The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA), has proclaimed October 14–20, 2018, to be National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW). This annual event recognizes veterinary technicians for their contributions in pet healthcare. This year, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is sponsoring the week-long celebration.

Because we value veterinary technicians every day of the year, we take this week to honor their commitment to compassionate, high-quality veterinary care for all animals. First celebrated in 1993, NVTW takes place in the third week of October each year.

“Veterinary nurses/technicians are integral members of the veterinary healthcare team,” said NAVTA President Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition), VTS-H (Internal Medicine, Dentistry). “Utilizing veterinary nurses/technicians to their fullest allows for the healthcare team to work together efficiently to provide the best medical care for patients.”

“This year’s theme, ‘Veterinary Nursing in Action,’ speaks to the diversity we experience in our training and in the animals we treat in the veterinary profession. We want the profession and the public to understand that veterinary nurses/technicians receive rigorous education and training, and we put this knowledge and these skills to work every day in practice—regardless of the species!”

“It is so fitting to have a week set aside to honor the hard work and dedication of veterinary technicians,” said AAHA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP (Emeritus). “They play an essential role in the delivery of excellent patient and client care in every veterinary practice. We must always remember to thank them for the endless love and care they pour into their work, and must never take for granted the amazing contributions they make.”

To help your practice celebrate NVTW, NAVTA put together a National Veterinary Technician Week kit, which includes:

• Event ideas for NVTW
• A sample NVTW proclamation
• A sample press release
• A sample public service announcement

As the national association representing veterinary technicians, NAVTA realizes that a true celebration of NVTW relies on participation of our members, individual veterinary teams in veterinary practices, state associations, and student chapters.

Promoting NVTW to the general public and nonveterinary venues helps to spread the word about the role of veterinary technicians in the profession and all the incredible care they offer to all species—whether they have feathers, fur, or scales. NAVTA provides direction, education, support, and coordination for its members and works with other allied professional organizations for the competent care and humane treatment of animals.

You can also download this National Veterinary Technician Week cover photo to use on your Facebook page.

Thank you, veterinary technicians, and have a great National Veterinary Technician Week!

Photo credit: © iStock/Steve Debenport