Happy National Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week!
Veterinary Technicians serve a vital role in the clinic, often being the right hand of the veterinarians themselves. They are the ones who frequently comfort and care for the animals in the clinic, ensuring that they are properly taken care of and receive whatever they need to feel at ease.
This work sometimes goes unappreciated or unnoticed, however. That’s why Vet Tech week was founded back in 1993! To give a voice and recognition to those who work tirelessly to care for our animals as well as educate us on how to better care for them ourselves. This year, from October 13-19, join us in celebrating and honoring the often unsung heroes of our veterinary clinics.
Kali Hester
She works at Mallard Point Veterinary Clinic in Channahon, IL and has been there since March of 2016. She attained her Associate's degree in Applied Science and Veterinary Technology in 2015 has been doing what she loves ever since. Her favorite part of being a tech is the rescue work her clinic does. Kali says there’s nothing better than seeing a pet transform after getting a second chance at life!
Katie Sparks
She works at Minooka Animal Hospital in Minooka, IL where she’s been since 2014. What started as working in the kennels evolved into getting her Vet Tech certification so she could continue to grow in the field that she loves so much. Growing up, she was always riding and showing horses so it seemed a natural fit to go into veterinary services. Her coworkers describe her as hardworking and kind and praise her on the fact that she is always looking for the best in herself and her colleagues!
Stephanie Wilkerson
She has been a Veterinary Technician for 23 years. Stephanie described her youth as always having been the “weird animal girl” so it’s almost like destiny that she began working in small animal clinics. Her passion is client education so she’s right at home talking with others every day while she pursues her degree in Agricultural Leadership. Stephanie has been at Virbac for 9 years now and is loving every day!
Yvonne Clanton
She has been a Veterinary Technician for 24 years. Yvonne has a background working on a dairy farm with cattle and this is what inspired her to become a Tech! She received her BS in Animal Science as a result of this inspiration. Yvonne worked in small animal clinics for 16 years and was involved in everything from surgery & lab work to client education. When she was ready for a change, she came to Virbac about 10 years ago and says she’s been enjoying it just as much as her Vet Tech days!
National Vet Tech Week is the perfect time to show your appreciation for the vet techs you know or work with. Please join us in celebrating these important team members not just during this week but throughout the whole year as their jobs never stop being important. We truly appreciate them and all they do to better the health and quality of life for both our animals and ourselves!