When you bring your pet to the veterinary clinic, you want knowledgeable people who care about your animal as much as you do. You also want someone who listens, answers questions, and helps you feel supported. Credentialed Veterinary Technologists and Technicians (CrVTs) bring both technical expertise and compassion to your pet’s care team.
Next week is National Veterinary technician week in the United States and Canada dedicates all of October to celebrate credentialed veterinary technicians. So, it’s a great time to get to know these skilled professionals and the difference they make for pets and their families.
Knowledge behind the care
Those extra letters (CVT, LVT, RVT, LVMT) represent a serious commitment to animal health. CrVTs complete an accredited education program, pass a Veterinary Technician Licensing Exam, and continue learning to maintain their registration.
For your pet, that means having another trained professional involved in their care. Whether a visit involves dental treatment, another procedure requiring anesthesia, or other care, a CrVT brings knowledge and technical skills vital for your pet’s health.
Support for your pet and you
A CrVT’s contribution also includes attention to your pet’s comfort. Through gentle handling that aims to reduce stress and assessment of pain management, CrVTs help support animal welfare during veterinary care.
They also help care for the person holding the leash or carrier. Explaining pet care and offering nutrition advice are part of the CrVT’s role. If you have questions about your pet’s daily care, ask how a CrVT can help. A conversation can be an opportunity to discuss what feels manageable at home and where you need more guidance.
A team with a range of skills
Veterinary care brings together many kinds of expertise. CrVTs contribute knowledge in areas including laboratory science, X-rays, nutrition, anesthesia and emergency care. They also support disease prevention through work such as parasite testing and infection control.
Some CrVTs work beyond the familiar clinic setting, contributing to animal health through research, education, shelter medicine, and wildlife care. Their profession reaches well beyond the moments you see during an appointment.
Get to know your pet’s CrVT
This October, if you don’t already have a relationship with them, ask your veterinary clinic to introduce you to its CrVTs. Find out how they contribute to your pet’s care and what support they can offer you.
Having a CrVT on the team brings together skilled care for your pet and compassionate support for your family. That is something worth recognizing all year.
