On the front lines of animal health, veterinary teams are pushed to the limit. Staff shortages, booming caseloads and around-the-clock stress place a heavy burden on staff. The result is longer wait times, especially in underserviced communities.

But there is hope on the horizon for compassion-weary veterinarians, even in these challenging times. A movement to mobilize existing members of their health care teams will lighten the load on doctors and improve access to timely care for clients and their pets.

Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) are at the heart of the industry turnaround. These licensed medical professionals have long been relegated to assistant-type roles, despite their rigorous education. RVTs have the critical skills needed to bridge the staffing gap, reduce the burden on doctors, and effectively transform the client care experience.

As support for RVTs gains momentum, Ontario is tabling new legislation that will expand access to veterinary care by broadening the scope of the RVT practice. As a result, RVTs will soon be able to perform medical duties beyond routine wellness checks and vaccinations.

Sam Weber, RVT at Stone Church Animal Clinic in Hamilton, ON is pioneering the implementation of routine RVT-led appointments and appreciates the difference it’s making for animal patients and their families.

“I feel the expanded RVT role is important as it allows us to further utilize skills we already possess and allows the public to also have a better idea of all that we do. It will also take much needed pressure off our doctors and allow them to practice medicine without having to worry or stress about additional wellness appointments, which will hopefully in turn help a lot of the mental fatigue plaguing the industry.” she says.

For pets and their owners, expansion of the care team means appointments will provide the level of one-on-one interaction they need and have come to expect. Owners are encouraged to ask questions of RVTs, and build a meaningful rapport with them through open communication at routine wellness visits.

“Our clients will still be seeing a highly qualified professional with regard to their pet's health...they will be getting more one on one time with us and therefor a more personalized experience.” Sam says.

As health care revolutionaries, RVTs are leading the charge towards more accessible veterinary care in our communities. It’s a formidable step in the right direction, for doctors, for clients, and most of all for our beloved pets.