We recognize veterinarians make positive differences in the lives of our cats and dogs. But veterinary practices couldn’t function as efficiently or effectively without the expertise of compassionate vet techs. To recognize their contributions, the 3^rd week of October each year celebrates National Veterinary Technician Week.

In another life, I worked as a vet tech. I’ve known many “pet nurses” and veterinary assistants over the years, and witnessed the positive impact made by a kind word, gentle suggestion, and simply listening to owner concerns, including why veterinarians often want to take pets to the back.

Vet tech pros work hand-in-paw with the veterinarian and pet parents, and encourage regular visits for the benefit of your pet. That’s why “Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day” was created. In a Fear Free hospital, that helps ensure cats and dogs have the best possible experience before, during and after the veterinary visit. Here are some ways a vet tech/pet owner partnership helps transforms the shy cat or fearful dog into wagging, purring patients.

BEFORE THE VET VISIT

PET PARENTS:

1. You know your pet best. Make a list of potential issues such as pet carrier distress, car sickness issues, or a history of fear biting. Share these with the veterinary staff before the visit.
2. Tell the tech about your pet’s favorite comfort object, treat, or “happy” word.
3. Practice handling tips, if recommended by the vet tech. For instance, handle your dog’s paws or touch her ears and tail, while rewarding her with the happy word “ball” or a treat. Associate the cat carrier with catnip or a favorite toy.
4. Bring samples as requested. That bag-‘o-poop means the vet tech won’t need to collect a sample. Your pet will be greatly relieved!

VET TECHS:

1. Consult with owners to learn their concerns. Offer recommendations such as best crates, travel tips, what to feed (or not feed) prior to the visit.
2. Explain whether pre-visit stress-reducing meds might be an option.
3. Note helpful pet foibles: that Fritz hates his paws handled, Bear-toy helps him cope, Tiger loves Philly cream cheese, and King’s ball-addiction keeps him focused.
4. Suggest “fun vet visits” for the pets that only dispense petting and treats from the vet tech and staff. I’ve been doing this with my Bravo-Pup once a month, for him to be weighed. He gets treats, the vet techs and staff handle him and praise him, and Bravo loves the visit.

DURING THE VET VISIT

PET PARENTS:

1. Bring your pet’s favorite blanket, toy and/or treat for familiarity.
2. Remind the vet tech of any old or new concerns.
3. BREATHE! Your nerves may increase your pet’s nerves, so trust yourself and the vet tech. You’ve prepared for this.
4. Ask questions. Your vet tech will answer or be sure the veterinarian provides explanations. It’s important that you understand everything that’s done for your precious cat or dog. If you don’t understand, say so!

VET TECHS:

1. Describe exactly what to expect before performing each procedure. Your soothing voice not only calms the pet, it’s a connection with the owner that you care.
2. Ask the owner to engage their pet with the toy, treat or other happy-making distraction as you perform your duties. For instance, the owner could lure the dog onto the scale with his favorite squeaky or encourage him to lick up squeeze-cheese spread on the table while you insert that RUDE thermometer. This is a partnership—and owners (and pets) feel more willing to comply when they are part of the process.
3. Confirm with owners they understand veterinary recommends. Offer further explanations, if needed, and tips to help owners comply. Perhaps provide a dog-pilling demo, with a favorite treat.
4. Explain what to expect, and how long the behavior change (or other issue) might last. Some cats hide under the bed after a vet visit, or the other feline friends react to “stranger danger” vet visit smells when Tiger returns. Encourage owners to call you to report back on how the pet adjusts.

AFTER THE VET VISIT

PET PARENTS:

1. Be alert to any behavior or health cautions the vet tech and/or veterinarian mentioned. Follow the suggestions for relieving any issues.
2. Call the vet tech if something seems unusual or wrong. Remember, you know your pets the best and vet techs don’t have a crystal ball.
3. Tell the vet tech how much they helped with the vet visit process. They care deeply about your experience and your pets. If you have suggestions to improve the process, please share.

VET TECHS:

1. Call the owner and ask about the pet’s progress. That goes a long way to demonstrating the care you feel for pet parents and their cats and dogs.
2. Pets aren’t the only ones that feel stress and fear in the vet clinic. A scary diagnosis or treatment, or just a stressful visit, can make it hard for owners to hear, understand, or remember. Be prepared for repeated calls from pet parents, who often simply want your understanding and encouragement.
3. Congratulate the pet parent for making progress with the cat or dog. Explain that accepting new situations and people takes some pets longer than others, and it can be a slow process. But together, you can do this, one paw-step at a time.

Learn more about how to get the most from veterinary visits.