Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, landslides, wildfires, and earthquakes as well as manmade disasters and crises can affect veterinary hospitals, patients, and clients. It is imperative that veterinary hospitals and shelters be well prepared for a potential emergency situation so we do not end up scrambling to come up with a strategy during a crisis. We might not need to build a bunker under the veterinary hospital parking lot and stock it with canned food, but there are plenty of other things we can do to get ahead of a disaster situation. Let’s start planning now.

Having a written emergency plan and a standard operating procedure (SOP) for disasters is of vital importance for veterinary hospitals and shelters. This plan should be reviewed and updated every year. All staff and volunteers must be aware of both the plan and any associated SOPs to ensure everyone knows their roles. When a disaster happens, local veterinary hospitals and shelters will potentially be barraged by anxious pet owners looking for advice and help, so having a plan in place, or knowing who to direct people to for assistance, is of utmost importance.

Many municipalities and counties have their own disaster plans for those geographical areas and have designated certain animal shelters and veterinary hospitals to take in pets that owners cannot bring to hotels or shelters if they have been forced to evacuate. Veterinary hospitals and shelters should touch base with their local authorities once a year when reviewing their emergency and disaster SOPs to keep up with any changes and protocols.

Local emergency management systems may also have training opportunities available for veterinary and shelter staff. Also, take the time to review the preparedness guides that are available through the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society of the US (HSUS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and many other online resources. For example, there is a free course available by enrolling in the ASPCA’s Disaster Response Program that could be extremely helpful for your staff and volunteers.

Depending on where your veterinary hospital or shelter is located, the type of natural or manmade disaster that has occurred will help you recognize if you are able to shelter in place or if you will need to arrange to transport pets to shelters outside the area. Building a volunteer foster network that includes individuals who have a safe place and resources to help look after pets when shelters become full is also something to consider. Connecting with local service agencies to identify the most at-risk owners who will require assistance can help guide your staff and volunteers to check on these people when disaster strikes.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, there were very few places with laws or protocols in place regarding pets during a disaster, and when evacuations became necessary, some people refused to leave without their pets and may have died because of it, or pets had to be left behind to perish. After Katrina, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act was passed by Congress and enacted into lay in 2006.

 While on the surface the PETS Act is for helping animals, it is important to remember that the act was passed to save human lives.

Local and state emergency preparedness authorities are now required by the PETS Act to include pets and service animals in their evacuation plans.

 These plans must be submitted by local and state authorities to qualify for grants from FEMA. Despite this, many towns still do not have plans in place for animals, so veterinary hospitals and shelters that are putting together disaster preparedness plans for themselves should reach out to the local authorities to learn if they have anything in place.

Being prepared with plans in place to help shelter animals, checking on vulnerable clients with pets, having extra food and water on hand, and installing a generator on your property is all well and good. However, there are some legal and financial issues to consider.

Consider these questions: Is your veterinary hospital able to afford to offer free veterinary services to many animals for several weeks straight? As veterinary hospitals and shelters, we cannot expect to receive local or federal aid to assist us. What about your staff members who are helping with these disaster-affected pets? Are they getting paid for their time, or is this considered volunteer work?

These are questions and dilemmas that need to be worked out and answered ahead of time. Another thing to consider is your state’s Good Samaritan laws because finding out if your assistive actions during a disaster are covered is really important.

In addition to a generator, veterinary hospitals and shelters should have on hand supplies such as tarps, rope, leashes, cat carriers, masks, muzzles, disposable isolation gowns, duct tape, orange cones and flags, disposable gloves, flashlights, a digital camera, and a wet-dry vacuum.

Having an effective method in place to document and keep track of animals being seen and treated, as well as having a designated disaster team on staff who have attended training classes for disaster preparedness, are key. Another thing to consider ahead of time is training your staff on how to triage mass casualties in case it becomes necessary.

Other important preparations include having emergency numbers readily available, keeping communication lines open to other veterinary hospitals and shelters in your area, and maintaining contact with local emergency authorities. Your staff disaster team should make themselves familiar with the many plans and resources available on local government websites.

How do we make sure clients and pets are prepared? In a world that is increasingly unpredictable, where natural and manmade disasters can strike with little to no warning, being prepared is more than just a motto for Scouts—it is a critical aspect of pet ownership that can be the difference between chaos and calm. Through the lens of veterinary science, and with a slight tilt toward the unconventional, we in the veterinary field should be advising our clients to envision their pets not just as pets, but as 4-legged prepper partners, and to imagine a scenario where their pets are just as ready for emergency situations as the most seasoned survivalist is.

It is vital to understand the unique capabilities and needs of pets in emergency situations. Animals have heightened senses and can often sense danger long before humans can. This primal instinct can be an advantage in prepping for disasters, but only if owners are tuned in to pets’ behaviors and cues.

As veterinary professionals, we emphasize the importance of keeping pets physically healthy and mentally sharp as part of disaster preparedness. Regular checkups, vaccinations, and flea and tick prevention are basics that cannot be overlooked. Physical fitness ensures dogs can handle stress and physically demanding situations, while mental training, such as obedience and agility exercises, can improve their responsiveness.

Not to overlook our feline friends, getting cats used to calmly going in their carriers and making sure they are accustomed to car rides can be important not only for regular trips to their veterinarian, but these are vital skills for an emergency situation.

Ensuring that clients get all their pets microchipped is a no-brainer, as becoming separated is certainly something that can happen during a disaster. The peace of mind from knowing a pet can be tracked down via this method is priceless. It is also important for clients to have updated pictures of their pets on hand.

It is also essential to advise clients on how to assemble a go-bag for their pet. This kit should include items like food, medications (including those for anxiety and motion sickness), medical records, leashes, harnesses, ID tags, veterinarian’s contact information, proof of vaccination, fresh water, litter and litter pans, pet carriers, blankets, towels, dish soap, disinfectant wipes, first aid supplies, comfort items, toys, and housetraining pads. There are many more in-depth and comprehensive lists on the ASPCA, HSUS, FEMA, and local emergency group websites that you can steer clients toward.

Recommend that your clients train their pets for emergency scenarios that go beyond the basic sit-and-stay command. Evacuation drills that familiarize their pet with rapid departure processes and getting them accustomed to their go-bag items, particularly carriers or tents, is key. The goal is to eliminate any hesitancy or fear associated with sudden movements or the appearance of survival gear.

Remind your clients that post disaster, their pet’s well-being should be a priority. Stress and exposure can take a toll on their health. Monitoring for signs of distress, unusual behavior, or health issues following an event is imperative. Also advise clients of the potential for waterborne diseases and exposure to toxins following a disaster. It is important to immediately consult a veterinarian if any health concerns arise.

Including your pet in your emergency preparedness plan doesn’t just add a layer of responsibility—knowing that your whole family, furry members included, is ready to face whatever disasters may come their way adds a layer of security and comfort. When disaster strikes, being prepared may save both pets and their humans.

Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006, HR 3858, 109th Cong (2006). Accessed May 14, 2024. https://www. congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/3858

Articles

Advance planning can help protect animals, the veterinary team and a practice’s property during a disaster

Preparing for an emergency

A beluga whales safely arrives to Valencia, Spain. (Photo courtesy of Georgia Aquarium)

After having lived in the turmoil of war in Ukraine for months, 2 beluga whales, Plombir and Miranda, have been rescued from NEMO Dolphinarium in Kharkiv, Ukraine. With Kharkiv under a growing threat from artillery fire, Plombir and Miranda were only a few hundred meters away when bombs fell dangerously close to their aquarium.

 From June 17 to June 18, 2024, marine mammal specialists undertook a high-risk collaborative operation to rescue the 15-year-old male (Plombir) and 14-year-old female (Miranda). The pair was evacuated to the oceanarium Oceanogràfic in Valencia, Spain.

"The belugas' health and safety was our top priority, and these were challenging conditions, including rough roads, rising temperatures and the inherent risks of being in an active war zone," Keith Yip, animal care specialist at SeaWorld, said in a news release by Georgia Aquarium.

 "The Ukrainian caregivers were very brave, and the whole team involved did everything possible to provide the belugas comfort and safety during the evacuation to Valencia. I'm proud to have been able to share the specialized expertise needed to support the complex logistics for this collaborative rescue operation."

According to the president and CEO of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Dan Ashe, the operation was “likely the most complex marine mammal rescue ever undertaken.”

 He commended AZA members, Oceanogràfic, Georgia Aquarium, and SeaWorld for assembling “the world’s most elite team of marine mammal experts” to collaborate with the Ukrainian aquarium on the high-stakes mission.

   Timestamp of Plombir and Miranda's journey

: 8 PM — Plombir and Miranda depart from NEMO Dolphinarium in Kharkiv, Ukraine

: 8:30AM — Plombir and Miranda arrive at Odessa, Ukraine.

: 10 AM — Plombir and Miranda depart from Odessa, Ukraine.

: 11:30 PM — Plombir and Miranda arrive at Valencia Airport in Spain.

: 2 AM — Plombir and Miranda arrive at Oceanogràfic in Valencia, Spain.

The rescue mission posed numerous obstacles, including a perilous 12-hour drive from Kharkiv to Odesa—located in southern Ukraine. At Odesa, Ukrainian caregivers met with an international team from Oceanogràfic, Georgia Aquarium, and SeaWorld, who conducted immediate health assessments before continuing their journey to the Moldova-Ukraine border.

In Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, a chartered 6-seater plane prepared to transport the rescue team to Valencia. Upon their arrival at Valencia, Raúl Mérida, the general director of natural and animal environment of Valencia, met with the rescue team at the airport. After the arduous journey across the war zone, the belugas arrived at their sanctuary in fragile health on the evening of June 18, 2024.

Since the war’s onset in 2022, the NEMO Dolphinarium has been evacuating animals. However, relocating belugas is an exceptionally complex logistical endeavor because of their size and specific needs.

According to the release, the operation took months of preparation and the involvement of international experts. "The complexities of this evacuation were immense, and we have been working for weeks to prepare for it. I'm humbled to have been trusted to provide the belugas care and protection during their long journey to their new home," Dennis Christen, senior director of animal wellbeing and behavior at Georgia Aquarium, said in the release.

“Slim” chances of survival in Kharkiv

Marine mammal specialists from Oceanografic de Valencia, Georgia Aquarium, and SeaWorld warmly welcome one of the rescued beluga whales. (Photo courtesy of Georgia Aquarium)

Daniel Garcia-Párraga, director of zoological operations at Oceanogràfic elaborated in the release on the effects and implications of the war in Ukraine for animals like Plombir and Miranda.

 "The war has caused food, energy and medicine shortages, reducing access to other basic necessities for animal care as well as technical supplies necessary for the logistics of such a sensitive rescue," he explained.

"The belugas have a suboptimal body condition to undertake this type of trip, but if they had continued in Kharkiv, their chances of survival would have been very slim," Garcia-Párraga added.

Plombir and Miranda are currently receiving dedicated support from a team of medical, nutritional, and behavioral specialists at Oceanogràfic to aid in their recovery. For the initial few weeks, 2 Ukrainian caregivers are staying with them to assist in their transition and care.

"The belugas are being cared for in separate areas that are not accessible or viewable by the public while they undergo recovery and acclimation," said Garcia.

 "We will be providing updates on their health and well-being as things evolve. We are extremely grateful to everyone who assisted in this rescue."

Two beluga whales rescued from Ukrainian aquarium evacuated to Spain. News release. Georgia Aquarium. June 19, 2024. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/two-beluga-whales-rescued-from-ukrainian-aquarium-evacuated-to-spain-302176754.html

Morwood M, Rawling C. Beluga whales take gruelling journey across war-ravaged Ukraine to reach new home in Spain. 

 June 20, 2024. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-20/beluga-whales-rescued-from-ukrainian-war-zone/104004206#

Having survived close bombings, 2 beluga whales have made a perilous trek from Kharkiv, Ukraine, to Valencia, Spain, as part of a rescue mission 

Beluga whales evacuated from Ukraine to Spain

I’ve found that 4 years of undergraduate experience comes with its share of lifetime lessons. With graduation behind me, I’d like to reflect on my personal journey—both struggles and successes—as a biomedical sciences undergraduate on my way to veterinary school.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve found biology incredibly captivating. It was this intriguing topic, combined with a variety of scouting merit badges, that piqued my interest in veterinary medicine and my ultimate choice to pursue a major in biomedical sciences. However, it wasn’t until I ventured outside the classroom and into the world of veterinary practice that my passion truly ignited.

Textbooks are a crucial part of education, but they have limitations. It was through witnessing the dedication, technical skills, and emotional bond veterinarians have with their patients and clients that I saw this profession brought to life in a manner nothing else could. As Julius Caesar once said in his Commentarii de Bello Civili, “ut est rerum omnium magister usus”—experience is the teacher of all things. In my case, it proved to be the key to unlocking my true calling and this realization underscores a crucial truth: no matter where you are in your academic, professional, or personal journey, hands-on experience is paramount.

After all, the drive to learn, grow, and make a positive impact comes from a place of genuine passion. That passion is the catalyst that propels us forward even when the road becomes challenging.

When I first selected my degree plan, I wanted to find a pathway that would challenge me within the fields of biological and medical sciences. I chose a major that was tightly integrated with the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, exposing myself to courses such as Biology of Mammalian Cells & Tissues and Applied Biomedical Physiology. Through focusing time on advanced material, I’m hoping to better prepare myself for the high rigor I’ll face in veterinary school—and make myself a stronger veterinarian in the process.

I can’t stress seeking opportunity through embracing challenges enough. One evening, I received an email from our school’s engineering department about an upcoming biomedical innovation competition with a focus in veterinary medicine. I was originally hesitant because I hardly had any clinical experience, had not begun my second semester in biology, and I was not an engineer. I figured I’d just apply and see what happens. Next thing I knew I was surrounded by 63 students, mostly engineers, some being from as far away as Sylhet, Bangladesh. I joined a group of 4 to tackle dangerous typos within veterinary medicine. Although we ended up losing a member, our project, PawCheck Veterinary Autocorrect Keyboard, won first place! Through this event, I was exposed to exceptional mentors and the value of diverse collaboration.

In other words, harvest the rewards of stepping outside your comfort zone.

Year 3: There’s power in mentorship & networking

The most rewarding aspect from my time in undergrad was the ability to form meaningful connections with fellow students and alumni. The field of pre-veterinary medicine has in many places become notorious for the “every man for himself” philosophy of competitive admissions, but there’s always plenty of examples that don’t fit that mold. I’ve been incredibly blessed to have both friends and mentors that are eager to provide support to help me achieve my goals.

Additionally, challenge yourself to meet someone new this week. As I mentioned in year 2: don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone! Sign up for something new and find ways to connect with others who share a similar passion to yours. I can thank this philosophy for getting the opportunity to meet Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chief veterinary officer at dvm360, at the most recent Raleigh American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association conference. I’ve been fortunate enough to have his amazing guidance and support in preparing my veterinary school application.

Year 4: The significance of personal resilience

Some of the greatest advice I’ve received was from a veterinarian mentor of mine is we all need to fail to succeed. Failure is only natural and a crucial component to success.

When I received word my application to veterinary school was rejected this past cycle, and once the initial shock and disappointment had worn out, I had never felt such a powerful wave of motivation come over me. I’ve gone from focusing on undergrad to graduation and now focusing on a masters, not losing sight of my veterinary dream. I’ll be a stronger candidate next year and have no doubt I’ll make it.

No matter the instance you might be in have faith, don’t give up if you don’t succeed the first time, and always be willing to take that risk.

A recent graduate and MS student from Texas A&M University, discusses several key factors that inspired his pathway to pursuing a career in veterinary medicine

From maybe to must-be: An undergrad’s journey to veterinary medicine

A practice’s website has a job to do. It's not just a digital storefront; it’s your first impression and handshake with potential clients. Most importantly your website plays a critical role in delivering on the clinic’s mission, and whether your practice will be able to attract doctors and staff. It’s also the cornerstone for the entire online presence of your practice. When you understand your website’s job, it’s not a stretch to consider it one of your most valuable employees.

A well-crafted website has the power to transform a veterinary practice. Unfortunately, most practice’s websites are not doing their job. Let’s consider the job of a receptionist for a moment. If you hired a receptionist who showed up well-dressed and smiling presently, you naturally feel like they were ready to do a good job. But, if the phone started ringing and they just sat there smiling, and then clients showed up asking questions, and they just sat there smiling, it would quickly become obvious they are not doing their job. However, most practice owners are less clear on the responsibilities and performance expectations of their website which allows them to just sit there smiling.

What sets great veterinary websites apart from the competition?

Let's dive into what can makes a clinic’s website great, and how it can seriously impact your practice's success and profitability. Let’s put your website to work.

Before you can tackle any project, you need to understand its purpose fully. What should your website do for you? These 3 objectives should be on every clinic’s checklist for a great website:

Deliver on the mission of veterinary care by being a good info resource for pet owners in your community: 

How much time does the average client meet with a veterinarian to ask questions and get answers? Knowing the typical client has a couple of questions a week about pet health, where do pet owners turn in times of trouble? Google. Through Google, they can find misinformation from well-meaning bloggers who don’t have veterinary medicine expertise. Every veterinarian has stories upon stories of clients who received the wrong information and did the wrong thing when trying to help their pet. One reason this is happening is because clinic websites aren’t putting out good or enough information, leaving people to go elsewhere. Your website should be a source of truth for your community. If it’s the job of the veterinarian to be the expert, it’s the job of their website to be the resource clients can lean on when they are not available. This creates better clients who are more trusting, have better compliance, and have higher average invoices.

Put out the “bat signal” to high quality doctors and staff: 

If your website refers to your practice as “the best care around,” it's time to show the community what this really means. Allow your culture to come through visually on every page of your website. Show off and lift your team!

When you turn the website into a resource that represents how you deliver your services, your staff will be able to read and align with your mission. Your website is a template for your team to work off of. The best part is an aligned team is more efficient, happier, performs better, and generates more profit.

Websites that are accessible, aesthetically pleasing, intuitive, and user-friendly navigation not only make a great first impression for prospective clients, but also encourage users to come back to your website as a trusted and reliable source of information.

Run-of-the-mill veterinary websites typically aren't up to date with user experience (UX) best practices and have confusing layouts or navigation schemas. This makes finding basic information on the website feel more like a scavenger hunt, which is bound to frustrate visitors. A website with poor navigation and design is like a maze that no one wants to get lost in, and UX and user interface (UI) research heavily supports this idea. According to HubSpot, 88% of customers are less likely to return to a site after a poor user experience.

Prioritizing form and function on your practice’s website doesn’t necessarily need to be a time-consuming or expensive task. I recommend regularly conducting thorough walk-throughs of desktop and mobile versions of your website to see if it has logical and user-friendly navigation. Every interaction a user has on your website influences an opinion about your clinic and your brand so make sure you’re doing everything to make those opinions positive.

A great website speaks the language of 2 different audiences – its visitors and search engines. If you’re a veterinarian, the latter may be a foreign language, but don’t worry; understanding and implementing search engine optimization (SEO) strategies isn’t something that you have to do alone. Trusted marketing partners, like GeniusVets, regularly share educational resources on what steps you can take to do SEO like a pro.

One of the most important aspects of a veterinary website – for both visitors and search engines – are service pages. These are dedicated sections on your website outlining the services your clinic offers. Service pages offer current and prospective client’s key information about what your practice can provide and help search engine algorithms better understand the specific keywords relevant to your website. This allows them to accurately serve them to the appropriate searchers.

What you can do to make your website great

Because service pages are so important for informing clients and helping drive traffic to your website, you will want to invest some extra time in giving your service pages the attention they deserve. Here are the 4 items every effective service page should showcase:

Search engines value fresh, relevant content, and regularly updated testimonials and reviews can significantly improve SEO performance. Positive reviews, especially those containing keywords related to veterinary services, can help your website rank higher in search results. This increased visibility makes it easier for potential clients to find your practice online, driving more traffic to your website.

Reviews and testimonials are social proof to showcase on your website to help convert visitors into clients. Reading positive experiences from other pet owners provides reassurance and builds confidence in your practice.

While the benefits of positive reviews and testimonials are unmatched, you will need to put in the work to get them from clients. Build relationships with clients and encourage them to share their experiences with your clinic online via review platforms like Google or Yelp. Once you’ve built up a solid bank of reviews, use them on your website strategically as social proof and regularly dedicate time to “review upkeep” by responding to reviewers by thanking them for sharing their thoughts or by addressing concerns and other feedback.

Everyone should have a bio. Doctors' bios specifically should be more in-depth to personalize the experience and give pet owners the opportunity to get to know the team outside of the clinic. Highlighting each doctor's expertise, interests, and personal connection to veterinary medicine builds trust and rapport before a pet even walks through your doors.

Introducing your team through detailed bios helps pet owners feel more comfortable and trusting of the care their pets will receive because it creates a personal connection.

Bios allow you to highlight the qualifications, years of experience, specializations, and continued education of your staff, reassuring clients that their pets are in capable hands.

: Well-crafted bios with relevant keywords can improve your website's SEO, making it easier for pet owners searching for veterinary services or specific animal care expertise to find your practice online.

Bios can showcase the unique personalities, hobbies, and interests of your team members, differentiating your practice from competitors by highlighting the human aspect.

The first step is understanding that the websites serve as comprehensive hubs for an ecosystem of reliable pet health resources and information about your clinic's role in providing exceptional animal care. A great veterinary website requires more than just a good design and some basic information about your practice, but by dedicating some time and resources to following the best practices, you can step up your website game and take your practice’s website from good to great.

The Complete Guide to UX Audits. HubSpot. Published September 18, 2023. Accessed June 20, 2024. 

https://blog.hubspot.com/website/ux-audit

 was named a “Top 100 Marketing and Advertising Influencer” by MARsum, invited by Forbes to join their prestigious Agency Council, has been Director of SEO for four award-winning marketing and advertising agencies, founded theSEOeffect.com, and Co-Founded GeniusVets. David is known for delivering incredible results for clients ranging from local and regional businesses to global Fortune brands.

Your clinics website is a virtual representative of your mission, culture, and brand

What makes a great veterinary website?

Veterinary technicians have achieved a significant milestone in Minnesota, as they are now included in the state's Veterinary Practice Act per a recently passed bill. The new incorporation of licensed veterinary technicians (LVTs) into this statute establishes a legal definition for veterinary technicians, which grants recognition for trained and qualified veterinary team members, the Minnesota Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT) told 

“This has been a 20 plus year effort in Minnesota and elevates the veterinary technology profession, providing a career longevity path,” they said.

The bill was passed by the Minnesota state legislature on May 19, 2024, and was then promptly signed into law by Governor Tim Walz, according to the AVMA. Under this new legislation, an LVT will be regulated by the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine (MBVM).

The legislature gives the MBVM authorization to institute licensure and related practice requirements for LVTs. The Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) anticipates that the process will take between 12 to 18 months to allow enough time for writing the rules. They will go into effect on July 1, 2026.

“We are excited to begin licensing veterinary technicians in 2026. We feel strongly that this will elevate and sustain the profession for years to come, helping to alleviate the current veterinary technician shortage,” expressed Leslie Kollmann, BS, AAS, CVT, CIC, president of the MAVT; Kim Horne, AAS, CVT, VTS, MAVT charter member and chair of credentials committee; and Sam Geiling, CVT, MAVT interim treasurer, National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America government relations co-chair.

To become an LVT, candidates must graduate from a program accredited by the AVMA Committee on Veterinary Technology Education and Activities (CVTEA) and pass both the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) and the Minnesota Veterinary Technician Jurisprudence Examination. However, a clause in the bill will allow individuals with approximately 2 and a half years of full-time experience as veterinary technicians within the past 5 years, who do not meet these criteria, to apply for LVT status by July 1, 2031.

In a 2022 letter to the MVMA, Janet Donlin, DVM, CEO of AVMA, expressed support for licensing veterinary technicians. “Licensing these professionals will not only elevate standards of veterinary technology, but also recognize the integral part veterinary technicians already play in veterinary practices in Minnesota,” she wrote, according to the AVMA report.

For quite some time, the MVMA offered a voluntary certification program for veterinary technicians who completed a CVTEA-accredited program and passed the VTNE. Yet, despite fulfilling these education and exam requirements, there was no legal definition of the title nor a distinction from those trained on the job or from those who did not pass the VTNE. Moreover, veterinary technicians could only operate under direct veterinarian supervision.

Ann Brownlee, DVM, MVMA president, attributed the bill's success to a long-standing collaborative effort between the MVMA and the MAVT, in the AVMA report. During the past 3 years, the MVMA met with legislators on a regular basis, face-to-face and remotely; received support from their lobbyist; and organized townhall meetings with members. “With better utilization, we hope that will help vet techs with their earnings and job satisfaction to use skills they’ve acquired. And title protection is essential. We feel strongly about that,” Brownlee said.

Increased efficiency in veterinary clinics across the state

 about the potential impact of the bill, once in effect, on veterinary clinics across the state. “Veterinary clinics will see increased efficiency as the current language states all veterinary team members must be under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. The new bill outlines that LVTs will be able to oversee veterinary assistants and other team members in tasks delegated by the veterinarian,” they said.

“In addition, a remote supervision definition has been created to increase care for large animal practices. The remote supervision will allow an LVT to do a recheck farm call or administer ongoing medications, with the attending veterinarian available via phone or virtual communication,” the MAVT continued.

In a social media post, the MVMA thanked advocates who contributed efforts for the law’s passage and assured its members more information would be made available. “We expect a lot of questions and needed explanations for what happens next, and we look forward to communicating with you throughout the process,” the Facebook post read.

Minnesota will now join other states in recognizing and regulating veterinary technicians. Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wyoming still lack regulation of veterinary technicians, although some of them provide veterinary technicians the option to go through a voluntary credential process, according to the AVMA.

“There are now 8 states remaining without state oversight for veterinary technicians, and we hope that the [veterinary] techs are inspired to rally and work toward Veterinary Practice Act changes. The wording [Minnesota] used, without defining a prescriptive skills list, is a model for other states that have struggled to gain support from veterinarians in those remaining states,” the MAVT expressed.

Larkin M. Minnesota creates title protection, licensure pathway for veterinary technicians. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. May 30, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/news/minnesota-creates-title-protection-licensure-pathway-veterinary-technicians

Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association. Facebook. May 28, 2024. Accessed May 30, 2024. 

Licensed veterinary technicians, now included in the Veterinary Practice Act, will be regulated by the state veterinary board.

New legislation grants Minnesota veterinary technicians the opportunity to be licensed 

Lions play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems through population control of the most dominant herbivore species. However, because of human disruption and fragmentation of lion habitats, large groups of this species only remain in parks in Southern Africa. Lions subspecies in other parts of the world and the African continent are either extinct or survive in very low numbers, with only approximately 400 lions currently in West Africa.

This growing concern for a species that is currently listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species has sprouted conservation efforts and a question of possible reintroduction. However, policy makers must consider an important species factor before any reintroduction attempts can occur: genetic variability (or lack thereof).

A group of investigators from a variety of research institutions in Italy, Spain, and the UK sought to determine the genetic makeup of 2 groups of lions from 2 conservation sites. The sites were located in Zimbabwe and Zambia, in the central portion of southern Africa, to identify the modern lion genetic lineage. The investigators analyzed 17 specimens for the 

 gene—a mitochondrial gene tracing maternal ancestry that gives a better idea of the species’ lineage than rDNA, and is easier to use because of enhanced amplification, sequencing, and analysis

— and 7 microsatellite markers to look at genetic variability. The investigators then used the genetic analysis results to identify species haplogroups and calculated a revised molecular clock to show the genetics of the lion species evolution.

From these results, the investigators were able to show the migration of multiple lion subspecies to various parts of the African continent and the globe. The investigators indicated that these migrations, which occurred largely because of human impact, created large physical distances between the different subspecies, isolating their gene pools. This isolation led to a reduction in genetic variability, not unlike the effects seen from human diasporas leading to amplification of specific genes. Some genetic peculiarities seen in certain groups made them genetically incompatible with others, indicating that moving lions from one location to another to improve population is not a solution to the problem.

The genetic and relationship history learned from this study provided better classifications of species/subspecies and their lineages. This information can be used to enhance lion conservation efforts by improving reintroduction attempts with specific genetic variability and compatibility information.

 is a 2025 PharmD candidate who is studying veterinary pharmacy at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in Storrs.

Broggini C, Cavallini M, Vanetti I, Abell J, Binelli G, Lombardo G. From caves to the Savannah, the mitogenome history of modern lions (

. 2024;25(10):5193. doi:10.3390/ijms25105193

Jagielski T, Gawor J, Bakuła Z, Decewicz P, Maciszewski K, Karnkowska A. 

 as a new genetic marker for differentiation of prototheca species. 

. 2018;56(10):e00584-18. doi:10.1128/JCM.00584-18

The information learned from a recent study can be used to enhance conservation efforts of the Panthera leo