National Veterinary Technician Week is celebrated October 16-22, and this year the theme is: “Veterinary Technicians’ Resilience is the Heart of Veterinary Medicine.” Veterinary technicians are the men and women who seamlessly execute veterinary patient care. Serving on the frontlines of animal care, their resiliency and passion to provide the best care for their patients is what makes the veterinary technician role so vital. In human medicine, several people would fill the role of one veterinary technician: nurse, x-ray technician, phlebotomist, EMT, surgical technician…the list goes on.

What is a Veterinary Technician?

Veterinary technicians are credentialed professionals whose medical knowledge and clinical skills provide routine and emergency care. They work alongside veterinarians to provide the medical care that helps animals live healthy, happy lives.

Vet techs play an important role in veterinary patient care. Their attention to detail ensures that each patient receives proper care, no matter what ails them. They must be flexible and agile, continuously overcoming challenges and embracing change in order to enrich the lives of their patients. And they’re resilientㅡvet techs play a critical role in precisely implementing new technology or treatment protocols in their clinic or hospital, which oftentimes requires intense dedication and attention-to-detail in order to ensure success. 

Learn more about what a day in the life of a veterinary technician looks like from the American Animal Hospital Association.

How Do Veterinary Technicians Help Animal Cancer Patients?

As key members of the patient’s healthcare team, veterinary technicians work closely with veterinarians and pet owners to deliver the best treatment approach for each patient. We know this first-hand because we have worked closely with many of them as their patients undergo cancer treatment with the ELIAS Cancer Immunotherapy (ECI®).

Listen to this podcast from Dog Cancer Answers that dives deeper into the complex role of vet techs in oncology. To better understand all of the critical roles played by a canine cancer patient’s care team, check out this blog.

ELIAS Animal Health salutes veterinary technicians this week and always. The next time your furry friend visits the veterinary clinic or hospital, remember to thank your vet tech for all that they do! Learn more about National Veterinary Technician Week from the National Veterinary Technician Association (NAVTA).