Media Releases

National Veterinary Association Educates Canadians about the Importance of all Veterinary Team Members during Workforce Crisis

September 25, 2023

OTTAWA, Ont. – The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is highlighting the importance of the entire veterinary team during Animal Health Week (AHW) as the country faces a national veterinary shortage.

AHW is a national public awareness campaign organized by the CVMA and hosted by veterinarians across Canada. Each year, during the first week of October, veterinarians and veterinary hospitals across Canada promote animal health and responsible animal ownership as part of AHW.

During this year’s Animal Health Week from October 1 – 7, 2023, the CVMA is emphasizing that It Takes a Team… To Protect Your Animal’s Health and You. Each member of the animal healthcare team plays a valuable role in protecting your animals’ health and wellness.

“It really does take a team to provide timely and appropriate care to patients. The veterinary team is diverse and the entire team plays important roles in ensuring the public is well served,” explains Dr. Trevor Lawson, CVMA President. “This is as true with routine preventative care as it is for complicated urgent cases.”.

Veterinarians, veterinarian technicians/technologists, hospital managers, receptionists, and everyone else working in a veterinary practice have special roles in assuring the health and well-being of animals and the people who care for them.

“Effective teams all start with the first point of contact through reception which does much more than answer calls. They often are responsible for triaging cases and ensuring animals are seen in a timely manner,” adds Dr. Lawson.

– 30 –

Furthermore, Dr. Lawson emphasizes that “Veterinary teams often extend beyond the normal hospital environment and include laboratory specialists, radiologists, internists, and surgeons. Much of the teamwork and communication happens behind the scenes and outside of the regular appointment time and may go unnoticed by animal owners.” 

The CVMA has celebrated Animal Health Week for nearly 40 years in partnership with the Registered Veterinary Technologists and Technicians of Canada. This year’s AHW is generously sponsored by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance.

Associated Links

 

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Animal Health Week is a national public awareness campaign organized by the CVMA and hosted by veterinarians across Canada. Each year, during the first week of October, veterinarians and veterinary hospitals and clinics across Canada promote animal health and responsible animal ownership as part of Animal Health Week celebrations. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about the CVMA.

Contact:

Ashley Dupont
Communications Officer
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 125
adupont@cvma-acmv.org