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Celebrating RVT Month: Stories of Impact
October 27, 2025
October is RVT Month, and we’re proud to highlight the remarkable Registered Veterinary Technicians and Technologists (RVTs) across our network—and their inspiring stories of impact.
RVTs are at the heart of our practices, delivering compassionate care and expert support to patients, clients, and colleagues every day. From the moment a pet walks through the door until they go home, they will likely feel the benefits of an RVT’s extensive education and experience. Whether it’s calming a nervous pet, providing skilled assistance in surgery, or guiding families through care decisions, RVTs make a lasting difference. Their commitment inspires excellence across our practices and strengthens the bonds of our teams.
We invited our RVTs to share their stories and experiences in the profession. We’re thrilled to spotlight some of our exceptional RVTs whose journeys reflect the very heart of veterinary medicine.
As an RVT, what do you enjoy most—whether it’s a particular skill, task, or type of case you get to work on?
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- “Helping people by helping PETS.” – Anita Voldock, RVT, Practice Manager, Pembroke Animal Hospital
- “Getting to bond with patients every day and helping them to get back to their happiest.” – Bailey Carr, RVT, Timberlea Animal Hospital
- “Anything hands-on to do with patient care. From pulling blood to running it, placing catheters and making sure our patients our comfortable every step of the way, monitoring procedures, dentistry, radiology, client education. I really do love every aspect of my job.” – Sam Zawada, RVT, Muskoka Animal Hospital
- “What I’ve always loved most about being an RVT is the variety; no two days are the same. Whether it’s patient care, supporting a nervous client, mentoring a team member, or helping a case come together, every moment feels meaningful. The combination of medical skill and compassion makes this profession so rewarding.” – Kathy Gilewicz, RVT, Operations Director
- “Cytology and patient care (hospitalized patients, treatments, etc.)” – Abby Aquilina, RVT, Guelph Animal Hospital
- “I enjoy helping pet owners feel empowered by providing them information on how to provide the best care for their pet.” – Rachel Keith, RVT, Guelph Animal Hospital
- “I enjoy emergency and critical patients, helping them fight to get healthy again.” – Julie Mcdougall, RVT, Guelph Animal Hospital
- “I LOVE bandaging! It is so rewarding to be able to heal wounds.” – Mercedes Porteous, RVT, Elizabeth Street Pet Hospital
- “I enjoy assisting in surgery. Specially the weird ones.” – Kaushalliya Aluwihare, RVT, Abbey Animal Hospital
- “What I love most about being an RVT is patient care! I enjoy going above and beyond for my patients while they are in my care, ensuring their comfort and safety my top priority.” – Lucas Graham, RVT, Coastland Veterinary Hospital
- “After starting out in general practice for a few years, I now work in emergency medicine, where I’m closely involved with critically ill patients. Helping them recover and return home to their families is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.” – Jennifer Leclair, RVT, Riverview Animal Health Center
Briefly describe a moment in your career that makes you proud to be an RVT.
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- “We removed a foreign body in a farm dog’s intestine. He was not eating anymore and was very lethargic. To see the evolution of his recovery was what makes our job the best in the world.” – Annabel Ladouceur, RVT, Clinique vétérinaire Évolution Nicolet
- “Getting to spend days forming bonds with critically ill pets. Providing care and comfort when they need it most is a responsibility I deeply value. Seeing them recover and go home with their owners is the most heartwarming and fulfilling part of what I do.” – Michaela Decoste, RVT, Riverview Animal Health Centre
- “Recently, we had a somewhat unexpected euthanasia of a long-term client/patient. I have been routinely giving Solensia to this cat for a few years and have built a really good relationship with the owners and their cats. The euthanasia took place at our sister clinic which I happened to be working at. Being able to be a part of such a hard time for them was very special to me. Although circumstances were not ideal, there appreciation for our team has really touched me.” – Amanda Fike, RVT, All About Cats Veterinary Clinic
- “Helping to deliver kittens via c-section on a momma cat in dystocia. Helping them take their first breaths and hearing their little meows for the first time made a hard day SO worth it! Momma cat also recovered very well, and kittens did great.” – Katie Okotinsky, RVT, Guelph Animal Hospital
- “I’ve had many moments in my career that have made me proud to be an RVT, but one recent experience really stands out. We had a dog come in for a dental procedure that had to be aborted the week before due to complications under anesthesia, despite all our efforts. After a full cardiac workup, I worked closely with another RVT and our surgeon to develop a detailed anesthetic plan that prioritized the patient’s safety. Collaborating with my team, sharing ideas, and putting together a strategy that reflected our combined knowledge and care was incredibly rewarding. The procedure went smoothly, and I truly felt like I made a meaningful impact. It was a great reminder of the value RVTs bring to the team and how powerful collaboration and preparation can be.” – Katie Kullman, RVT, Guelph Animal Hospital
- “Any time a patient starts to improve after starting rehab appointments or starts taking a cannabis product.” – Kyla Shields, RVT, VCC, CPEP, Headon Forest Animal Hospital
What is one thing you would like people to know about being or becoming an RVT?
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- “Unlike nurses who generally work in one specialty, we really do it all.” – Anonymous
- “Being an RVT is more than a job; it’s a calling. It takes heart, resilience, and lifelong learning, but it also gives back in ways few careers can, especially for our furry pets who cannot advocate for themselves. You get to make a real difference every single day.” – Kathy Gilewicz, RVT, Operations Director
- “It’s important to remember that it’s okay not to be perfect. Every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities. What truly matters is doing your best, learning from mistakes, and always striving to provide the best care possible.” – Michaela Decoste, RVT, Riverview Animal Health Centre
- “The client education/support aspect of our job is crucial. We are often the bridge between the client/patient and the DVM.” – Amanda Fike, RVT, All About Cats Veterinary Clinic
- “Every pet comes with an owner; if you’re lucky, maybe even two. People skills are just as important in this industry.” – Sam Zawada, RVT, Muskoka Animal Hospital
- “Being an RVT is incredible—but what truly makes the journey unforgettable is the team beside you. The people you work with become your second family, and together, you make the tough days worth it.” – Anita Voldock, RVT, Practice Manager, Pembroke Animal Hospital
- “There are so many different career opportunities for RVTs, from working in clinic as an RVT, to practice manager to sales reps or in research.” – Nicole Wilson, RVT, Practice Manager, Don Head Village Animal Clinic
- “You must prioritize your own mental health in this field. It’s okay to set boundaries, it’s okay to say no sometimes, and it’s okay to ask for help. Burnout is real and can creep up on you, but we are lucky to have a wide access of resources and materials that can help us if we start to feel like we may be burning out, or if we feel like our mental health is declining.” – Katie Okotinsky, RVT, Guelph Animal Hospital
- “Hold on to your passion—it’s your driving force. Never be afraid to use your voice and advocate for what matters. Whenever you have the chance, speak up.” – Brooklyn Splude-Boudreau, RVT, Riverview Animal Health Centre
- “I think in everyday there are small moments where I feel proud to be an RVT because we play a huge part in making a difference in an animal’s care throughout their time in the clinic and I try my hardest everyday to make their time spent in the clinic a positive experience. I’ve recently started making bandage stickers and I find that it makes owners happy when their pet is sent home with a bandage that has been wrapped with care.” – Isabella Hall, RVT, Coastland Veterinary Hospital
- “Despite the challenges and sometimes difficult hours, this is the most wonderful profession in the world! It brings immense satisfaction, and the techniques we get to perform are so exciting. We are the experts in animal care—who among your friends or family could successfully draw blood from the jugular of a lethargic, dehydrated cat? Very few people, and that’s what makes us special!” – Paméla Bédard, RVT, Clinique vétérinaire St-André