Nominations are now open for the 2026 Canadian RVT of the Year Award. The award is given to a Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist who exemplifies the definition of an outstanding individual in the Veterinary Technology profession. Since its inception, 23 outstanding RVTs from across Canada have been acknowledged with this prestigious accolade.

RVTTC is thankful to have Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada as the sponsor for the award. Hill’s has supported the award since it was created in 2003. With their support, award winners receive travel and accommodation arrangements (up to $2500) and one CVMA Convention registration to attend the upcoming CVMA Convention being held June 24-26, 2026 in Charlottetown, PE.I. )

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Must be an RVT/TSAc in good standing in Canada
• Must have participated as (A) a past or present Board Member of RVTTC or their provincial association and/or (B) been recognized as a provincial RVT award winner by their own provincial member organization.
• Be involved, active or current in the veterinary technology profession.
• Have outstanding performance in their workplace.

Nominations are to be submitted to the RVTTC Board of Directors by email to info@rvttcanada.ca.   Submissions, in WORD or PDF format, are to include:

• • name and contact information for the nominator
  • the name, contact information, and designation of the nominee,
  • a brief biography of the nominee, (outlining their education, work history, volunteerism, association involvement, and contributions to the profession) and
  • a photo/headshot of the nominee suitable for announcing the winner
  • a summary of how and why this nominee meets the identified award criteria:
    • when and how did they contribute as a board member of their association and/or when/how were they recognized as a provincial award winner?
    • how are they involved, active, or current in the veterinary technology profession?
    • how are they outstanding in their workplace?
    • how do they meet the definition of an outstanding individual in the RVT/TSAc profession?
    • how have they contributed to the profession at large? e.g. outstanding in their workplace, as a leader in veterinary organizations or as a mentor for others, recognized as an expert in their field, etc.

The 2026 Nomination Deadline is April 15, 2026 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

RVTTC looks forward to reviewing applications and recognizing an outstanding RVT as the next Canadian RVT of the Year. The winner will be announced and presented their award in Charlottetown on June 25, 2026 during the CVMA Awards Gala

Sponsored by: Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada

Thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada for their ongoing support of RVTs. The award has been generously sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada since its inception.

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to science-led pet nutrition, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is on a mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill’s is dedicated to pioneering research for dogs and cats using a scientific understanding of their specific needs. As a leading veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is the first ingredient with nearly 200 veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health. Hill’s Prescription Diet therapeutic nutrition; plus the everyday wellness product line, Hill’s Science Diet, are sold at vet clinics and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about Hill’s products and nutritional philosophy, visit hillspet.ca.

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“One Profession, Many Opportunities” is the RVT Month Theme for 2025

Use the bilingual visual identity for National RVT Month / Le Mois National de TSAc 

In 2023, RVTTC revealed a new bilingual, visual identity for RVT Month that was created with the support of the RVT Month Steering Committee. 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.  Graphics and premade Canva templates are available at the official RVT Month website (www.rvtmonth.ca) or the RVT Month Landing Page.

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VICTORIA, BC – Angela Nisbett of Saskatchewan has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Canadian Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) of the Year Award for her mentorship of others and commitment to excellence.

Angela Nisbett has had a drive for animal care since she was young, beginning her career in high school as a vet assistant. She moved away to study to become a Registered Veterinary Technologist, graduating from SIAST (SaskPolyTech) in 2004. Immediately after graduating, she returned to work with small animals in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Her nominator shared that “Angela is an RVT who never stops learning and teaching. There isn’t much more you can ask for than someone who is excited to come to work and have her coworkers also excited for her to arrive. Pets in the city are lucky to have such a valuable, caring member giving them care. ” Her mentorship has impacted her community and peers, including veterinary technology students and also her coworkers.

Angela is dedicated to continuous education and has been pursuing a Veterinary Technician Specialist (Dentistry) designation. She is always meticulously studying and traveling to learn new skills. All of these insights and experiences are already greatly valued by her team. Both doctors and techs are always eager to benefit from her knowledge, skills and abilities. Her mentoring led to Angela becoming a provincial award winner when she was nominated by a Veterinary Technology student in 2020. Her passion is dentistry, working with doctors to assist in all aspects of small animal oral care.  Angela has created lifelong friendships, a deeper understanding of the profession, and a strong desire to continue to promote the profession. Once her dentistry certification is fully complete, this will be an outstanding accomplishment for the province and Canada to be one of the few technicians with such knowledge.

Angela has been passionate about animal care since childhood, starting her career as a veterinary assistant while still in high school. Known for her enthusiasm, mentorship and dedication, she is a respected team member whose energy inspires colleagues and students alike. Her deep knowledge, mentorship, and commitment have made her a valued resource within both her clinic and the broader veterinary community. She is known for building lasting professional relationships and is a strong advocate for advancing the veterinary technologist profession in Canada.  RVTTC was proud to present her with the 2025 Canadian RVT of the Year award. 

The award was announced on June 25, 2025 in Victoria, British Columbia by Francis Rousseau, RVT (President of RVTTC) and Shaneka Willer, RVT (Hill’s representative), and celebrated by attendees of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s Award Gala. Angela was joined by her husband and children to accept the award.  RVTTC extends its congratulations to all of the esteemed award recipients (pictured below. Photo credit: CVMA).

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada 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 Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their ongoing support of RVTs.

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Over the past three and a half decades, our association has grown, evolved, and garnered recognition for the vital role that RVTs play within veterinary teams. This success is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our members, representatives, and supporters.

We’ve witnessed remarkable advancements in our field, celebrated numerous achievements, and faced challenges together with resilience and innovation.

The vision that led to the founding of CAAHTT (Canadian Association of Animal Health Technologists and Technicians) in 1989 remains as relevant today for the RVTTC (Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada) as it was then.

As we celebrate our 35th anniversary, we reflect with pride on how far we’ve come and look ahead with excitement. As the voice of Canadian RVTs, we will continue to advocate at the national and global level, collaborate within the Canadian veterinary community, and support provincial associations in advancing and strengthening the RVT profession locally. Here’s to 35 years, and the next chapter of growth and achievement!

Thank you to Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada for their support as our 35th Anniversary sponsor.

Au cours des trois dernières décennies et demie, notre association s’est développée, a évolué et a été reconnue pour le rôle essentiel que jouent les RVT au sein des équipes vétérinaires. Ce succès témoigne du dévouement et de la collaboration de nos membres, représentants et sympathisants.

Nous avons été témoins de progrès remarquables dans notre domaine, avons célébré de nombreuses réalisations et relevé des défis en même temps que la résilience et l’innovation.

La vision qui a mené à la fondation de l’ACAATT (Association canadienne des technologues et techniciens en santé animale) en 1989 demeure aussi pertinente aujourd’hui pour le RVTTC (Technologues et techniciens vétérinaires agréés du Canada) qu’elle l’était à l’époque.

Alors que nous célébrons notre 35e anniversaire, nous réfléchissons avec fierté au chemin parcouru et regardons l’avenir avec enthousiasme. En tant que porte-parole des RVT canadiens, nous continuerons de plaider aux niveaux national et mondial, de collaborer au sein de la communauté vétérinaire canadienne et de soutenir les associations provinciales dans l’avancement et le renforcement de la profession de RVT au niveau local. C’est parti pour 35 ans, et le prochain chapitre de croissance et de réussite !

Merci à Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada pour son soutien en tant que sponsor du 35e anniversaire.

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Use the bilingual visual identity for National RVT Month / Le Mois National de TSAc 

Last year, RVTTC revealed a new bilingual, visual identity for RVT Month that was created with the support of the RVT Month Steering Committee. 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.  Graphics and premade Canva templates are available at the official RVT Month website (www.rvtmonth.ca) or the RVT Month Landing Page.

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CALGARY, AB – Lois Ridgway, a distinguished Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT), has been named the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Canadian RVT of the Year Award for her exceptional contributions to veterinary medicine and unwavering dedication to the profession. With a career spanning over four decades, Lois has left an indelible mark on the veterinary community through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence.

Lois began her career in 1983 at Prairie Diagnostic Services (PDS) in Saskatchewan as a necropsy technologist. Her remarkable expertise and dedication led her to quickly advance to the position of supervisor of the necropsy facility. In 2017, she was promoted to Assistant Manager for Quality Assurance at PDS, where she played a pivotal role in maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding PDS through rigorous Standards Council of Canada (SCC) ISO 17025 External Audits in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to excellence.

Throughout her career, Lois has been a dynamic leader in the veterinary community. She has held numerous director and liaison positions on boards across the province and country. Her contributions to the Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT) are particularly noteworthy. As president of the SAVT, she guided and led the association multiple times, fostering a welcoming and positive environment. One of her nominators remarked, “She was the board of directors president at the time, but she was so welcoming and positive, she made sure I felt as though I belonged.”

Lois has also been a crucial figure in advancing the relationship between the SAVT and the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA), serving as the SAVT/SVMA Liaison for many years. Her efforts extended to the national level as she held the position of RVTTC Liaison on the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Council. Her extensive involvement in professional associations underscores her dedication to representing the interests of RVTs at both the provincial and national levels.

Her contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards. Notable among these are the 1995 Award of Merit from the Saskatchewan Animal Health Technologists Association, the 1996 Recognition of Excellence AHT Teachers Award from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the 2012 Making a Difference Award from the RVTTC, the 2016 Technologist of the Year Award from the SVMA, and the 2018 Animal Health Mentorship Award presented by Merck Animal Health through the SAVT.

Lois’s commitment to continuous improvement and professional development is evident in her extensive participation in workplace training and professional conferences, including the AAVLD/USAHA Conferences and CVMA Conferences. Her contributions extend beyond her professional accomplishments; she is actively involved in her community, including leadership roles in the South Corman Park Community Association and youth soccer organizations.

Her nominators highlighted her qualities, stating, “Lois is a mentor, an inspiration, and a friend. She deserves this recognition.” Lois’s exemplary achievements, leadership qualities, and dedication to the RVT profession make her an outstanding recipient for the Canadian RVT of the Year Award. Her impact extends far beyond her workplace, leaving a lasting legacy in the veterinary community and inspiring those around her to strive for excellence.

RVTTC extends its warm congratulations to Lois Ridgway on this achievement and thanks her for her decades of contribution and commitment to advancing the RVT profession! 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 by RVTTC’s Board of Directors. For more information about the Canadian RVT of the Year Award, please visit RVTTC — Awards (rvttcanada.ca)

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Canada 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 Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their ongoing support of RVTs. The award was announced on June 26, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta, 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

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Award winners receive travel and accommodation arrangements (up to $2500), a commemorative award plaque, and one CVMA Convention registration to attend the 2024 CVMA Convention in Calgary, Alberta

The Canadian RVT of the Year Award, sponsored by Hill’s Nutrition Canada, is given to a Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist who exemplifies the definition of an outstanding individual in the Veterinary Technology profession.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a member in good standing with one of RVTTC’s member associations
• Must have participated as a past or present Board Member of their association or be a past or present award winner of a provincial RVT award as recognized by their own member organization.
• Be involved, active or current in the veterinary technology profession.
• Have outstanding performance in their workplace.

Nominations are to be submitted to RVTTC Executive Director, Cera Youngson at cyoungson@rvttcanada.ca. Submissions, in WORD format, are to include:

• • name and contact information for the nominator
  • the name, contact information, and designation of the nominee,
  • a brief biography of the nominee, (outlining their education, work history, volunteerism, association involvement, and contributions to the profession) and
  • a summary of how and why this nominee meets the identified award criteria – how do they meet the definition of an outstanding individual in the RVT profession.

The winner receives an all-expense paid trip to the 2024 CVMA Convention in Calgary, Alberta.

Award winners receive travel and accommodation arrangements (up to $2500) and one registration to attend the upcoming 2024 CVMA Convention. This year’s event is June 26-30 in Calgary, Alberta. The winner will be recognized during the CVMA Awards evening.

The 2024 Nomination Deadline is March 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern.

Visit: rvttcanada.ca/rvttc-awards/ for more information.

The award has been generously sponsored by Hills Pet Nutrition since its inception. Thank you to Hills Pet Nutrition for their ongoing support of RVTs.

All nominations are reviewed and selected by the RVTTC Board of Directors.

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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:

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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/.

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From October 1–7, 2023, the CVMA celebrates our annual Animal Health Week by honouring those working in the industry who safeguard the health of animals each and every day – the entire veterinary team. This year’s theme is It Takes a Team… To Protect Your Animal’s Health and You. We will raise awareness about the importance of animal healthcare teams and the valuable role each team member plays in protecting your animals’ health and wellness.

The 2023 Animal Health Week campaign key messages are intended to educate the public about the importance of the entire veterinary team.

Meet Your Team:

• Veterinarians are medical professionals who are trained to protect the health of animals and people in contact with animals. Veterinarians can work with large and small animals to evaluate animals’ health, diagnose and treat illnesses, provide routine preventive care, prescribe medication, and perform surgery. Veterinarians have completed a doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM) and are licensed to provide medical and surgical care to animals.
  • Veterinarians also work in zoos, wildlife parks, or aquariums; focus on public health and regulatory medicine; enter academia or research; or pursue other animal related career paths.
• Veterinary Technicians are invaluable team members who directly assist veterinarians with medical and non-medical services in clinical practice. Veterinary technicians undergo extensive studies and training to assist veterinarians with surgery, laboratory procedures, radiography, anesthesiology, treatment and nursing care, and client education.
• Veterinary Assistants support the veterinarian, the veterinary technician and/or the client with daily tasks. Assistants may be asked to perform kennel work, assist in the restraint and handling of animals, feed and exercise animals, or complete clerical duties.
• Hospital Managers greatly improve the team’s efficiency by overseeing the business operations of the practice. Depending upon the size and type of hospital/clinic, the manager’s duties could include personnel hiring and supervision, budget and inventory management, accounting, marketing, and developing recordkeeping and other business standards for practice.
• The Receptionist is usually the first person to welcome a client into the hospital and the last person the client sees before leaving. A skilled receptionist will address all client interactions with compassion, organize front desk tasks, handle a variety of client questions or requests, and efficiently coordinate appointment schedules.
• Other Team Members may also include adoption counselors, grief counselors, social workers, administrative assistants, kennel or barn workers, and part-time volunteers.
• Everyone plays an important role in assuring the health and well-being of animals and people who care for them.

“Animal Health Week is an opportunity to showcase the importance of veterinary medicine to our clients,” says Dr. Louis Kwantes, CVMA Past-President. “It is a chance to have our animal healthcare team feel that we are a significant part of a larger profession, rather than a small group toiling on our own. Both of which advance the impact and significance of the veterinary profession.”

Support is Generously Provided By:

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