedback, insights, and well-being should be at the forefront of practice decisions.

Engage and Reflect: Host sessions where your teams can reminisce about their journey, share their motivating stories, and discuss

the future of veterinary tech in Oregon. It’s a rejuvenating experience that strengthens team bonds.

Invest in Their Future: Encourage their academic and skill advancement. By sponsoring their participation in continuing education

courses, you underline your commitment to their growth.

Unique Ways to Celebrate

Animal Therapy at the Clinic: How about something both therapeutic and delightful? Consider renting baby goats to provide

several hours of goat therapy at your clinic. Organizations like Portland Goat Parties offer such unique experiences that staff will

cherish.

Cinematic Appreciation: Rent out a movie theater for a staff and family movie night. Celebrate the bond, dedication, and

camaraderie that make your team truly special.

Personalized Tokens of Gratitude: Immortalize the connection each staff member has with their pets. Have a photo of the staff’s

beloved animal printed on a t-shirt or tote bag. Additionally, consider giving engraved or personalized water bottles or lunch

containers as thoughtful tokens of appreciation.

Art, Pets, and Relaxation: Host a “Paint and Sip” evening, where your team can paint portraits of their pets while enjoying a

refreshing beverage. It’s a perfect blend of relaxation, creativity, and connection. Ideas for Oregon vendors include Board and

Brush, Bottle and Bottega, and Pop and Paint.

In-Clinic Surprises: Organize special relaxation zones, wellness activities, or collaborate with local massage therapists to bring chair

massages to the clinics. Food and beverages always hit the mark – think about bringing a mobile coffee cart or arranging a catered

lunch.

Time – The Precious Gift: Sometimes, the most cherished gift is time. Offer additional vacation days as a nod to their dedication

and a chance for them to rejuvenate.

Support Local: Partner with Oregon’s local businesses for exclusive offers tailored for our techs. It’s an opportunity to show our appreciation while also bolstering our local community.

Remember, these gestures, big or small, go a long way in showcasing the depth of our appreciation. They serve as tangible tokens of gratitude for the tireless work and unwavering passion our veterinary technicians and assistants bring to the table every single day.

As the Oregon Veterinary Technician and Assistant Association (OVTAA) marks the 31st anniversary of National Veterinary Technician Week, we call on every practice, pet parent, and animal lover in Oregon to join us. Let’s ensure that our celebrations genuinely represent the depth of our appreciation for these incredible professionals. They’re the heart and soul of what we do, and their dedication is the cornerstone of veterinary excellence.