Thoughtful Ways to Show Appreciation for Vet Techs

Veterinary technicians—otherwise known as the backbone of veterinary teams. Vet techs often go above and beyond their job descriptions, helping to promote positive pet health outcomes and exceptional veterinary experiences. Their dedication is irreplaceable, which is why acknowledging their hard work and showing gratitude is super important for boosting team morale and job satisfaction.

You should show veterinary technicians how much they mean to you as often as possible, but especially during the third week of October. That’s when National Veterinary Technician Week is! A week set aside for honoring all their daily contributions, there’s no better time to show your appreciation for the veterinary technicians in your life, and for their dedication to the pets they help support. Even better—we’ve got you covered with some great ways to celebrate them!

Recognize your vet techs’ efforts personally—and often

A personal touch can go a long way, making all the difference when showing your appreciation. You can make veterinary technicians feel valued on an individual level by recognizing their efforts one on one with them, or by vocalizing your appreciation for them with others.

• Thank-You Cards: A handwritten note never goes unnoticed. Taking the time to personally thank a vet tech for their hard work, compassion, and ability to handle difficult situations will create a long-lasting impression. You can download and fill out our veterinary technician appreciation card to celebrate your own team during this year’s National Veterinary Technician Week!
• Personalized Gifts: Gifts that align with your vet techs’ hobbies or interests show that you care about them as people, not just employees. A thoughtful and personal gift (like interesting books, supplies for their hobbies, or items related to their favorite animals) makes them feel seen and appreciated.
• Public Praise: Don’t hold back from shouting out all the achievements your veterinary technicians’ have accomplished! Whether during team meetings or featuring them in your clinic’s social media posts, celebrating their contributions in front of peers and pet owners will boost their confidence and reinforce their pride in the work they do.

Support your vet techs’ professional development

It’s important for your veterinary technicians to know that you have their back, especially when it comes to their professional growth. Supporting the development of veterinary technicians shows that you truly value their contributions to the practice, and want the absolute best for them throughout their careers.

• Ongoing Education: Be proactive in supporting your vet techs’ professional development by covering the costs for conferences, workshops, online courses, or other training materials. Providing opportunities for continuous education not only enhances their skillset but also strengthens your team’s collective knowledge, ultimately driving your clinic’s overall success.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Seasoned veterinary professionals have experience that certain online courses may not be able to provide your vet techs with. It’s a good idea to connect your veterinary technicians with known veterinary figures who can serve as mentors throughout their career growth, helping to build confidence for veterinary technicians while expanding their expertise.
• Certification Coverage: You can further support the professional growth of your staff by encouraging your veterinary technicians to obtain special certifications for veterinary services like dentistry, anesthesia, or emergency care. Not only that, but try going the extra mile by paying for the costs of these certifications so that your team truly knows you’re committed to their growth and development.

Ensure a healthy work-life balance at your veterinary clinic

Like many veterinary professionals, veterinary technicians often face long and busy work weeks, which can take a toll on their physical and mental well-being. You have a direct role in creating a welcoming and stress-free environment for your practice, so be sure to take the necessary steps toward promoting a healthy work-life balance that every veterinary technician can thrive in.

• Flexible Schedules: One small adjustment that can leave a big positive impact on your vet techs is by offering them flexible working hours. Whenever possible, make an effort to accommodate personal responsibilities or well-deserved time off so that your veterinary technicians know you value their health as much as you do their skills. 
• Wellness Programs: Keeping your veterinary technicians happy goes beyond the clinic. Like many veterinary and non-veterinary businesses do today, you can support the overall well-being of your team by providing access to mental health resources and gym memberships, or by offering wellness stipends that veterinary technicians can use to better manage stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Team-Building Activities: A team built on trust is a team that works efficiently together. You can create and maintain camaraderie for your veterinary technicians and other staff members by organizing fun and engaging things to do outside of work. This could be anything from social outings or game nights to group wellness activities, all of which can help your team recharge mentally and emotionally.

Give vet techs something to show for their hard work

If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine what one small token of appreciation can do for your veterinary technicians. Rewarding your team with gifts or showing genuine appreciation through practical gestures can significantly boost your team’s morale!

• Gift Cards: Consider giving your veterinary technicians gift cards to their favorite restaurants, coffee shops, or stores they enjoy shopping at. Sometimes the best way to say thanks is by showing it, and gift cards are a quick and simple way to let your team know you’re thinking of them.
• Delightful Details: Who doesn’t love a good snack or coffee break? Support your vet techs’ daily grind by keeping the break room stocked with snacks, treats, coffee, and anything else you think your team members may enjoy throughout their busy routines. Even the smallest gestures can bring the most joy to your veterinary technicians.
• Job Shadowing: Give vet techs a chance to explore potential new interests within the veterinary space. You can offer job shadowing opportunities so your team members can get hands-on insights into other departments or specialty services, broadening their veterinary scopes and ensuring they feel supported throughout their careers.

Be empathetic and understanding, always

Appreciation doesn’t stop at material gifts. Showing that you genuinely value and care for your veterinary technicians is accomplished by simply being human, and recognizing the emotional and physical impacts that veterinary life has on your team.

• Listen Actively: Veterinary technicians often share their concerns, ideas, or feedback, and count on you for providing advice and a sense of security. You should always take the time to listen to your team members so that they know they have a voice in the workplace, which creates a stronger community in your clinic.
• Have Empathy: No matter the challenges they face, make sure you’re empathetic to your veterinary technicians. After all, they deal with a lot—from helping with euthanasia to handling difficult pet owners. Your vet techs need to know you’re there for them through thick and thin, and that you’re prepared to provide additional support as soon as it’s needed.
• Show Respect: Like any colleague, client, or patient, you must treat your veterinary technicians with the utmost respect in every interaction. Respect is the glue of your clinic’s culture, helping to foster a healthy clinic environment where everyone’s expertise is valued and all team contributions are acknowledged.

Prove how much you care for your vet techs! 🐾

Showing appreciation for your veterinary technicians shouldn’t be an exhausting to-do. It should come naturally, especially since you know firsthand the many contributions that vet techs do to ensure smooth and successful practice operations each day. You can start small, with thoughtful gestures or acknowledgements that have powerful impacts on your team’s performance and job satisfaction.

There’s a lot going on in daily veterinary life, so taking the time to show authentic appreciation for your veterinary technicians will help keep their momentum and ensure a positive work environment where everyone can thrive, especially the pets being cared for. Take the time to prove how much you care for your vet techs, especially during the third week of October during National Veterinary Technician Week!