The maxim, It takes a village, is applicable to the provision of exceptional veterinary care. Our incredible and devoted veterinary technicians play an essential role in providing the exceptional health and wellness services your pet deserves. Our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team celebrates our veterinary technicians every day. Learn about our team’s integral veterinary healthcare players. 

What is a veterinary technician?

To ensure patients’ needs are fulfilled, veterinary technicians (i.e., vet techs) assist licensed veterinarians with an array of tasks. Similar to that of a nurse who helps doctors care for human patients, a vet tech’s role is as critical for animal patients. Vet techs are highly skilled, indispensable members of the veterinary care team. 

What are the education requirements for veterinary technicians in Canada?

Becoming a registered veterinary technician (RVT) in Canada requires rigorous training and education. By graduating from an accredited veterinary technician postsecondary program, and successfully passing the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), an RVT develops a knowledge standard and essential skill base. The extensive educational and testing requirements ensure that every RVT possesses a high veterinary medicine skill level and expert knowledge. To maintain their registration status, RVTs must accumulate continuing education hours as their provincial professional association determines. To develop an understanding of the professionalism and ethics this highly specialized profession demands, RVTs must also complete a workshop covering these topics. RVTs’ veterinary medical training includes nine primary subject areas:

  • Anesthesia
  • Emergency medicine
  • Pharmacy and pharmacology
  • Pain management and analgesia
  • Dentistry
  • Laboratory procedures
  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Animal care and nursing
  • Surgical nursing

What does a veterinary technician do?

A veterinary technician’s formal education and skills allow them to assist in several veterinary hospital settings. Vet techs’ roles may be different at each veterinary practice, but these professionals are usually involved in nearly every veterinary care matter and can perform almost any veterinary task, except making a diagnosis, prescribing medications, or performing surgery. Common veterinary technician responsibilities include:

  • Outpatient care — A veterinary technician’s love for animals and passion for their work are obvious in the way they interact with your pet, gently helping them feel calm and comfortable in a new environment. During your pet’s appointment, veterinary technicians perform numerous health care tasks, including:
    • Assisting the veterinarian with your pet’s restraint and handling, so your four-legged friend feels secure. This assistance also ensures the veterinarian can complete your pet’s thorough examination.
    • Administering veterinarian-prescribed medications 
    • Providing you with your pet’s detailed and clear follow-up care instructions
    • Performing and processing diagnostic testing such as drawing blood, taking X-rays, and processing laboratory samples

  • Surgical procedures — While a veterinary technician cannot perform your pet’s surgery, they are responsible for your beloved companion’s presurgical preparation and vital sign monitoring. A vet tech also assists your veterinarian during your pet’s surgical procedure. Many veterinary technicians are especially skilled at pet dentistry, and pride themselves on polishing your four-legged friend’s teeth to a sparkling white. 

A veterinary technician’s surgical tasks often include:

    • Before surgery, ensuring that surgical supplies, instruments, and the surgical suite are sterile and ready for use
    • Preparing your pet for surgery
    • Carrying out safe and effective anesthetic protocols 
    • Closely monitoring your pet under anesthesia
    • Providing your pet with postoperative care
  • Emergency care — Veterinary technicians are specially trained to assist veterinarians in providing emergency care. A vet tech is often the first person to see your pet during an emergency visit, and they will triage your beloved companion’s medical status to ensure your four-legged friend receives the care they need as soon as possible. 

During an emergency, a veterinary technician may assist the veterinarian with the following tasks:

    • Placing intravenous (IV) catheters
    • Administering fluids and oxygen
    • Injecting medications 
    • Coordinating the treatment plan
    • Providing ongoing patient care during hospitalization

  • Administration and sanitation— Veterinary technicians wear many hats and are often responsible for administrative tasks that keep a hospital efficient. Vet techs are talented multitaskers who are always willing to help out wherever the clinic needs them. 

Veterinary technicians may assist with the following tasks:

    • Taking inventory
    • Checking clients in and out
    • Answering the phone 
    • Sanitizing kennels and exam rooms

Veterinary technicians are critical to a hospital’s day-to-day function, and their commitment to care helps veterinarians work efficiently and effectively. Contact our Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital team for all your pet care needs—most of which one of our amazing and expert veterinary technicians will be pleased to provide.