When you bring your pet to the animal hospital, chances are you’re greeted by a friendly face, guided through the appointment, and sent home with helpful advice. But behind the seamless visit is a highly trained team working tirelessly to support both your pet and the veterinarian. These unsung heroes are certified veterinary technicians, and each October, we celebrate their dedication during Veterinary Technician Week.
This year, Vet Tech Week 2025 takes place October 12–18. It’s the perfect opportunity to recognize the compassionate professionals who are often the first to comfort your anxious pet and the last to ensure they’re resting comfortably after a procedure. From handling emergencies to offering gentle care during routine visits, veterinary technicians are the heartbeat of every animal hospital.
More Than Assistants: What Veterinary Technicians Actually Do
It’s a question many pet owners ask and the answer may surprise you. Veterinary technicians are highly skilled professionals with formal training and certification. They support veterinarians in nearly every aspect of animal care, combining medical expertise with deep compassion.
Here are just a few of the essential responsibilities veterinary technicians manage each day:
- Preparing pets for surgery, including placing IV catheters and monitoring anesthesia
- Conducting laboratory tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, and fecal exams
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Assisting with dental cleanings and charting
- Administering vaccines and medications
- Supporting wound care and bandage changes
- Offering nutritional counseling and at-home care instructions to pet owners
- Maintaining accurate medical records
- Calming nervous pets and offering comfort during stressful visits
Veterinary technicians are also trained in emergency care, pain management, and the use of specialized equipment. They’re not just assisting during appointments. They’re actively managing critical components of your pet’s health behind the scenes.
Meet the Heart of the Hospital: Your Veterinary Technician Team
A great veterinary team runs on trust, teamwork, and heart. At the center of that team is a group of certified veterinary technicians who show up every day to care for pets like they’re part of their own family.
This Veterinary Technician Week, we are proud to celebrate our veterinary technicians at South Hyland Pet Hospital who serve our local community with knowledge, patience, and kindness:
Dawn, Jessica, Hannah, Kara, Grace, Jamie, Jen, Baily, Nicki, Todd, and Michael
Each of these individuals brings a unique strength to the team. Whether they’re gently holding a senior cat during a wellness exam, guiding a nervous dog through surgery prep, or answering a worried pet owner’s questions on the phone, their calm and capable presence brings peace of mind to both animals and humans.
Some are seasoned professionals who have been in the field for years, while others are building promising careers in animal care. But what they all share is a deep commitment to animal health, continued learning, and exceptional client service.
The Emotional Strength Behind the Scrubs
Working in veterinary medicine is rewarding, but it isn’t easy. Long hours, emotional cases, and the physical demands of handling pets all day can be incredibly challenging. Veterinary technicians often juggle multiple roles at once: medical assistant, lab technician, surgical nurse, counselor, and educator.
In one appointment, they may be celebrating a puppy’s first vaccine visit. In the next, they may be comforting a family saying goodbye to a beloved senior pet. They’re trained to stay calm under pressure and to treat every patient with gentleness, whether it’s a hyper Labrador or a scared rescue cat.
This emotional intelligence is one of the many reasons they are so valued in the veterinary community. Their work is not only technical, it’s deeply personal.
Why Veterinary Technicians Deserve the Spotlight
While they may not always be front and center, veterinary technicians are involved in nearly every part of your pet’s care. They help monitor anesthesia during surgery, take lab samples, assist with dental procedures, and guide pet owners through medications and follow-up care.
Many technicians also pursue special training in areas like behavior, nutrition, or dentistry. They are constantly learning so they can give pets the best care possible. They’re excellent communicators, too, helping pet parents understand complex health information in simple, supportive ways.
Their dedication ensures that each visit is not only efficient, but comforting and safe for every animal they care for.
Ways You Can Say Thank You During Veterinary Technician Week
It doesn’t take a grand gesture to show appreciation for the people who care so deeply about your pet’s well-being. Sometimes, a simple “thank you” during your appointment can mean the world to someone who has had a long day full of surprises.
Here are a few thoughtful ways to celebrate Veterinary Technician Week:
- Write a thank-you note or card for the team
- Leave a positive online review mentioning your favorite technician
- Drop off snacks or coffee for the staff
- Share a social media post with a photo of your pet and a message of appreciation
- Mention your gratitude the next time you call or stop in
You can also support the work they do by making use of tools that lighten their workload and enhance care continuity. For example, if your pet needs medication refills, flea or tick prevention, or prescription food, consider using the clinic’s online pharmacy. Veterinary technicians are often the ones who help manage prescription approvals, monitor doses, and provide usage instructions ensuring your pet’s treatment plan stays on track.
Honoring the Veterinary Technicians at South Hyland Pet Hospital
Our certified veterinary technicians at South Hyland Pet Hospital care for every pet as if they were their own. Whether it’s preparing for surgery, answering your questions, or comforting an anxious animal, their skill and compassion shine through in every visit.
This Vet Tech Week, we thank them for their dedication to the pets and families of Bloomington, MN. If you’d like to show your appreciation or schedule a visit, call (952) 884-1868. Their work may happen behind the scenes, but the impact is felt in every healthy, happy pet.Image credit: dore art | iStock | Getty Images Plus
