The theme for this year’s National Veterinary Technician Week is “Linking the Veterinary Healthcare Team,” scheduled to take place Oct. 11-17. The week-long celebration will be sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition of Topeka, Kan. The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America Inc., which began the annual celebration in June 1993, said the theme is appropriate since veterinary technicians work closely with veterinarians, veterinary assistants, practice managers, patients and their owners to provide the essential link with all involved in the care process. The observance allows veterinary technicians to focus favorable attention on their profession through a variety of activities, according to NAVTA. These activities serve to educate the public about the medical team, reinforce the value and professionalism of veterinary technicians to veterinarians and the public, provide an opportunity for veterinary technicians to salute one another for excellent performance in their work and to acknowledge veterinarians for hiring veterinary technicians. A true celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week, according to NAVTA, relies on participation of state associations, student chapters and NAVTA members. As such, the nonprofit organization has compiled professional development and fundraising/awareness ideas. Professional Development: Host an open house of the clinic or classroom, with demonstrations of equipment or procedures. . Conduct client workshops to help pet owners manage a difficult dog, work through pet sibling rivalry or provide general info about pet health. . Partner with other clinics in the area to have a seminar or launch continuing education initiatives. . Invite a speaker to address the most current clinical advances. . Arrange to have in-house professionals share their knowledge with co-workers. Fundraising and Awareness: Organize a pooch parade or animal walk to raise funds for an animal charity while raising awareness for veterinary technicians. . Have a dog wash and invite owners to bring in their dogs to get shampooed for a donation. . Sell gift baskets geared toward different pets. . Get the local high school or college’s photography club to take pictures of pretty pets and split the donations. . Visit elementary and high schools to discuss the profession. . Host behind the scenes tours, such as zoos, aquariums, wildlife rehabilitation facilities or a breeding facility. . Host a fashion show of the latest veterinary apparel. Veterinary Practice News would like to know how you and/or your clinic plan to celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week. Tell us by submitting a comment below. Next year’s dates are Oct. 10-16. <HOME>
