Vet Tech Week reminds "Pets and Vets Need Techs"

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Oct. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW) October 9-15, 2011, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reminds everyone that "Pets and Vets Need Techs."

Celebrated annually, National Veterinary Technician Week offers veterinarians and the public a chance to thank veterinary technicians for the important work they do in helping keep animals healthy.  This year's theme—"Pets and Vets Need Techs"—focuses on how integral veterinary technicians are to the veterinary health care team.

"Veterinarians rely on veterinary technicians as a crucial part of the veterinary care team.  Veterinary technicians are often the first person a client will talk to when their pet has a problem. The veterinary technician often facilitates communication between clients and veterinarians, explaining the client's fears and translating sometimes complicated medical jargon and instructions so they can be understood and followed by clients," explains Dr. Rene Carlson, president of the AVMA. "Technicians help keep animals healthy, clients informed, and are an invaluable resource in our animal health care teams."

Across the country veterinarians and veterinary clinics will be showing their appreciation during NVTW by holding a variety of public events, including hay rides, charity "pooch washes," pet photo shoots and educational events. NVTW has been an annual tradition since 1993 when the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in American (NAVTA) declared the third week in October as NVTW.

"Veterinary technicians are the heart of veterinary medicine.  The passion we have in our careers helping pets, animals, clients and their families is what keeps us going day to day," said Julie Legred, NAVTA president. "Veterinary technicians should be recognized and celebrated this week for the many things they do and contribute to in the world of medicine, animals and people."

For more information about the NAVTA, visit www.navta.net. For more information on the AVMA or veterinary medicine, visit www.avma.org.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 81,500 member veterinarians worldwide are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. The year 2011 is being celebrated by veterinarians around the world as Vet2011, the 250th anniversary of the birth of veterinary medicine and education.

SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association