link to software.covetrus.com

Celebrating Veterinary
Technician Heroes!

We hope your veterinary
practice got the chance to
celebrate the contributions of
your veterinary technicians.

Thank you for celebrating
National Veterinary
Technician Week!

MentorVet Tech scholarship
decisions are coming soon

Submissions are now closed. Check
back soon to see who received the
awards! Covetrus, AVMA and Pets Best
collaborated to support these
scholarships.

Meet our Fear Free® Certification winners!

Congratulations to all ten winners and the people who nominated them.

The Fear Free Veterinary Certification Program teaches veterinary healthcare professionals how to eliminate fear, anxiety, and stress for happier patients, more compliant clients, and safer veterinary healthcare teams.

Arianna Zeligman, RVT, NAF

US Army Veterinary Treatment Facility, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

I absolutely love being a veterinary nurse, and it's not just a job for me; it's a deeply fulfilling passion. Animals have an incredible power to bring out the best in us. They appeal to our inherently good side, and being a part of their care and well-being is a privilege that fills me with gratitude each day. One of the most remarkable aspects of working in veterinary nursing is the opportunity to give back the love, dedication, loyalty, and trust that animals bestow upon us.

Animals have an uncanny ability to sense our intentions and emotions, and they respond with pure, unconditional love. When they come to us in their time of need, it is our responsibility and honor to reciprocate this affection by providing them with the best care and compassion we can offer. In my role as a veterinary nurse, I've witnessed countless heartwarming moments of animals and their owners finding solace and support in each other's company.

Whether it's a pet recovering from surgery, a rescue animal finding a forever home, or a therapy animal bringing comfort to patients, these moments remind me of the extraordinary bond that exists between humans and animals. Beyond the rewarding emotional connections, working in a veterinary nursing capacity has allowed me to go to new places and meet exceptional people.

Each day brings unique challenges and opportunities for growth. I've been fortunate to work with dedicated veterinarians, fellow veterinary nurses, and passionate animal lovers who share the same commitment to making the world a better place for animals.

Moreover, the field of veterinary nursing is a continuous source of inspiration. The resilience of animals in the face of adversity, their ability to forgive and trust again, and their unwavering spirit inspire me to be a better person and a better nurse. The daily learning experiences in the ever-evolving world of veterinary medicine keep me motivated and engaged, ensuring that I'm constantly improving my skills and knowledge.

In summary, being a veterinary nurse is not just a profession; it's a calling that fills my life with purpose and meaning. It allows me to give back to the incredible creatures that enrich our lives and to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for animal welfare. This rewarding journey of compassion, empathy, and service continues to be a source of joy and inspiration in my life.

I absolutely love being a veterinary nurse, and it's not just a job for me; it's a deeply fulfilling passion. Animals have an incredible power to bring out the best in us. They appeal to our inherently good side, and being a part of their care and well-being is a privilege that fills me with gratitude each day. One of the most remarkable aspects of working in veterinary nursing is the opportunity to give back the love, dedication, loyalty, and trust that animals bestow upon us.

Animals have an uncanny ability to sense our intentions and emotions, and they respond with pure, unconditional love. When they come to us in their time of need, it is our responsibility and honor to reciprocate this affection by providing them with the best care and compassion we can offer. In my role as a veterinary nurse, I've witnessed countless heartwarming moments of animals and their owners finding solace and support in each other's company.

Sue Compton

Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital General Practice, Santa Cruz, California

The greatest joy of my job is helping animals to feel their best and to enjoy a happy healthy life—that's what being a vet tech is all about. And making an animal's visit to our hospital as positive as possible is so important! Stress is not good for the pet, their humans, or the veterinary staff. I'd like to see all dog tails wagging both when they arrive and when they depart. To have kitties come willingly out of their carrier. I want to help every pet feel as calm and safe as possible while in our care. I do rescue, and my forte is fearful/ fear aggressive dogs. I apply my knowledge to the workplace as I'm able, and I would really love to improve my abilities via a Fear Free® certification.

Jasmine Del Llano

Wignall Animal Hospital, Dracut, Massachusetts

I grew up in a family with no pets. We had an experimental aquarium, but there is no family dog I can look back on fondly. My parents were both strong working individuals with my mother being an immigrant who left her home at a young age and understandably focused on providing for their kids and ensuring we did well in school. But like a lot of young kids, I developed a love and fascination for cats and dogs. My parents thought it was a phase, but when my requests for a cat or a dog or even books about their health, or stuffed animals continued year after year, they finally relented and took in a cat.

I remember my first connection with my first love Maxy. I felt like it could understand, hear, and accept me, without being able to say a word. That's when I started to understand the relationship that people have with the animals in their lives, and I wanted nothing more than to experience it again…. Working now as a vet tech at the age of 22 provides me with opportunities to teach others how to care for their pet more effectively. We have a crucial part in helping animals live happy and healthy lives, and that's what I always wanted. I truly feel fulfilled and fortunate to be where I am.

Lydia Bolen

Animal Emergency and Specialty Clinic of Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee

What I love the most about being a veterinary tech is being able to be an advocating voice for my patients. Sometimes that is providing education to owners to ensure that they are able to be the best pet parents they can be. However, sometimes advocating for my patients is just as simple as giving them a little extra love and TLC. I strive to make a difference in the life of every pet and person that I come in contact with while in my role as a technician.

You never know what an owner or pet has been going through or experiencing in life. I approach every day at work with the mindset of “If I can help make someone's day a little brighter (pet or person) why wouldn't I?” Most individuals want the best for their furry family members. Being a veterinary technician is being the middle ground between pets and their owners. I most love being able to make a positive impact on those pet-to-parent relationships.

Victoria Persing

Abilene Animal Hospital, Abilene, Kansas

Victoria was nominated by Mercedes Moody:
Tori is always more than willing to take time out of her busy day to go above and beyond for the animals that are staying in our hospital. She will make the time to research and talk to people about how best to keep our patients calm and make their stay as fear-free as she possibly can. She has never met an animal she didn't instantly love, and her heart is so big. Every time I turn around, she is trying something new or working on another way to make our patients' lives, and the staff's lives, easier! She has been the biggest advocate for our boarding patients' mental health in our hospital—and we appreciate her so much for it. I can't wait to see the amazing things she could do with a Fear Free® certificate!

Terri Terwilliger

Rio Vista Veterinary Hospital, Painted Post, New York

Terri was nominated by Stephanie Dodds:
Terri is one of the most caring individuals I have ever met. I have never met someone who is as empathetic and understanding as she is. She loves every patient she meets and celebrates every joy they bring to our office. You will frequently hear her saying a difficult patient is just misunderstood. Her kitty-calming skills are second to none and I am always relieved when she is working when a spicy cat comes for a visit. Thank you, Terri, for your amazing dedication to your patients and this profession.

Teresa Allison

Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital, Lawrence, Kansas

Teresa was nominated by Christina Maki Linville:
Teresa is one of my favorite people to work with. She is so generous with her knowledge, and I always learn something when I work with her. I'm currently the only Fear Free® certified staff member on the nursing side of our clinic, but if you didn't know that you would think she was certified, too—she is always so patient and empathetic when working with our patients! I never worry that she'll push back against me suggesting that we pause and re-evaluate or reschedule when we work with a fearful pet.

She already uses so many Fear Free principles and techniques just by nature of her compassion and instinct, and I know she and our patients would benefit even more from her ability to become certified. She's also currently working toward her VTS in clinical practice and I am sure the CE would also be a big help in achieving her goal there, as well. I can't think of anyone more deserving!

Amy Cifelli

Compassionate Care Veterinary Clinic, Cumberland, Rhode Island

Amy was nominated by Tara DelSesto: Amy is AMAZING. She honestly goes above and beyond her duties every single day she is here. Any day of the week, if there is an empty spot where an appointment should be, Amy is nonstop busy. She is ALWAYS running around taking care of things that I don't even think of. Constantly cleaning, stocking, and prepping all different areas. She is the person I count on to help me with inventory, restocking, etc. We are all able to count on her for anything that the clinic needs. Above all of the normal technician duties, and the small extras that others may do, Amy is so, so, so much more.

Unfortunately (which sounds weird in this circumstance while nominating her), Amy is the go-to person for euthanasia. She has a way about her that makes all animals and people feel at ease during the most difficult times. We can be having the busiest days, but Amy makes sure that the client knows how much we care/(SHE CARES). Although the action of euthanasia shows the mentality of the entire clinic and how we portray our clientele.

All of us here know it is Amy who established that bond with the clients. She is the one who works hard to make sure each client feels like family and that their pet is part of ours. Even if it was a pet that was only dropped off for a cremation. She goes above what any other veterinary technician I've met would do. I understand that many people may think what she does is a big deal, and even many staff members overlook it.

She does what others can't; she does what people don't want to do. Amy does this for the animals and the clients. It's not easy, we all know that. It gets draining! I would really love for her to be acknowledged for all of her caring and patient attitude. So, I'm asking you to please take Amy into consideration for this award.

Amy was nominated by Tara DelSesto:
Amy is AMAZING. She honestly goes above and beyond her duties every single day she is here. Any day of the week, if there is an empty spot where an appointment should be, Amy is nonstop busy. She is ALWAYS running around taking care of things that I don't even think of. Constantly cleaning, stocking, and prepping all different areas. She is the person I count on to help me with inventory, restocking, etc. We are all able to count on her for anything that the clinic needs. Above all of the normal technician duties, and the small extras that others may do, Amy is so, so, so much more.

DJ Newhouse

Iowa Veterinary Specialties, Des Moines, Iowa

DJ was nominated by Cait Dozark:
DJ is a great leader, and he is always willing to help CSRs, doctors, fellow technicians, clients, and most passionately, our patients. Our clients feel comfortable leaving their pets with DJ knowing he has their best interests at heart. He thrives on continuous learning and personal betterment in veterinary medicine and never shies away from encouraging others to learn and overcome personal and professional issues as they arise. Even when days in the ER are long and defeating, DJ is always there with a smile and uplifting words.

Marie Roberts, CVT

Animal Medical Center of Lehigh Acres, Lehigh Acres, Florida

Marie was nominated by Amanda Rivera, on behalf of her entire team:
Where do we start? Our Veterinary Technician Hero nominee is our wonderful Lead CVT Marie Kay Roberts. We just recently celebrated her 20th Anniversary here at AMC of Lehigh Acres, located in sunny Southwest Florida. CVT, Lead Technician, Manager, Surgical Tech, Exam Room Tech, Mentor, Educator, SUPER HERO—Marie wears many hats, and she wears them well!! When Marie is not working in the hospital, mentoring at local colleges and high schools, completing CE, attending veterinary seminars, or leading our monthly Team Training, you can find her boating on the beautiful waters of Florida, cooking big meals with family, or attending country concerts with her husband. There is nobody more deserving of the title 'Veterinary Technician Hero'!!

We appreciate you.