Vet Techs, You’re the Heart of Every Clinic—Thank You.

For every pet owner who feels relieved seeing their animal safe, there’s a vet tech who made it possible.

Beyond Bandages: The Real Role of a Vet Tech

A veterinary technician’s job is much more than the medical tasks they perform. It is a calling. A sacrifice. The willingness to give more than what they get back is what drives the heart of every tech that I’ve known.

These are the ones who hold our pets when they’re scared, staying by their side while we’re anxiously waiting for news.

When a pet is in pain, it’s often the vet tech who whispers comfort and feels the weight of each anxious whimper.

They’re there, silently doing what’s necessary, to treat and care in ways most of us never see. Imagine being responsible not just for the vital signs and medications, but for the fears, the hopes, and the lives of those pets we love dearly. These are the people who work quietly behind the scenes, making sure each clinic is ready to provide life-saving care, and giving their all to protect our pets even when it breaks their hearts.

These days aren’t always easy for vet techs. Some days, they go home with a heavy heart, memories of the day’s losses lingering. And yet, they return the next day, ready to face it all again. Why? Because it’s their calling. Their passion. Because every pet they help brings them the satisfaction of knowing they made a difference, even if it meant putting a piece of themselves on the line.

Unfiltered Gratitude: Why Vet Techs Deserve More Recognition

It’s easy to assume that those caring for our pets are receiving the recognition they deserve, but for vet techs, that often couldn’t be further from the truth.

Despite being trained professionals who handle complex tasks, vet techs often find themselves in the shadows of the veterinary world. In an industry where their skills, empathy, and resilience are invaluable, these caregivers frequently go without the thanks or respect their work demands. They handle tasks that most of us never even realize are needed.

When was the last time you thanked the person who held your pet's paw in their final moments, or kept watch when your beloved animal was at their most vulnerable?

Imagine spending hours on your feet, juggling medical procedures, comforting frightened animals, and providing answers to concerned pet owners—yet rarely hearing the words, “Thank you.” For every happy moment, there’s also a challenging one that many don’t see: late nights, stressful cases, and emotional tolls that can’t be left behind at the clinic door. Despite their commitment, vet techs often face limitations in career advancement, inadequate pay, and a general lack of acknowledgment for the weight they carry each day. The next time you’re at the clinic, consider the journey each vet tech takes to give their all to your pet. Think about the sleepless nights they endure, the emotional toll they carry, and their unwavering commitment.

So, why are these heroes overlooked? Perhaps it’s because their work is so seamless, so reliably done, that it’s easy to take for granted. But as pet lovers, clinic managers, and industry professionals, it’s up to us to shift this narrative. Recognizing vet techs isn’t just a kindness—it’s a necessity for the future of compassionate, quality care in the veterinary world.Vet techs are more than assistants—they are pillars of the veterinary world, and they are long overdue for the appreciation they deserve.

How Can We Be More Appreciative?

Gratitude doesn’t need to come in the forms of donuts and coffee; it needs to be sincere.

If you employ a vet tech, give them a raise, a bonus plan, and a good enough benefits package so that they can at least have adequate healthcare access and ample paid days off to recharge.

If you’re a pet parent, consider small gestures—a kind note, a small gift, or simply sharing words of encouragement in a positive online review.

If you’re an industry professional, share posts and articles that highlight the work of vet techs throughout the entire year. Show appreciation publicly, tag specific vet techs, and let their work inspire others in the industry.

If you’re a friend of a vet tech with a flexible schedule, offer to help out with their own pet while they’re working long shifts.

If you’re a pet-friendly local business, consider offering an ongoing “Vet Tech Discount” as a thank-you for their work with animals.

If you are an executive of a consolidating or corporate hospital structure, shadow a vet tech or group of vet techs for a day to appreciate the scope of their role firsthand.

Clinics, whether corporate owned or independently owned, can support them with mental health resources and recognition programs, and we all know that the industry as a whole can do more to raise their pay and give them the resources they need to keep thriving. This National Vet Tech Week, join us in giving vet techs the recognition they so deeply deserve. They’re the reason we can rest easy, knowing our pets are safe and loved. While this week serves as a special time for recognition, let’s remember that supporting vet techs should be year-round. Consistent support, fair pay, and true acknowledgment of their essential role in veterinary care is the least we can offer.

Let’s raise awareness this week and beyond. Share this post, tag a vet tech who has made a difference, and show them how much they mean to all of us. Let’s ensure they never feel invisible again—because without them, veterinary care as we know it would be impossible.