Each year, the third week of October is dedicated to celebrating the trusted staff members and technicians who provide a wide range of vital services for your furry and feathered friends. National Veterinary Technician Week is the perfect time to learn more about the health care teams working on the frontlines, in clinics and in the examination rooms of Hawaii's trusted pet hospitals.

Between October 17 and 23, 2021, veterinary and animal welfare organizations across the nation focus on raising the public’s awareness of the talented employees working in the animal medical field. Even without their lab coats and stethoscopes, veterinary technicians reveal themselves to be inspirational human beings who are devoted to animal health and wellness every day of the year.

The Idea Behind National Veterinary Technician Week

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians launched NVTW in 1993 to bring attention to the medical professionals caring for your pets. The not-for-profit association and other animal welfare organizations hold events during the week to help the public learn about the vital contributions that skilled veterinary technicians offer the profession.

Hawaii's residents can find local activities dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments of tireless nurses caring for the Aloha State's animals. Whether your pet could use a wellness checkup or follow-up treatment, visiting a comforting veterinary technician that offers advice, smiles and ancillary services can help your pet to stay healthy.

The Theme for 2021: Veterinary Technician Self-Care

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians introduces a unique theme every year. This year emphasizes the challenges licensed technicians are currently facing. For 2021, the theme of National Veterinary Technician Week is "Self-Care." According to the NAVTA's president Ed Carlson, the levels of stress and heavy workloads that veterinary technicians have managed in the past year were unprecedented.

To kick off NVTW in 2021, NAVTA is offering free webinars, resources and social media raffles with prizes promoting self-care for the dedicated individuals looking after your pets’ well-being. Yoga, for example, has been found to be an effective and nurturing way to practice self-care on a regular basis. Yoga routines can even be combined with a canine friend. Regardless of your profession and whether you prefer to call it “Puppy Yoga” or “Doga,” it can be a great way to maintain a healthy work-life balance and strengthen the relationship with a furry companion.

How You Can Take Advantage of NVTW

It takes some organizations an entire year to prepare for the many campaigns and events that take place during National Veterinary Technician Week. The week offers you and your animals an opportunity to visit your local pet hospital for a meet-and-greet with caring and dedicated veterinary technicians. There’s much you can learn from them, and you may also be surprised to find out all the things they do.

By introducing your pets to trusting veterinary technician professionals, you'll learn more about who to call in case of an emergency. Vet techs can answer many of the questions that you may have about animal care, pet dentistry and medical procedures. If you're interested in alternative treatments such as acupuncture, a consultation with a vet tech can help you learn more about the best methods to address your pet's condition.

The Importance of Skilled Professionals Caring for Your Pets

Animals of all species benefit from the skills, care and compassion of licensed veterinary technicians. They play an important role in their health and help them heal from illnesses or injuries. Without them, a beloved pet may not receive critical testing in time to diagnose what might otherwise become a life-threatening medical condition.

Experienced vet techs draw blood, prepare surgical instruments and assist veterinary surgeons performing surgical procedures. Vet techs may also administer a pet's anesthesia and perform animal blood transfusions. Some veterinary technicians go on to conduct zoological research to help further the scientific discoveries in the field of animal medicine.

Learn More About What Our Vet Techs Can Do for Your Pet

Our veterinary technicians are reliable and trusted individuals who remain dedicated to the health and wellness of your animal companions. National Veterinary Technician Week is a great time to contact one of our three Pet Hospitals of Hawaii locations to set up a time to get to know the staff. One of our vet techs can also answer many of your questions about your pet’s nutrition or how you can correct an undesirable behavioral issue.