This week, as we celebrate National Registered Veterinary Technician Week at Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare, we take a moment to recognize the often-overlooked heroes of the veterinary world—those who dedicate themselves to the care and well-being of our pets. Veterinary technicians are compassionate advocates, skilled caregivers, and tireless supporters of animals, especially senior pets and those in palliative care.
From your pet’s first visit for vaccines, RVT’s are there, playing an essential role in their healthcare journey. Many of us might not realize that they are the ones who assist in surgeries, carefully monitoring your pet throughout the procedure to ensure their safety. If your pet has ever had blood work, it’s likely a RVT that performed the blood draw and phlebotomy with steady hands and expert precision. They are also the ones who care for your pet as they recover from surgery, ensuring they wake up safely and comfortably. When it’s time to take your pet home, they are often the ones who have drawn up the medications you’ll need, offering guidance to ensure your companion continues to heal.
Technicians are there at every critical moment, not just for routine visits but throughout the various stages of your pet’s life, from those energetic early years to the more delicate senior phase. And when it comes to senior pets, their role becomes even more indispensable.
Senior pets require special attention and monitoring, and RVT’s are the vigilant eyes watching over their care. They are trained to assess pain levels and mobility, using tools like pain scales to ensure that senior pets aren’t suffering in silence. As pets age, they may experience discomfort that’s hard to spot—slowing down, reluctance to climb stairs, or struggling to get up after resting. RVT’s are often the first to recognize these signs and ensure they are addressed, advocating for better pain management, therapies, and treatments that improve the quality of life for older pets.
In palliative care, veterinary technicians provide much more than medical expertise—they offer comfort, compassion, and emotional support. They are the ones who administer medications, monitor pain levels, and provide gentle care during a pet’s final stages of life. Technicians are not just focused on medical details; they understand the deep bond between pets and their families and work to make those final moments as peaceful and comfortable as possible. Their presence is a source of strength for families, helping guide them through the most difficult decisions with empathy and grace.
At the core of what they do is a deep passion for animal welfare. Their work is often behind the scenes, yet it’s vital in ensuring that every pet—whether young or old, healthy or in need of palliative care—receives the best possible attention. RVT’s don’t just care for our pets; they form connections with them, ensuring that each pet’s unique needs are met and their voice is heard, even when they can’t speak for themselves.
This week, we honour the extraordinary contributions of veterinary technicians, especially their tireless work in senior and palliative care. They have been with our pets from their very first vet visit, through surgeries and recoveries, monitoring their health and well-being every step of the way. They are there in moments of joy, and they are there when difficult decisions need to be made. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication make them irreplaceable members of the veterinary team.
At Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare, we want to extend a special thank you to all the RVT’s out there. Your hard work, compassion, and commitment to caring for pets of all ages—especially those in their senior years—does not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the tireless advocates and compassionate caregivers our pets need.
Happy National Registered Veterinary Technician Week!
