Messages from Professional Vet Tech Services Registered Technicians

 
 
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Why choose a Registered veterinary technician VS "professional" pet sitter?

September

Why Choose a Registered Veterinary Technician for Your Pet’s Care?

When it comes to choosing someone to care for your beloved pet—and often, your home—it's only natural to have questions:
Can I trust this person? Are they reliable? Do they truly know what they're doing?
These are not just valid concerns—they’re essential.

Most pet sitters fall into two categories: hobby sitters and self-proclaimed professional sitters. Neither of these titles requires formal training, a degree, or certification. In fact, anyone can decide to call themselves a “professional pet sitter” and even join organizations like Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters—membership that simply requires a fee, not credentials.

While many of these individuals are well-intentioned and may stay up-to-date on pet care voluntarily, there is no standardized education or regulatory oversight. That means the level of care—and the level of knowledge—can vary greatly.

What Sets a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Apart?

As a Registered Veterinary Technician, I bring a level of expertise and professionalism that goes far beyond what a traditional pet sitter can offer. Here’s why:

  • Formal Education: RVTs must complete an accredited Veterinary Technology program, typically a 2-year associate’s degree that includes extensive coursework and hands-on clinical experience.

  • Clinical Training: My program required over 500 hours of externships in veterinary hospitals—working with small animals, large animals, and exotics—under the supervision of licensed veterinarians and technicians.

  • Comprehensive Knowledge: My training covers a wide range of veterinary medicine, including:

    • Animal nursing & husbandry

    • Behavior and handling

    • Surgery and anesthesia

    • Radiology and laboratory techniques

    • Pharmacology and parasitology

    • Dentistry, CPR, and more

  • Board Certified & State Regulated: After completing my degree, I passed the national board exam and became certified as an RVT. In Colorado, we are regulated by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), and I am a member of the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians—an organization that only allows credentialed professionals.

  • Ongoing Education: I complete at least 10 hours of certified continuing education annually to stay current on the latest in veterinary care.

  • Veterinarian-Approved: I regularly provide relief services to local veterinary hospitals—many of which may already know and trust me. In fact, many veterinarians refer their clients to me because they know I deliver skilled, compassionate, in-home care

 
 
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Signs of Stress in Animals

October

Kennel and boarding facilities can be stressful for pets and humans.  It is vital that staff is properly trained in understanding the signs pets exhibit when stressed and take appropriate actions.  "Failure to recognize stress signals can affect the long-term physical and mental well being of both the animals and humans in this environment" (Dr. Pam Schreiner, University of Minnesota).  Below are some of the signs of stress Dr. Schreiner observed in her research of companion animals:

Signs of Stress in Dogs

  • Panting and salivating

  • Pacing

  • Shedding

  • Diarrhea/ bowel movements

  • Inappropriate urination

  • Licking the lips

  • Coughing

  • Sneezing

  • Dilated pupils

  • Trembling

  • Shaking (as if the animal were shaking off water)

  • Yawning

  • Whining, excessive vocalizing

  • Nipping

  • Growling when approached to be handled

  • Sweaty paws(leaving sweaty paw prints on the floor)

  • Increased or decreased activity

  • Excessive scratching or licking repeatedly

  • ‘Spacing out’ by turning away or avoiding eye contact

  • Loss of appetite

  • Hiding behind the handler

Signs of Stress in Cats

  • Restlessness, distraction, agitation

  • Listlessness, unusual passivity

  • Defensive vocalizations

  • Excessive shedding

  • Dilated pupils

  • Biting

  • Inappropriate urination/defecation

  • Clinging

  • Hiding and refusing to interact with humans or other animals

Causes of Stress in Animals

  • Unusual noises

  • Unknown places

  • Confusing or inconsistent training or handling

  • People exhibiting strange or unusual behavior

  • Unpredictable or rough handling

  • Unusual odors

  • Being crowded by people or other animals

  • A resident or staff member being nervous or acting in a strange way from the animals perspective

  • Extreme indoor and outdoor temperatures

  • Housing or resting area in an inappropriate place, not able to get adequate rest as a result

  • Requiring the animal to be up and active 24 hours a day to match the staff shifts of facility

  • Too many animals (whether the same or a different species) within the same general area causing crowded territory issues (How many is too many? The animals will tell you!)

  • Inadequate exercise or mental stimulation

  • Inadequate diet for species

  • Inappropriate or excessive feeding of animals

  • Visiting animals from outside the facility coming into their territory

Reference: Schreiner, Dr. Pam.  "Signs of Stress in Companion Animals.  Center to Study Human Animal Relationships and Environments.  University of Minnesota.  5/16/16.

 

 
 
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Holiday Hazards for Pets

November

As the holiday season quickly approaches it is important to keep in mind some of the holiday hazards.

Christmas Trees

  • Cats love to climb, and climbing an unstable Christmas Tree can lead to broken bones.

  • Tinsel and Ornaments can result in a foreign body, which may result in surgery and should be kept away from curious pets.

  • Electrical cords should be kept secure and in a place that pets can not reach. Pets biting on electrical wires may result in severe burns.

Holiday Foods

  • It may be tempting to give into your pet's sweet, innocent eyes and slip them some of your holiday feast. It is important not to feed your pets food other than what they are use to. Foreign food (especially food high in fat) can result in pancreatitis. Make sure your friends and family members do not feed your pets as well.

  • Chocolate of any sort is harmful to pets and should be avoided all together. If your pet does get into chocolate, call your vet immediately. This can prove to be life threatening depending on the type and amount of chocolate consumed.

  • Turkey and ham bones should not be fed to pets. Bones may shatter and splinter that can potentially perforate the intestines or cause an intestinal blockage. Both cases may be life threatening.

Poisonous Holiday Plants

  • Holly, mistletoe, and poinsettias are all poisonous to pets if consumed. If you find your pet munching on any of these dangerous plants call your vet immediately.

Burning Candles

  • Always remember when lighting those Hanukkah candles to make sure you do not leave them unattended where an inquisitive pet may burn themselves.

We hope some of these holiday tips help to keep your pet safe.  Please never hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.  We hope we may have an opportunity this season to care for your beloved pets while you are away enjoying the season!  Happy Holidays from your friends at Professional Vet Tech Services!