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.

Heather Fledderus, RVT at Beattie Animal Hospital in Brantford, Ontario is pioneering the implementation of routine RVT-led appointments and appreciates the difference it’s making for animal patients and their families.

“In our current times, it increases access to healthcare for our four-legged friends by creating another avenue for preventative and wellness care to be provided. This in turn will help our veterinarian’s availability for sick patients who need a doctor for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. What it boils down to is all pets, both healthy and sick, will continue to receive the expert care they deserve with better availability to be seen sooner.” 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.

“Already, I’m seeing a positive change in patient interactions by being able to give more time to creating a safe space for our more anxious pets, and to be able to answer any general care questions that can crop up as a result. I personally am getting to know our pet parents better by having this one-on-one time with them.” Heather 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.