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Roll up your sleeves and gear up for some paw-some fun, because it's time to celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week on October 20! Inaugurated by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) in 1993, this special week not only helps to elevate the veterinary profession but also showcases the vital role these hardworking animal-loving heroes play in preserving animal health and welfare. The event highlights their dedication, skills and contributions to America's pets and veterinary team. Time to give your pet an extra treat and, more importantly, show your gratitude to these amazing professionals for their extraordinary work in keeping our furry friends healthy and happy!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Vet Tech Program</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first veterinary technician program was established in the United States at the State University of New York.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1973</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Veterinary Medical Association Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Veterinary technicians were officially recognized as professionals by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of NAVTA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) was founded to represent and promote the profession.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Vet Tech Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Veterinary Technician Week was celebrated by NAVTA to bring attention to the critical work of vet techs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of Vet Nurse Initiative</div><div class='timeline-text'>NAVTA recognized the Veterinary Nurse Initiative, aimed at standardizing credentialing process for veterinary technicians, and enhancing their recognition as nurses.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Send a heartfelt letter</h3><p class='facts-text'>Write a sincere thank you note to your vet tech, letting them know how much you and your pet appreciate their hard work. Personal words of appreciation will mean a lot to them and can really brighten their day.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Make a donation</h3><p class='facts-text'>Consider making a donation to an animal charity or veterinary education program in their name. It's a win-win situation as it shows your gratitude and helps animals in need or aids in the training of future vet techs.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gift a relaxation package</h3><p class='facts-text'>Being a vet tech can be stressful work dealing with sick animals and worried pet parents. Show that you recognize their hard work by gifting a self-care package like a spa day, a relaxation kit with candles, or a gift card to their favorite local restaurant for them to unwind after work.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create a pet collage</h3><p class='facts-text'>Gather pictures of all the pets your vet tech has helped and create a fun and beautiful collage. For an extra thoughtful touch, include your heartfelt words of appreciation on the back.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bake some pet-themed treats</h3><p class='facts-text'>Show off your baking skills by preparing some pet-themed cookies or cupcakes. Decorate them with fun pet-related designs like bones, fish, or paw prints. It's a tasty thank you that your vet tech is sure to remember!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Recognition of dedicated care</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Veterinary Technician Week appreciates the professionals who are committed to providing exceptional care to our pets. Vet techs put in numerous hours providing medical care, comfort and a friendly environment to pets, and this week gives us the opportunity to say thank you.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raising awareness about their profession</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many people do not completely understand the skills, knowledge and effort involved in the role of a veterinary technician. This week provides a platform to raise awareness about their role in pet healthcare and promote the importance of this profession. </p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages caring for our pets</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By observing the National Veterinary Technician Week, we are reminded of the importance of regular health check-ups for our pets and maintaining their wellbeing. It encourages pet owners to take active steps in securing their pets' health.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vet Techs are formally educated and certified professionals</h3><p class='facts-content'>Becoming a vet tech requires a rigorous two-year associate degree program, followed by passing a licensing exam. Their education covers pharmacology, clinical procedures, anesthesia, surgical nursing and more.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vet Techs perform a wide range of duties</h3><p class='facts-content'>Their scope of work doesn’t just stop at assisting vets during procedures. They also conduct lab work, administer vaccines, perform imaging studies like X-rays, and provide client education on pet care.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vet techs often specialize in certain areas</h3><p class='facts-content'>Just like human medicine, veterinary medicine too offers opportunities to specialize, and many vet techs further train to work in specialties like dentistry, anesthesia, emergency and critical care, or behavior.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vet Techs are crucial for quality animal healthcare</h3><p class='facts-content'>They play a vital role in enabling veterinarians to diagnose and treat animals. Their precision in conducting critical procedures and monitoring anesthesia directly impacts high-quality patient care.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vet Techs also contribute to research and conservation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Their scope of practice isn’t limited to pet care in veterinary clinics. Vet techs also work in pharmaceutical research, public health, military service, wildlife conservation, animal shelters and much more.</p></div></div>
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