The Neighborhood Vet Blog

Have you ever walked into a veterinary clinic, had your pet whisked gently away, and wondered who all those smiling, scrub-wearing professionals are? You might recognize your pet's veterinarian, but chances are there’s another key person working hard behind the scenes (and sometimes right beside you). 

Veterinary technicians are the hands, heart, and extra set of eyes that help keep your pet safe and comfortable during their visits. From surgery prep to snuggles after procedures, they do much more than most pet owners realize.

National Veterinary Technician Week is October 12-18, 2025, and this year, we’re cheering for these true animal whisperers. National Veterinary Technician Week spotlights “Paths to Success,” shining a light on the credentialed stars who turn chaos into care and fur into high-fives.

Let’s take a closer look at what these important team members do and how they make your pet’s care possible.

What Is a Veterinary Technician?

Veterinary technicians are highly trained professionals who assist veterinarians with both medical and surgical procedures. Most veterinary technicians have completed a two- to four-year program in veterinary technology and have passed a national certification exam. They are required to complete continuing education to stay up to date with the latest practices in animal care.

Technicians have formal education, medical training, and licensing that qualify them to perform clinical procedures.

Wearing Many Hats: A Day in the Life of a Veterinary Technician

Veterinary technicians wear many hats in a single day. They’re trained to handle everything from technical medical tasks to gentle bedside care.

• Here’s just a glimpse of what a typical day might include:
• Monitoring anesthesia during surgery
• Preparing animals and equipment for procedures
• Drawing blood and collecting other lab samples
• Running diagnostic tests in the lab
• Taking and processing X-rays
• Giving vaccines and medications
• Assisting with dental cleanings
• Recording vital signs and patient updates
• Keeping detailed medical records
• Educating pet owners about post-treatment care

Veterinary technicians often act as the bridge between the medical team and the pet owner. They explain procedures in a way that’s easy to understand and offer guidance on everything from medication instructions to nutrition tips.

Ready for Anything: Trained for Emergencies and Urgent Care

In emergency or urgent care settings, veterinary technicians are often the first to jump into action. They know how to stabilize animals in distress, place IV catheters, assist with CPR, and monitor critical patients around the clock.

If your pet ever has a medical emergency, a veterinary technician will likely be there from the very beginning: working quickly and compassionately to provide life-saving support while the veterinarian makes a diagnosis and treatment plan.

The Emotional Side of Pet Care

Veterinary technicians are not just medically skilled. They’re also deeply compassionate. Many pet owners never see the quiet moments that happen after a procedure, or the gentle way a technician cradles a nervous cat in their arms to help them feel safe.

They offer emotional support not just to pets, but also to owners during difficult visits. Whether you’re worried about a diagnosis, facing an unexpected surgery, or saying goodbye to a beloved companion, veterinary technicians are often right there offering comfort, tissues, and genuine empathy.

It’s a tough job, and not just physically. Caring for animals every day comes with emotional ups and downs. Still, veterinary technicians show up with the same dedication, knowing that every pet they care for matters deeply.

Thank you, Veterinary Technicians!

Veterinary technicians may not always be the ones delivering a diagnosis, but their presence is felt in every part of your pet’s visit. From calming a nervous dog before surgery to carefully monitoring a cat during a dental procedure, their hands-on care helps pets feel safe and supported. Often, they’re the first to greet your pet and the last to say goodbye.

Their work continues behind the scenes running lab tests, assisting in surgeries, and ensuring each animal receives focused, compassionate care. Behind every clean bill of health, every successful treatment, and every tail wag, there’s a veterinary technician quietly making it all possible.

Contact us today to schedule your pet’s next appointment and see firsthand the dedication and care our veterinary team brings to every visit. We’re here to support you and the pets you love.

Image credit: Marek Studzinski on Unsplash