Kelsey Carpenter

Vet Tech Feature: Lyndsey Hildebrandt, RVT

October 22, 2021 by Kelsey Carpenter

This year, for Vet Tech Week, we wanted to try something a little different: We held a sticker design contest! There were SO MANY incredible submissions (Vet Techs are a creative bunch!), so we put it to a public vote and finally managed to narrow it down to three winners. Those winners had their designs printed into limited edition stickers that are now being used to help celebrate Vet Tech Week all over the continent!

These designs were true works of art, and we wanted to know a little more about the artists behind them. Today, we’re meeting Lyndsey Hildebrandt, who designed what we called the “Spicy Paw” sticker. Read on to get to know Jill, who created the sticker many of you own today!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself!

A: My name is Lyndsey Hildebrandt. I work as an RVT at Lakewood Animal Hospital in Saskatchewan, Canada. I’ve been working in Veterinary Medicine for 8 years!

Q: What is your favorite thing to do as a Vet Tech?

A: My favourite part of my job is dentistry. I feel so passionate about oral health! It is so amazing what a difference it can make in a patient’s life! I really do hope to specialize in this someday!

Q: What inspired you to create your sticker design?

A: A friend that I worked with at the clinic mentioned this contest to me! I thought I would put myself out there – never did I think my art would actually be made into a sticker! When designing this sticker, I had those in mind who love the challenge of a sassy patient. We all know these patients can be hard to manage. It takes a very special heart to love the spiciest of patients – big and small. My cat Jazzy was also the inspiration for the tortie colouring. She has attitude for days…

Q: Why do you think Vet Tech Week is so important for everyone to celebrate?

A: This career isn’t easy. There are a lot of highs and lows. We wear a lot of hats, juggling all we can. It is important to celebrate this week, because we are vital to Veterinary Medicine.

Q: What’s one thing every person (vet med or non-vet med) could do right now to make a Veterinary Technician’s day?

A: Honestly, be kind. The Veterinary community is struggling right now (especially where I am from). A kind word or smile can go a long way. But also, food works too!

Q: Is there anything I didn’t ask you about that you’d like the readers to know?

A: I have always enjoyed creating art! Seeing all the kind comments about my sticker has warmed my heart so much. I felt that my art wasn’t good enough. Seeing all the support has encouraged me to open up my own Etsy store, there isn’t much now – but we will get there! Please check out my store if interested: Arttoodle!

Thank you to Lyndsey for sharing her creativity with all of us and giving us a new, fun way to celebrate Vet Tech Week in 2021!

Vet Tech Feature: Natalia Salgado Montoya, CVT

October 21, 2021 by Kelsey Carpenter

These designs were true works of art, and we wanted to know a little more about the artists behind them. Today, we’re meeting Natalia Salgado Montoya, who designed what we called the “Pawprint Full of Passion” sticker. Read on to get to know Natalia, who created the sticker many of you own today!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself!

A: I’m currently taking a break from clinical practice to focus on CVT Creations, my veterinary art business. It merges my artistic talent with my passion for education. My background in veterinary dentistry, anesthesia, general practice, and shelter medicine fuels me to create fun art that is also educational.

I was raised in Northern California. I realized I wanted to become a veterinary technician while working for an animal shelter, and after learning about the amazing program at Portland Community College, I moved to Oregon. I’ve been in veterinary medicine for 6 years, and certified for 3 years.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do as a Vet Tech?

A: My favorite role as a vet tech is helping an anxious or fearful animal feel safe. I have a soft spot for “difficult” animals due to my experience working in shelter medicine and a fear-free practice. A vet clinic can be a stressful environment, so I take the time to help them feel comfortable. I love watching an animal become comfortable as they build a more positive association with visiting the vet.

My favorite procedure to do is a dental cleaning. I find it so satisfying to clean dirty teeth and make them sparkle. Oral health is as important for animals as it is for humans, and I’d like to obtain my VTS in dentistry one day. I’m a dog lover, so I honestly love all the dogs I meet. My favorite breeds to have as patients are pit bulls, Dobermans, and the giant breeds (especially St. Bernards).

Q: What inspired you to create your sticker design?

A: I wanted to bring recognition to the many important roles that vet techs fulfill. Some clients think veterinary technicians only give vaccines and trim nails, and are shocked to learn how essential we are in the veterinary hospital. This sticker helps techs show off all the amazing things we do. I intentionally incorporated a variety of species into the design because vet techs work with all kinds of animals.

Q: Why do you think Vet Tech Week is so important for everyone to celebrate?

A: Vet Tech Week spotlights and celebrates the role of veterinary technicians and the essential contributions we make to the field. Our work is often undervalued, but we do a lot for our patients. Vet techs play a critical role in the clinic, but also in other settings like diagnostic laboratories, research facilities, educational settings, and pharmaceutical companies. Our work deserves to be seen and celebrated.

Q: What’s one thing every person (vet med or non-vet med) could do right now to make a Veterinary Technician’s day?

A: The pandemic has been difficult for the veterinary field. One thing that could entirely make a vet tech’s day is simply showing us patience and kindness. We need to be kinder to each other and ourselves while at work so that together, we can handle whatever comes through the door. Clients need to be reminded that we’re here to care for their animals, and we’re doing our best.

Thank you to Natalia for sharing her creativity with all of us and giving us a new, fun way to celebrate Vet Tech Week in 2021!

Vet Tech Feature: Jill Lasher, LVT

October 20, 2021 by Kelsey Carpenter

These designs were true works of art, and we wanted to know a little more about the artists behind them. Today, we’re meeting Jill Lasher, who designed what we called the “Vet Tech Versatility” sticker. Read on to get to know Jill, who created the sticker many of you own today!

vet tech versatility sticker design — *Jill’s “Vet Tech Versatility” sticker design*

Q: Tell us a little about yourself!

A: I am originally from Michigan. I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and then went back to school and obtained an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Science in 2000. So, between being licensed since then and working in the profession for about 6 years prior to that, I have 27 years in the veterinary profession! I am a unicorn! In 2003 I moved to the state of Washington. I currently work at Chambers Prairie Animal Hospital in Olympia, Washington. I mostly do dental cleanings, radiographs and, yes, extractions (since Washington still allows us to do this). I also help with surgeries and C-sections.

jill lasher, lvt — *“A few years ago when I worked at another clinic.”*

Q: What is your favorite thing to do as a Vet Tech?

A: My favorite thing to do in the clinic is dentals. I have worked hard and take pride in getting technically excellent dental radiographs quickly as well as cleaning and evaluating all the teeth in a thorough and efficient manner. So, I guess I’d say that’s my special skill! I don’t know that there is anything in particular that I look forward to doing except helping where I can and restoring order to chaos (cleaning, organizing, etc.) I love Boxers! So, they are my favorite to work with.

Q: What inspired you to create your sticker design?

A: I have always dabbled in art (and music). A few years ago I obtained a certificate in Illustration from an online school. Since then I have been honing skills and trying to find my style. So, when I saw the sticker competition I figured “why not!” Since I currently work at a clinic that sees large and small animals, I wanted to create a sticker that paid homage to that (thus the various animal tracks), I wanted to signify our love for animals (the heart shape), and I wanted to represent medicine and the versatility that vet techs exhibit in this profession (the cross and icons).

Q: Why do you think Vet Tech Week is so important for everyone to celebrate?

A: I think Vet Tech Week is important because other than the veterinarians, we are the only support staff that is required to (in most states) go to school, obtain a degree, and sit for the VTNE as well as state exams. This exhibits a special dedication to this profession that we should be recognized for. We also are the only staff members that can “do it all” other than prescribe, diagnose and perform surgery. This means we can step into any other support staff position and perform that job competently.

Q: What’s one thing every person (vet med or non-vet med) could do right now to make a Veterinary Technician’s day?

A: The one thing that I think could make every Veterinary Technician’s day is simply to help them. Lend them a hand. So often we (techs) help everyone else – we answer phones, we run a bag of dog food out to a client, we run to help with a pet that is giving the doctor and assistant a hard time. So, it makes my day when I’m struggling with something and someone walks up and says “do you need a hand?”

Q: Is there anything I didn’t ask you about that you’d like the readers to know?

A: Over the years, I have heard lots of push back from other staff members about Vet Tech week. They feel a left out. I want to say that Vet Tech Week isn’t about leaving them out. They are all very important members of the veterinary team and their jobs are just as challenging and difficult as ours. To me, Vet Tech Week is more about recognizing the added dedication that we (primarily licensed vet techs) have given to this profession. Financially, mentally and physically we have completely given ourselves.

Thank you to Jill for sharing her creativity with all of us and giving us a new, fun way to celebrate Vet Tech Week in 2021!

What Do Veterinary Receptionists REALLY Want for Veterinary Receptionist Week?

May 10, 2021 by Kelsey Carpenter

It’s Veterinary Receptionist Week! A time to celebrate the Front Desk Rockstars, the Chaos Coordinators, the Lobby Guardians, the Multitasking Magicians, the Unsung Healthcare Heroes we know and love as Veterinary Receptionists.

So in preparation for the big week, we took to social media (our virtual version of walking up to the front desk) and asked them directly: What do YOU want for Veterinary Receptionist Week? Here’s what they had to say!

“The best gift I’ve gotten was a gift card from Dunkin’ Donuts because you need a LOT of coffee to keep up with the multiple phone calls, the needy clients and the insane ability to multi-task.” – Katie K.

I know I’m not the only one who still rehearses my voicemail messages in advance. Do you have any idea how much caffeine courage it would take for me to handle half as many phone calls as our Client Service Reps do?? They deserve all the caffeine. ALL OF IT. And maybe a goody bag of wine and margarita mix to take home wouldn’t hurt either.

“Our boss brought in a massage therapist and we each got a 30 minute massage at the office.” – Sherry N.

Carrying the weight of the hospital on your shoulders has to result in some tension. A massage (COVID-careful of course) is the least we could do!

“My coworkers and managers overheard that I had gotten furniture for the new backyard I had. So for my birthday I received a beautiful potted ponytail palm with a stand and string lights for the back porch.” – Courtney C.

“My AH has always done a nice job of giving a special gift to us like a personalized mask/picture/toy for my child…and I appreciate that so, so much.” – Kelly D.

“Best gift is the gift that I wasn’t expecting and was completely out of nowhere. Like a vet I work with just recently got me a watercolor portrait of my cats! All because she saw it and thought ‘Oh, April would love that of her cats!’ She always does nice little things like that.” – April M.

It’s the thought that counts. Pro Tip: DO stalk Facebook and Instagram for great personalized gift ideas. DO NOT accidentally like a photo from 3 and a half years ago. That’s awkward.

“A day without getting yelled at by a client would be good.” – Juliet B.

“A DVM to do my job for an afternoon.” – Sara D.

“What I would LOVE next week would either be: a well deserved extra PTO day, or for someone to trade places with for one day.” – Katie K.

Give Veterinary Receptionists what they really want: A Kit Kat–I mean, err, A BREAK! Give them time: If you can’t offer a full day off, send them home a couple hours early! An extended lunch! A late start so they can sleep in! Give them support: Have their backs when they’re on the receiving end of a client behaving badly. Give them a laugh: Try checking your own voicemail messages or taking a deposit for a hospitalized patient. That should make for a break AND some great comedic entertainment.

I wouldn’t say no to a raise – Jo-Anne S.

“A cash gift and 2 hours to go spend it on me!” – Amy K.

“I’ll take a raise and pizza.” – Abbey S.

How many of us have uttered this phrase: “You couldn’t pay me enough to deal with those phones all day.” That constant ringing makes beeping fluid pumps sound like spa music. Let’s make sure Veterinary Receptionists are fairly compensated for their uniquely developed skills, their unwavering patience, and the number of times they’ve had to remind me how to transfer a phone call. Pay them what they’re worth (which is a lot)!

“Receiving that same professional respect we give would be nice.” – Juliet B.

“Similar CE opportunities for growth that other areas of the clinic get.” – Kaylie F.

“What I want more than anything at my hospital is to be truly heard, and to feel truly appreciated. what I need is to feel valued and understood and to feel like what I have to say matters.” – Kelly D.

“WE WANT RESPECT. We want to be included in the conversation when people talk about vet staff. Also to maybe not call us ‘the girls up front’ or ‘the people that answer the phones.’” – JD P.

“The best thing I could ever receive is respect and understanding from clients…I do wish clients realized the receptionists carry a lot of responsibility & deserve just as much respect for our job as our techs and doctors.” – Sam S.

Respect is the love language of any veterinary clinic. Well…respect and puppies. Veterinary Receptionists deserve both. If veterinary medicine were a team sport, Veterinary Receptionists would be the chasers, the beaters, the keepers…ok they’d be the entire Gryffindor team, alright?! (Quidditch is the only sport I know.) They deserve our respect, as our teammates and our peers.

“I truly believe all receptionists would just love a THANKS.” – Linda F.

“Being recognized for a whole week like Vet Techs is so awesome!!! We all work as a team at our hospital, so to be recognized (finally!) is so great!” – Traci N.

“I said on the phone today to a client ‘I’m just the receptionist’ and she said ‘DO NOT SAY JUST! You are important.’ Definitely made my day.” – Taylore T.

“Just to be celebrated.” – Kate A.H.

And celebrated you shall be. It’s long overdue, and well deserved!

So, there you have it folks! There are plenty of opportunities to make our Veterinary Reception Rockstars feel the love, support, and appreciation they deserve this week. And we’ll start it off right here: A big THANK YOU to Veterinary Receptionists everywhere for all the hats you wear and how darn well you wear them – we truly couldn’t do this without you.

P.S. – If anyone does the “Doctor working reception for a day” option, we want video footage.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

What do Techs want for Vet Tech Week?

October 14, 2019 by Kelsey Carpenter

Vet Tech Week is arguably one of the best weeks of the year. It competes only with that one week in February where I trialed the “pizza for breakfast” diet. So what are YOU doing to celebrate the superheroes of your clinic?

Ok, let’s address reality here: Some of you are procrastinators. Or – to quote the infamous Stephanie Goss – maybe your lives resemble a “dumpster fire” at the moment. That’s ok. This week can sneak up on you sometimes. So, we took to the Dr. Andy Roark Facebook page to ask Veterinary Technicians this important question: What is the best gift you’ve ever received for Vet Tech Week? Here, we’ll highlight some of their answers so that you can get them what they REALLY want this week.

Make it personal!

When it comes to gifts, the more personal you make them, the more meaningful they become. Recognizing your Technician’s personal goals, interests, and hobbies is a great way to make them feel valued on a whole new level.

“I recieved a cat tree from my employers. It was super thoughtful and very much appreciated with my 5 cats!” – Erinn K.

“Personalized stickers to mark your favorite pens with.” – Katie H.

“Last year our management hand made to go cups with our names on them and pawprints. Filled with candy.” – Krista B.

Get your reps involved.

Did you know you can reach out to your drug/food reps for help? We heard lots of stories of reps getting involved and making some great celebrations possible! Remember, they appreciate Vet Techs, too!

“My all time favorite was last year our rep did a mani/pedi on our day off with a full mimosa/Bloody Mary bar!” – Lynette K.

“My hospital spoiled the crap out of us all week. They organized with different reps to provide us with buffett style Breakfast and Lunch every day.” – Katie H.

Food. Always food.

Lauren A. summed this one up perfectly when she said “I’ve never known a vet clinic to turn down free food, especially on busy days when we just need something to shove in our mouth between tasks.” One of the many ways to a Veterinary Professional’s heart is definitely through the stomach, so don’t skimp on the food this week!

“We get a full breakfast of sausages, eggs, bacon, french toast, fruit etc made bright and early in the morning by one of doctors. It is so nice!” – Magda J.

“The best “ present” I ever got were the doctors making us breakfast. Homemade breakfast was the best.” – Adria B.

Include the clients and coworkers!

Vet Tech Week doesn’t all have to come from management. Remember that appreciation from clients and coworkers is a fantastic gift, as well! Use your lobby, your website, and your social media to help involve clients in the Tech Week celebrations, and make sure the rest of your staff has the opportunity to say thank you, too!

“We…do a special feature on Facebook so clients can leave mushy sweet comments and let the techs now how appreciated they are!” – Maria P.

“We had an associate vet that was sooooo incredibly thoughtful and kind. She…made signs about loving the techs and put them in the lobby. Each one was one of our names.” – Amanda M.

“Client here for what I consider the best vet hospital ever! Every year I bake for the entire staff & I try to do this a few times during the year – the entire staff deserves to be acknowledged & appreciated – love them all!!” – Cynthia G.

“My favorite has been having everyone write a compliment for every other coworker and then compiling all of the compliments for each person into one document (often inside one of their gifts).” – Susan S.

“Cards from coworkers of props for all I do. I know I shouldn’t need it but it feels so good to know you are recognized.” – Mandi T.

Massages. All the massages!

Being a Veterinary Technician is a back-breaking job (both literally and figuratively). Massages was BY FAR the most popular gift mentioned by our Vet Tech community! These can come in the form of group outings, gift cards, or – quite possibly best of all – bringing a masseuse in to the clinic for massages on site!

“The last two years we’ve gotten 15 minute chair massages. It’s awesome!” – Lisa L.

“Last year we got chair massages from a massage therapist and it felt great!” – Vickie H.

“Massages would also help the achy ouch’s days that build up.” – Amy F.

So much room for activities!

It doesn’t all have to be food and goodies. Sometimes activities and experiences are just as great a gift, and a great bonding experience as well. Here are just a few ideas:

“I…have made tye dye scrub tops for my staff – that’s something fun for them (and fun to make as well)! Any white scrub top will work, some fabric soaks it in better. But it’s really easy! Get dye on amazon or local craft store!” – Lynette K.

“Our associate veterinarian, who also happens to be our friend, has treated us to a Broadway show almost every year the past few years. It has been SO much fun and it’s great that we get to hang out with one another outside of work.” – Robbyn M.

“I think my crew/me would appreciate getting out early one night planned and concrete and going out to appreciate each other and relax!” – Amy F.

Assorted goodies.

There were so many great gift ideas listed in the Facebook thread (click that link to check it out for yourself!) Here are just a few highlights:

“Doctor treated LVT to a cooking class to cook the own meal and dessert. It was awesome!” – Stacy B.

“We are also giving out “coupons” as prizes this year – get off 1 your early, I don’t have to clean that kennel, t shirt day, etc.” – Kassie N.

“Highlighters to coordinate my anesthetic charts!” – Hailey C.

“Money goes a long way in making me feel appreciated.” – Erin M.

“Snarky vet tech coloring book. 😂 and movie passes. ♥️” – Angel P.

“$50 Amazon gift card and a tumbler with my name on it!” – Heather G.

Good old-fashioned gratitude.

Sometimes, the easiest gift is also the one that means the most. Remember that when it comes down to it, this week is about appreciating Veterinary Technicians for their skill, compassion, and grit. It’s a tough job, and it takes some really special individuals to fill it! And while no one does it for the purpose of being thanked, acknowledgement can still mean the world.

“A sincere note from a supervisor or coworker also goes a long way.” – Mary M.

“Sincere respect and appreciation goes a long way Techs who feel appreciated are great employees who shine.” – Keri W.

“Topped it off with a hand written card with how much I appreciated every single one of them. Gratitude goes so far and it was my honor to dedicate my time to such an awesome staff.” – Daniele I.

“I stepped into Heaven when I took this job 7 yrs ago. I have never once left the building without the Dr or management looking me in the eye and saying “thank you for your help today.” – Krista B.

Vet Med Music Videos: They’re a thing.

May 29, 2019 by Kelsey Carpenter

We’re currently celebrating #HappinessWeek on all the Dr. Andy Roark sites. Our team was in need of a smile or two, and figured you could use some as well! Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite music videos that have come out of the Vet Med community. Yes, this is a thing, and we’re here for it.

Who knew heartworm prevention could be so…FUN?

Written, directed, and even performed by Brynn of Brynn Zittle Cinema, this video might actually make you wish heartworm prevention came in human form.

The (vet student) struggle is real.

This is one of our favorites from Trusten of DrMoore.StudentVet. I mean, who HASN’T been up at 2am the night before a test stress-eating cheez-its to Adele?

If you’ve never worn an e-collar in a field and sang about it, well…then you’re not in this music video.

Kelsey Beth Carpenter brings us an ode to all the non-compliant post-surgical pet owners out there. Are we allowed to embed this video into all discharge instructions? Asking for a friend.

We hope these made you laugh, smile, smirk, or whatever it is you do when you’re entertained. Check out more fantastic content from these Vet Med creators in the links above!

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the DrAndyRoark.com editorial team.

Kelsey Carpenter

Make it personal!

Get your reps involved.

Food. Always food.

Include the clients and coworkers!

Massages. All the massages!

So much room for activities!

Assorted goodies.

Good old-fashioned gratitude.

Who knew heartworm prevention could be so…FUN?

The (vet student) struggle is real.

If you’ve never worn an e-collar in a field and sang about it, well…then you’re not in this music video.

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