Nearly 10,000 RVTs across Canada will be recognized during RVT Month this October

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) will be celebrating Registered Veterinary Technologists/Technicians (RVTS) from coast to coast throughout the month of October.

RVTTC, along with its seven provincial associations across Canada (BCVTA, ABVTA, SAVT, MVTA, OAVT, EVTA, ATSAQ) celebrate RVT Month each October as an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the indispensable role RVTs play in the field of animal healthcare.

“RVTs are exceptional people with so many amazing qualities that they bring to their roles each day,” said Cera Youngson RVTTC Executive Director, “RVT Month provides a meaningful opportunity to showcase this fact.”

This year’s theme will be “Qualities of an RVT!”.

The theme was chosen to celebrate the incredible people that become RVTs and the qualities that make them compassionate animal caretakers. RVTs are passionate, dedicated professionals who possess a unique blend of compassion, expertise, and resilience. They are the unsung heroes of veterinary clinics worldwide and this month is to build celebrate and build awareness of their professional training and their vital role on the veterinary team.

RVTs are formally educated in a number of areas within veterinary medicine. From anesthesia to dentistry; lab animal research to industry sales; equine to avian and exotics; nutrition to radiology; large animal to shelter medicine, RVTs bring forward a diverse background to share alongside veterinarians and other team members, providing animals with the highest quality of healthcare. They are licensed professionals who have completed a challenging licensing exam (VTNE) and met the requirements to register as an RVT in their province.

Introducing the new, bilingual visual identity for National RVT Month / Le Mois National de TSAc. 

In addition to the annual theme, RVTTC revealed the new bilingual, visual identity for RVT Month that was created with the support of the RVT Month Steering Committee. “We are excited to unveil this new look for RVT Month to use for years to come” said Cera Youngson, RVTTC Executive Director.”  The maple leaf logo captures the national scope of the celebrations. The ECG Waveform was incorporated to symbolize the vitality of RVTs and represent animal health.

RVT Month is full of initiatives to celebrate RVTs and build awareness of the profession.

There are several national events and activities being hosted by RVTTC.  All RVTs are encouraged to attend the “Empowering RVTs” wellness webinar with Dr. Marie Holowaychuk on October 19 (supported by UBAVET).  There are several contests for RVTs to participate in including an Enter-to-Win contest (supported by UBAVET, draws for five x $100 giftcards every Monday), national photo contest (supported by VetStrategy, entries accepted until Oct. 31 for $250 first place prize), and a weekly Word Game contest (new “Wordle” every Tuesday and Thursday).

In addition to these, there are outstanding regional activities hosted by Provincial Veterinary Technician/Technologist associations taking place in October.  From public awareness campaigns, to in person and online Continuing Education opportunities, to contests and social media extravaganzas – there are many initiatives to participate in.  Veterinary teams across Canada are encouraged to celebrate their RVT team members and to join in a number of National and provincial initiatives throughout the month of October to help promote and recognize the RVT profession.

We want to see your team celebrating #RVTMonth. Join the conversation online using the hashtags #ProudlyRVT #ThankanRVT #RVTMonth #WeAreRVTs #AskForRVTs.

For all of the Details on RVT Month Activities:

Head to the official RVT Month website (www.rvtmonth.ca) or the RVT Month Landing Page.   You can also download the Official RVT Month App to your smartphone homepage (supported by Prevail Disinfectants).

Thank you to our official RVT Month Partners:

The post October is National RVT Month – RVTTC unveils “Qualities of an RVT” theme and new, bilingual visual identity appeared first on RVTTC-TTVAC.

RVT Month is a national event celebrated coast to coast every October. The month recognizes that being a Registered Veterinary Technician or Technologist (RVT) is an exciting career with many opportunities to work in a variety of fields as an essential part of the veterinary team. Find out more with the RVT Month App: www.rvtmonth.ca

We’re pleased to announce that UBAVET has partnered with RVTTC, for the FIFTH consecutive year, to celebrate and thank Registered Veterinary Technicians and Technologists (RVTs) and celebrate all of the work that you do.

UBAVET is giving away $2,000 this October during RVT Month through their RVT Month Enter-to-Win Contest. Each week in October we will draw for five $100 gift cards. The online contest opens October 1, 2023, with gift card draws taking place on Mondays (October 9, 16, 23 and 30).

Register Online for a Chance to Win Gift Cards Every Week during RVT Month

To enter, participants must follow UBAVET and RVTTC on Instagram and Facebook and go to the landing page on the UBAVET website to fill out a form with name, contact information, provincial association and confirm to be an RVT member in good standing. https://ubavet.com/homervt-month-contest/ . You can use the hashtags: #UBAVET4RVTS   #UBAVET4TSAC   #RVTMONTH   #UBAVETCONTEST

In addition to the contest, UBAVET is partnering with RVTTC to provide a learning and development opportunity for RVTs across the country.  The Empowering RVTs: Mastering Boundaries, Communication, and Conflict Resolution for Wellbeing Webinar will take place on October 19, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern with esteemed speaker Dr. Marie Holowaychuk who will provide guidance on setting and maintain healthy boundaries, confidently communicating through issues, and challenging conversations. RVTs across Canada are invited to join the webinars by registering at https://rvttcanada.ca/event-listings/.

The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) is a not-for-profit organization representing roughly 10,000 RVTs across Canada on national and international issues. Supporting affiliated provincial veterinary technician and technologist associations in its mission to unite, advance and strengthen the Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist profession.

UBAVET is a leading supplier of Veterinary Nutraceuticals. Founded in Canada in 1994, UBAVET is dedicated to giving Canada’s veterinary care providers the supplements and products they need to support the healing, vitality, and quality of life of the animals they care for.  UBAVET works continuously to bring innovative and natural solutions to small animal and equine health issues, using ingredients from the highest quality and natural sources.   UBAVET is exclusive to Canada’s veterinary community and available nationwide.  Connect with UBAVET at https://www.facebook.com/ubavetcanada/ or https://www.instagram.com/ubavetcanada/.

The post UBAVET and RVTTC want you to win during RVT Month! appeared first on RVTTC-TTVAC.

QUEBEC CITY, Quebec – Vanessa George of Alberta, has been named 2023’s Canadian RVT of the Year by Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC).  This award is presented to a Registered Veterinary Technologist/Technician (RVT) who exemplifies the definition of an outstanding individual in the RVT profession.  Nominations are submitted annually from provincial member associations and members of the veterinary community and are reviewed scrupulously by RVTTC’s Board of Directors.

Described by colleagues as someone who “always has the best interests of the RVT profession, veterinary medicine, and animals, in mind in all she does,” Vanessa George began her career 17 years ago, as an RVT.  She focused her career in mixed, small, and exotic animal clinical practice in the Edmonton area.  Vanessa has been recognized twice by the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA) for her exceptional dedication and impact, receiving the ABVTA Appreciation Award in 2010 and 2017.

In 2016 Vanessa assumed the esteemed role of Executive Director of the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA).  During her tenure, she has earned a reputation as a mentor “RVTs can get information from, lean on, confide in and trust” said Penny Steffen, ABVTA representative, who submitted Vanessa’s nomination. As Executive Director, Vanessa has played a pivotal role in championing the rights and aspirations of veterinary technologists. Her tireless efforts have led to enhanced access to professional development programs for RVTs, spearheaded workforce initiatives in collaboration with provincial and national partners, and established essential member support programs. Her commitment to these endeavors demonstrates her unwavering dedication to the veterinary profession.

Not only is Vanessa instrumental in building the Alberta provincial association, she is also a strong, compassionate voice for animals, from working in veterinary practice to marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation throughout her career.  Vanessa also sits on an Alberta Veterinary Medical Association committee and has volunteered for Tails of Help and the Alberta Alliance for the Safety of Animals and People (AASAP).

RVTTC extends its warm congratulations to Vanessa on this achievement! For more information about the Canadian RVT of the Year Award, please visit RVTTC — Awards (rvttcanada.ca)

Hills Pet Nutrition has been a long-standing sponsor of this award, providing an all-expense paid trip to the CVMA Convention and a commemorative plaque.  Thank you to Hills Pet Nutrition for their ongoing support of RVTs. The award was announced on July 5, 2023 in Quebec City, Quebec, and celebrated by attendees of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s Award Gala.

—

The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) is a not-for-profit organization representing the voices of Canadian RVTs on national and international issues. RVTTS’s mission is to unite, advance, and strengthen the Registered Veterinary Technologist and Technician profession across Canada through leadership and advocacy to promote excellence in animal healthcare. To learn more about RVTTC, please visit rvttcanada.ca.

RVTTC Contact:
Cera Youngson
CEO/Executive Director
CYoungson@rvttcanada.ca

Sponsored by:

The post Vanessa George of ABVTA is the 2023 Canadian RVT of the Year appeared first on RVTTC-TTVAC.

From October 2–8, 2022, the CVMA will celebrate our annual Animal Health Week by raising awareness about Habitat Protection and Pandemic Prevention – showcasing how animals, habitats, and human health are interdependent in creating healthy ecosystems which helps protect biosecurity.

Key messages include:

• Protecting the habitats of animals helps protect shared ecosystems and, in turn, helps safeguard human health.
• Respecting animals in their natural environments helps deter the spread of disease to other animal species and humans.
• Importation of exotic animals, and even improper movement of domestic animals, can introduce disease to local animals and people.
• Encroaching upon wildlife habitats or entering commercial/farmed operations without following proper protocols can result in biosecurity breaches which can lead to dangerous outcomes for animals and people.
• Protecting the environments of wildlife and all animals in your care is paramount in pandemic prevention.
• Monitoring disease in wildlife, such as migrating birds, bats, and feral animals like pigs and dogs, can play an important role in future pandemic prevention.

Visit the Animal Health Week page on our website to download this year’s poster, as well as our shareable social media posts and video.

The post Animal Health Week is Just Around the Corner! appeared first on RVTTC-TTVAC.

August 15, 2022

KEMPTVILLE, Ontario – Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) has appointed Cera Youngson to the position of Executive Director as Shannon Thompson retires from the role after eight years of outstanding service. Thompson has led the growth of RVTTC, uniting seven provincial veterinary technician/technologists associations that serve almost 10,000 individual Registered Veterinary Technicians and Technologists (RVTs).

Shannon’s leadership has been critical in elevating the RVT profession and improving opportunities for RVTs across Canada. As Executive Director and an RVT herself, she played pivotal roles in the expansion of RVT Month to be a national celebration; RVT Career Navigator, a career planning and advancement website for the RVT profession; a National Standards of Practice for the profession; and expanding RVTTC’s advocacy and education network.

As part of a thoughtful succession plan, RVTTC announced Cera Youngson to the position of Executive Director, effective August 15, 2022. Cera has served as Executive Director for the Saskatoon Zoo Society Inc. and 4-H Saskatchewan.  Cera has several years experience in senior management roles, leading core functions in finance, administration, communication, service delivery, and fund development for provincial non-profit membership organizations and registered charitable entities. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing Major from the Edwards School of Business, as well as a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from the Schulich School of Business.

“We are eager to welcome Cera to RVTTC,” said Board President, Cally Merritt.  “We believe Cera’s skills and experience will build on Shannon’s strong legacy.”  Cera will commence the role on August 15 while Shannon stays on to lead the transition.  RVTTC extends its thanks and very best wishes to Shannon on her retirement and congratulates Cera on her new role.

—

The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) is a not-for-profit organization representing almost 10,000 RVTs across Canada on national and international issues. RVTTC’s mission is to unite, advance, and strengthen the Registered Veterinary Technologist and Technician profession across Canada through leadership and advocacy to promote excellence in animal healthcare.  To learn more about RVTTC, please visit htpps://rvttcanada.ca/

RVTTC Contact:
Shannon T. Thompson (Brownrigg) RVT (she/her)
Outgoing CEO/Executive Director
sthompson@rvttcanada.ca

The post RVTTC names Cera Youngson to the position of Executive Director as Shannon Thompson retires appeared first on RVTTC-TTVAC.

As part of a thoughtful succession plan, RVTTC announced that Cally Merritt, RVT, has been appointed RVTTC’s Board President effective August 1, 2022. Cally graduated from the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, and has been working in small animal, mixed animal, and equine practice. Amongst her many accomplishments, Cally has taught in the Veterinary Technology Program at Ridgetown, is a member of the Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) Rabies Response Program and is a certified equine massage therapist.

Cally’s Board experience is extensive, having served on the OAVT Board of Directors for six years as Vice President. She has volunteered and chaired many OAVT committees including college accreditation, governance, bylaw and policy, nominations, and legislative task force. Cally has also served on RVTTC’s board and on special projects including the scope of practice taskforce, career ladder taskforce, labour mobility task force, and RVTTC representative for the development of mental health in agriculture pilot program.

The RVT profession is clearly one that Cally is committed to.  “I want to continue to make the RVT profession one that people stay in for a lifetime,” said Cally.  “I want to help with labour mobility so an RVT can follow their dreams and still work in the field they love no matter where they may go. I would like to see our profession offer more opportunities and specializations for RVTs to advance their careers.”  It is with pleasure that RVTTC welcomes Cally to the role of Board President. “We are enthusiastic for this next phase and look forward to our continued success,” said Shannon Thompson.

—

The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) is a not-for-profit organization representing almost 10,000 RVTs across Canada on national and international issues. RVTTS’s mission is to unite, advance, and strengthen the Registered Veterinary Technologist and Technician profession across Canada through leadership and advocacy to promote excellence in animal healthcare.  To learn more about RVTTC, please visit rvttcanada.ca.

RVTTC Contact:
Shannon T. Thompson (Brownrigg) RVT (she/her)
CEO/Executive Director
sthompson@rvttcanada.ca

The post RVTTC names Cally Merritt to the position of Board President as Heather Shannon retires appeared first on RVTTC-TTVAC.

Alyson Howard has been an Registered Veterinary Technician for over 17 years. Described by those who work with her as a very kind, calm, and patient person, Alyson excels as a leader, with an enduring commitment to her colleagues, patients and their families, and the field of veterinary medicine.  Being an Registered Veterinary Technician was Alyson’s lifelong dream. Her passion has motivated her to travel throughout Atlantic Canada, leaving her home in New Brunswick, to respond to critical needs at various hospitals in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.  On one such occasion, Alyson accepted a particularly challenging position at a veterinary hospital in Newfoundland. Buckling under the weight of a massive labour shortage, the hospital was in full crisis mode, with few staff and no management.  Alyson established new policies and processes and developed a skills training program for her team members to foster growth and development.  This in turn attracted new talent, whom Alyson quickly recruited and trained in the field.  Under Alyson’s leadership, the hospital is now thriving.  As Alyson’s employer, Dr. Lesley Steele noted, “You can feel the change in the culture, walking in the door. The team is happy.”  Dr. Steele continued, “Alyson deserves an award above anyone due to her sacrifice and total, total commitment to the job.”

Hills Pet Nutrition has been a long-standing sponsor of this award, providing an all-expense paid trip to the CVMA Convention.  Thank you to Hills Pet Nutrition for their ongoing support of RVTs.

RVTTC extends its warm congratulations to Alyson on this achievement! For more information about the Canadian RVT of the Year Award, and other awards and bursaries presented by RVTTC, please visit RVTTC — Awards (rvttcanada.ca)

—

The Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada (RVTTC) is a not-for-profit organization representing almost 10,000 RVTs across Canada on national and international issues. RVTTS’s mission is to unite, advance, and strengthen the Registered Veterinary Technologist and Technician profession across Canada through leadership and advocacy to promote excellence in animal healthcare.  To learn more about RVTTC, please visit rvttcanada.ca.

RVTTC Contact:
Shannon T. Thompson (Brownrigg) RVT (she/her)
CEO/Executive Director
sthompson@rvttcanada.ca

The post Alyson Howard honoured as 2022 Canadian RVT of the Year appeared first on RVTTC-TTVAC.

Habitat Protection and Pandemic Prevention

 ANIMALS, HABITATS, AND HUMAN HEALTH —
CREATING A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM AND PROTECTING BIOSECURITY

Animal Health Week (AHW) is an annual national public awareness campaign organized by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and hosted by veterinarians across Canada. Each year, through AHW, the veterinary community draws attention to an important health-related message.

From October 2 – 8, 2022, the CVMA will celebrate our annual Animal Health Week by raising awareness about Habitat Protection and Pandemic Prevention – showcasing how animals, habitats, and human health are interdependent in creating healthy ecosystems which helps protect biosecurity. This year’s theme displays how Canada’s veterinary professionals occupy unique positions within the national One Health community in protecting animal health which, in turn, protects everyone’s health.

 Promotional tools, including a social media campaign, educational information, and articles will be available to promote Animal Health Week across the country on the Animal Health Week page under the Practice Tools section of the Veterinary Resources tab of the CVMA website (canadianveterinarians.net).

The 2022 Animal Health Week campaign key messages are intended to educate the public about the importance of habitat protection:

• Protecting the habitats of animals helps protect shared ecosystems and, in turns, helps safeguard human health.
• Respecting animals in their natural environments helps deter the spread of disease to other animal species and humans.
• Importation of exotic animals, and even improper movement of domestic animals, can introduce disease to local animals and people.
• Encroaching upon wildlife habitats or entering commercial/farmed operations without following proper protocols can result in biosecurity breaches which can lead to outcomes dangerous to animals and people.
• Protecting the environments of wildlife and all animals in your care is paramount in pandemic prevention.

• Monitoring disease in wildlife, such as migrating birds, bats, and feral animals like pigs and dogs, can play an important role in future pandemic prevention.

2022 Animal Health Week Sponsors

Generous support of the 2022 Animal Health Week campaign is provided by Program Sponsors, iFinance Canada (Petcard) and Petsecure.

To access important resources and further details, please visit CVMA Animal Health Week page!

The post Animal Health Week 2022 – October 2 to 8, 2022 appeared first on RVTTC-TTVAC.

The post Call for Applications: Executive Director/Appel de mise en candidatures : Directeur général ou directrice générale appeared first on RVTTC-TTVAC.

Since joining RVTTC in 2014, Shannon has led the growth of the organization, uniting seven provincial veterinary technician/technologists associations that serve almost 10,000 individual Registered Veterinary Technicians and Technologists (RVTs).

Shannon’s leadership has been critical in elevating the RVT profession and improving opportunities for RVTs across Canada. As Executive Director and an RVT herself, she played pivotal roles in the expansion of RVT Month to be a national celebration; RVT Career Navigator, a career planning and advancement website for the RVT profession; a National Standards of Practice for the profession; and expanding RVTTC’s advocacy and education network. The field of veterinary medicine is stronger as a result of Shannon’s vision through RVTTC.

“RVTTC’s Board of Directors and Members are forever grateful to Shannon for her tremendous contributions to RVTTC,” said Heather Shannon, Board President.  “Shannon is not only a great leader, but a friend and colleague who will leave big shoes to fill.  Her retirement is bittersweet for all those she impacted in her role as Executive Director.”  Best wishes are extended to Shannon as she embarks on a new adventure.

Shannon has agreed to work with the Board and an external consultant over the next few months to recruit RVTTC’s next Executive Director. Another example of Shannon’s generosity and professionalism that will be sorely missed. Thank you, Shannon!

Après 8 ans de leadership sans pareil, Shannon Thompson, directrice générale de TTVAC prendra sa retraite à l’été 2022

Après huit ans à la barre de Technologues et techniciens vétérinaires agréés du Canada (TTVAC), Shannon Thompson (Brownrigg) a décidé de prendre sa retraite à titre de directrice générale à l’été 2022.

Depuis son arrivée au sein de TTVAC en 2014, Shannon a stimulé la croissance de l’organisation, uni sept associations provinciales de technologues et techniciens vétérinaires et en santé animale qui regroupent près de 10 000 techniciens en santé animale certifiés (TSAc).

Le leadership de Shannon a été un tremplin pour la profession de TSAc et pour la promotion des différentes occasions d’avancement des TSAc partout au Canada. Comme directrice générale, et étant elle-même TSAc, elle a été à l’origine du mois des TSAc; du navigateur de carrière pour les TSAc/RVT, un site consacré à la planification et à l’avancement professionnels des TSAc; des Normes de pratique nationales de la profession; et du réseau de gouvernance et d’éducation de TTVAC. Grâce à la vision de Shannon, le domaine de la médecine vétérinaire est plus fort que jamais.

Les membres du comité de direction et du conseil d’administration sont à jamais reconnaissants pour l’apport inestimé de Shannon à TTVAC », affirme Heather Shannon, présidente du CA. « Shannon n’est pas qu’une cheffe hors pair, mais elle est une amie et une collègue qui sera bien difficile à remplacer. Sa retraite bien méritée est accueillie avec un pincement au cœur par tous ceux et celles qu’elle a su toucher à titre de directrice générale ». Nous offrons nos meilleurs vœux à Shannon alors qu’elle se lance dans cette nouvelle aventure.

Au cours des prochains mois, Shannon a accepté de travailler avec le conseil d’administration et un conseiller externe pour le recrutement du prochain directeur général ou de la prochaine directrice générale de TTVAC. Un autre exemple de la générosité et du professionnalisme de Shannon qui nous manquera grandement! Merci Shannon!

The post RVTTC Executive Director, Shannon Thompson, Announces Retirement/ Après 8 ans de leadership sans pareil, Shannon Thompson, directrice générale de TTVAC prendra sa retraite à l’été 2022 appeared first on RVTTC-TTVAC.