Much like the veterinarian shortage, veterinary technicians and hospital staff can feel the need for more credentialed technicians. A study from by Mars Veterinary Health conducted by James Lyod, DVM, PhD, consultant at Animal Health Economics and the former dean of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine found that by 2030, an estimated 132, 885 additional credentialled technicians will be needed.

To help alleviate this shortage and put more veterinary technicians in the workforce, Petco Love launched the Petco Love Registered Veterinary Technician Scholarship Fund with Penn Foster. The scholarship fund hopes to increase the number of registered veterinary technicians entering the shelter medicine space to serve vulnerable pets, such as those in animal shelters, or whose owners are struggling financially.

"It's exciting when career advancement and passion go hand-in-hand — that's why we are excited to partner with Petco Love and offer the animal welfare community educational and training support through this scholarship program," stated Stacy Caldwell, Penn Foster general manager, in an organizational release.

 "Penn Foster's online Veterinary Technician Associate Degree program has full accreditation with the American Veterinary Medical Association, meaning that learners can pursue a veterinary technician career after passing the [Veterinary Technician National Examination]. Improving accessible care for all pets starts with training their caretakers."

According to the release, the Petco Love RVT Scholarship Fund at Penn Foster will work to close the gap in the nonprofit veterinary workforce shortage through supporting 100 candidates currently working within an animal welfare organization working toward becoming a credentialed veterinary technician.

 Submitted applications will be made by the municipal or nonprofit animal sheltering organizations or clinics to Petco Love. Once finishing the program, the associates will be eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Those within the program will continue to work in the field for the duration of taking the course and at least 2 years prior to receiving the certification. 

Along with its work to address the veterinary technician shortage in shelter medicine, Petco Love invested in the University of Florida Shelter medicine program to help increase the amount of shelter veterinarians across the country by through a $510,000 grant to fund training programs.

 The nonprofit also partnered with the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine by investing $665,000 to create a community outreach veterinarian program to address the access to care in Baton Rouge through a new mobile clinic and a new faculty position.

Anyone interested can visit the Petco Love website to learn more.

Petco Love launches new nonprofit veterinary technician scholarship fund. News release. Petco Love. March 5, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petco-love-launches-new-nonprofit-veterinary-technician-scholarship-fund-302080076.html

McReynolds T. The looming vet tech shortage: Yes, it could get worse. www.aaha.org. Published March 11, 2022. https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2022-03/the-looming-tech-shortage-yes-it-could-get-worse/

National Nonprofit Petco Love invests in UF Shelter Medicine Program to increase shelter veterinarians amid national shortage. News release. Petco Love. January 18, 2023. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://petcolove.org/newsroom/news-story/national-nonprofit-petco-love-invests-in-uf-shelter-medicine-program-to/

New Petco Love and LSU community veterinary outreach program supports pets and the Baton Rouge Community. Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. February 9, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://www.lsu.edu/vetmed/news/2024/petco_love_community_outreach.php

Articles

Petco Love and Penn Foster hopes to tackle the veterinary technician shortage by providing financial help to technicians


Nonprofit launches veterinary technician scholarship fund 

New veterinary clinics in neighborhoods across the country signifies a substantial step forward in improving pet care and increasing the availability of services. These cutting-edge facilities are furnished with advanced technology and manned by proficient veterinary professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional medical care. With their dedication, these newly established clinics contribute to the well-being of pets and reinforce the connection between humans and animals.

Here are 3 recent clinic openings across the United States:

Ali'i Animal is Hawaii's leading provider of veterinary care with locations in Kaka'ako, Kailua, Kahala, and now expanding to Kaneohe. Located in the Windward City Shopping Center at 45-480 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Store B-06, Kaneohe, Hawaii, the new clinic will operate every day from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Matt Malta, owner and executive hospital and resort director of Ali'i Animal Unleashed (left) and Ali'i Animal Hospital's owner, Joanna Cook, DVM (right). (Photo courtesy of Ali'i Animal)

Also a part of the Ali'i Animal network is Ali’i Unleashed, a resort that offers boarding, daycare, training, and grooming. "We are excited to care for Kaneohe's companion collective," Matt Malta, owner and executive hospital and resort director, said in the release. "This new location will offer windward pet parents the convenience of same-day service and urgent care needs.

"It's been a dream to expand Ali'i Animal's services to our Windward community," said owner, Joanna Cook, DVM. "This is a milestone in our journey to elevate pet care standards across the island. We are dedicated to fostering healthier, happier lives for pets and their families."

BluePearl Hospital in Monroeville, Pennsylvania

The BluePearl Hospital in Monroeville is located at 4224 Northern Pike and is over 11,343 square feet. The new hospital is open now and offers surgery by appointment with opening hours set from 7 AM to 6 PM Monday to Thursday and 8 AM to 4 PM on Fridays. After a few months of operation, the hospital will also offer urgent care services and will expanded its hours to accommodate these appointments and walk-ins.

“The Monroeville community has a huge need for specialty and emergency veterinary care,” said Rebecca Malloy, practice manager at BluePearl Monroeville, in a release. “We are glad to be able to serve the local community and provide pet owners with the comfort that should their furry companion ever need our services, our dedicated and passionate Associates are ready and willing to help, even in the most complex cases.”

BluePearl Monroeville. (Photo courtesy of BluePearl)

The hospital’s current staff is comprised of 1 surgeon, 2 technicians, 2 veterinary assistants, and 2 client service coordinators.

 When the Monroeville hospital takes on urgent care services, the team will likely expand.

“We are delighted to open the doors at BluePearl Monroeville, the newest member of the BluePearl family,” said Da Chang, chief operating officer at BluePearl. “Our new state-of-the-art hospital will allow us to provide pet owners in Monroeville with leading specialty and emergency veterinary care when their pets need us most.”

MySimplePet Express clinics are new walk-in veterinary services at PetSmart locations. This new clinic innovation is kicking off in Denver, Colorado at the Highlands Ranch and Sheridan locations. These express clinics will be staffed with experienced veterinarians and dedicated technicians and can offer clients a range of services including vaccines, wellness consultations, nutritional advice, and more.

MySimplePet is hoping these walk-in clinics conveniently located in PetSmart buildings will help clients with an easier accessibility to veterinary care. They are open 7 days a week and there is no appointment required.

 These clinics are meant for minor to moderate veterinary cases and preventative care and all major emergencies like seizures, poison exposure, and trauma, should seek out the nearest emergency hospital.

The company is also the makers of MySimplePetLab, veterinarian approved First Aid Care Dog Kits designed to help address cuts, minor, injuries, and would give pet parents whether they are on the road or in their own homes.

Ali'i Animal Expands Veterinary Care to Kaneohe. News release. Ali'i Animal. February 27, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alii-animal-expands-veterinary-care-to-kaneohe-302072193.html

BluePearl announces new hospital in Monroeville. News release. BluePearl. February 26, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://bluepearlvet.com/press-releases-announcements/bluepearl-new-hospital-monroeville/

Walk-in pet care for common health concerns. MySimplePet. March 4, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2024. https://mysimplepetexpress.com/?_kx=9b0ICyv2CaLlM8NDAeCTynOCuu2pYwQB1KzRj7PrpoU.SrcG6f

Take a look at these 3 veterinary clinics newly opened

Clinic center: New veterinary locations and services expanding care for pets

Maryland Zoo announced that its bird curator, Jen Kottyan, was appointed to lead a national breeding and population management initiative for African penguins, 

Kottyan will serve as the program leader for the African Penguins Species Survival Plan (SSP).

According to a news release, Kottyan will oversee the African penguins breeding programs within Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos. Kottyan, who has worked with SSP for some time, relocated in June 2008 to the Maryland Zoo to specifically work with the colony of African penguins at the Zoo.

“Anyone who’s interacted with the African penguin colony at our Zoo knows how incredible these animals are,” Kottyan said, in the release.

 “Because of the decreasing populations in the wild, the work of the AZA’s African Penguin SSP Program is more critical now than ever.”

African penguins, nicknamed the jackass penguin due to its mating call sounding similar to a braying donkey,

had its population decline by 90% since the turn of the 20th century, earning them a spot as an endangered species. The penguins are native to southwest Africa and Namibia and are not found anywhere else in the world. These penguins' greatest threat is human interference such as the collection of their eggs and having to compete with fishermen to access fish.

They are also vulnerable in the wild to pollution of their habitats, particularly oil spills. On June 23, 2000, 19,000 African penguins were affected by an oil spill when MV 

sunk off the western coast of South Africa between Dassen and Robben Islands, an area that supports the largest and 3rd largest colonies of African penguins.

 As of today, the estimated number of African penguins in the wild is 52,000 and there is a chance that they will go extinct within the next 10 years.

 The Maryland Zoo’s penguin team has traveled to support a seabird facility in South Africa for years now and is a founding member of a facility similar in Namibia that is getting up and running.

“Jen’s experience with penguins and deep familiarity with their breeding and population management made her an excellent choice to run this national program with a global impact,” said Margaret Rose-Innes, General Curator at the Maryland Zoo.

Maryland Zoo has the largest colony of African penguins in North America with over 1000 chicks successfully breed. These birds are part of the Zoo’s Signature Animal Programs as well as one of the most popular attractions to visitors.

Maryland Zoo Bird Curator Appointed to Lead A National Penguin Program. News release. Maryland Zoo. March 5, 2024. 

African Penguin. The Maryland Zoo. Accessed March 6, 2024. 

https://www.marylandzoo.org/animal/african-penguin/

Crawford RJM, Davis SA, Harding RT, et al. Initial impact of theTreasureoil spill on seabirds off western South Africa. 

. 2000;22(1):157-176. doi:https://doi.org/10.2989/025776100784125645

Jen Kottyan will oversee breeding of African penguins at AZA accredited zoos. 

Maryland bird curator tapped to lead national penguin program

A hyaluronate sodium therapy (NexHA Injectable Solution; Vetoquinol) for treating equine joint dysfunction associated with osteoarthritis (OA) has returned to the veterinary market with renewed FDA approval. Last available in 2015, this generic solution is administered by intravenous injection, and can by purchased by clients with a veterinarian’s prescription.

“We are excited to let veterinarians and horse owners know that NexHA is back,” Eric M Alsup, DVM, general manager, Vetoquinol USA, said in a news release.

 “Using affordable generics allows owners to put more money toward other important veterinary services without compromising standards of care.”

A bioequivalent product to Legend hyaluronate solution (Boehringer Ingelheim), the generic therapy is indicated for the managing signs of carpus or fetlock joint debilitation in horses caused by OA-related noninfectious synovitis.

 According to the FDA, OA slowly breaks down breakdown of joint cartilage, which can result in clinical signs such as lameness, stiffness, and joint swelling. Although there is no cure for the condition, appropriate management of OA can help control these signs and improve the quality of life of affected horses.

Hyaluronate sodium relies on hyaluronic acid as the products’ active ingredient, which acts as a lubricant for articular cartilage. The solution effectively is used to reduce inflammation in the affected joint, improve synovial fluid quality, and reduce the patient’s degree of lameness.

 Adverse effects from using hyaluronate sodium therapy that have been voluntarily reported include occasional depression, lethargy, and fever. The therapy has not been evaluated for use breeding horses, as well as pregnant or lactating mares according to the release.

Vetoquinol acquired the generic solution in 2014 with the acquisition of Bioniche Animal Health. Following nearly a decade of absence on the market, the product was relaunched after improvements to the supply chain were made, according to a company spokesperson. Veterinarians can now order the solution from a Vetoquinol territory manager or a preferred distributor representative.

NexHA (hyaluronate sodium) Injectable Solution returns to market. News release. Vetoquinol. March 4, 2024. 

https://www.vetoquinolusa.com/news/nexhatm-hyaluronate-sodium-injectable-solution-returns-market

First injectable pentosan for equine osteoarthritis is approved by the FDA. 

. December 20, 2022. Accessed March 6, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/first-injectable-pentosan-for-equine-osteoarthritis-is-approved-by-fda

Legend (hyaluronate sodium). Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. Accessed March 5, 2024. 

https://bi-animalhealth.com/equine/joint-health/legend

Espy B. Lameness and joint medications: general information. American Association of Equine Practitioners. 2026. Accessed March 6, 2024. 

https://aaep.org/issue/lameness-joint-medications

The injectable treatment from Vetoquinol was last available for use in 2015. 

Generic therapy for equine joint disease returns to the market

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) announced that its Chronic Pain Education Toolkit is now available to veterinary professionals. The online resources will give veterinary professionals insights and tools that they need to effectively address chronic pain in feline patients.

“As our knowledge and understanding of pain in the domestic cat continues to expand, the AAFP Chronic Pain Educational Toolkit will now add to existing resources and provide guidance on improving the quality of life for cats with chronic pain,” said Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Chronic Pain Toolkit chair, in an organizational release.

 “Developed by individuals at the forefront of treating pain in domestic cats, the AAFP Chronic Pain Educational Toolkit provides veterinary professionals with an easy-to-access and easy to-use resource for understanding, diagnosing, and managing chronic pain in cats.”

 the toolkit will offer an in-depth understanding of chronic pain by learning more about pathology, types, and prevalence of chronic pain in feline patients and enhanced assessment tools to explore various assessment methods, such as those including both in the veterinary team and client to help get a better idea of the patient’s condition.

The toolkit will also offer science-based treatment strategies to help veterinary teams learn about effective therapy goals with practical application, incorporating pharmaceuticals, environmental modifications, and nutrition.

 Patient and care giver support will also be attainable in the guide through valuable insights such as the management process to foster a collaborative and successful approach.

The 40-page PDF was created by a task force made up of veterinary professionals with an educational grant awarded by Zoetis. This toolkit is intended for veterinary professionals as an implementation tool to access and gather information quickly, not as a complete review of the scientific data for treatment.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners announces new Chronic Pain Educational Toolkit. News release. March 5, 2024. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://catvets.com/public/PDFs/PressReleases-Media/2024/chronic-pain-2024-FINAL.pdf

American Association of Feline Practitioners Chronic Pain Educational Toolkit Chronic Pain Educational Toolkit. American Association of Feline Practitioners. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://catvets.com/public/PDFs/Toolkit/Chronic/AAFP_Chronic_Pain_Toolkit_Full.pdf

The American Association of Feline Practitioners released these resources to help veterinary teams manage chronic feline pain 

New feline chronic pain toolkit now available 

The veterinary field is currently dealing with significant employee shortages, with a scarcity of professionals in every area of a veterinary practice including veterinarians, technicians, and support staff. This shortage poses challenges for providing care to animals and negatively impacts employees’ job satisfaction. Consequently, increased staff recruitment and retention are important efforts for improving the shortage. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) released the data gathered from a survey on employee retention.

 The survey collected responses from more than 14,000 individuals working in various roles within small animal practice.

30% of veterinary practice team members are planning on leaving their current role.

of that 30%, half plan to leave clinical practice entirely, and once they do, 90% won’t return.

The economic costs of attrition range from $1-5 billion; the emotional toll is even greater.

New veterinary student graduates are not enough to fix the shortage alone.

Reasons for Leaving. (Graphic courtesy of AAHA)

The AAHA recommends that practice leaders need to listen to want their employees require to stay. Take a deep dive into understanding what’s driving people to leave and make changes that will encourage valuable employees to stay with the practice.

The AAHA stresses that retention is more important than re-hiring lost employees because it can cost significantly more to re-hire than to retain current employees and give them fair compensation. The financial burden, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, finds that staff replacement can cost as high as 50%–60% of an employee's annual salary.

Garth Jordan, CEO of AAHA told AVMA News that the average turnover rate among veterinary team members is 23% every year and it is only increasing. “The results of the research outline clear solutions—for the whole team, as well as by role—to help individual practices and our industry at large work toward significant improvements in employee retention,” Jordan told AVMA News.

Reasons for staying. (Graphic courtesy of AAHA)

The AAHA also found that most of their respondents valued teamwork, meaningful work, flexibility, appreciation for their work, and fair compensation in their job, among other factors. The authors of the AAHA white paper on this survey weighed in by stating, “Different roles can have wildly different objectives and perspectives. For instance, veterinarians likely entered the field for much different reasons than customer service representatives. The motivations influencing one team member’s decision to stay likely are different from those of the person next to them, especially when considering the perspectives of owners versus employees.”

Michele Drake, DVM, CVA, owner of The Drake Center for Veterinary Care in Encinitas, California stated in an article on practice culture, “Achievements, big and small, deserve recognition. Whether your team has navigated a particularly grueling day or gone above and beyond for a patient, it’s crucial to celebrate the win.”

AAHA’s full findings on retention can be found in the 

Stay, Please: Factors That Support Retention and Drive Attrition in the Veterinary Profession

Stay, Please: Factors That Support Retention and Drive Attrition in the Veterinary Profession. American Animal Hospital Association. February 16, 2024. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://www.aaha.org/practice-resources/research-center/white-paper-form-the-path-to-increasing-retention-in-veterinary-medicine/

Allen DG. Retaining Talent – A guide to analyzing and managing employee turnover. Society of Human Resources Management. January 2008. Accessed March 5, 2024. http://researchgate.net/publication/266223246_Retaining_Talent_-_A_guide_to_analyzing_and_managing_employee_turnover

Lederhouse C. Study: Fair pay, appreciation for work top factors in employee retention. News release. March 4, 2024. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/study-fair-pay-appreciation-work-top-factors-employee-retention?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news

Drake M. Culture 101: Creating a healthy practice environment. 

. January 8, 2024. Accessed March 5, 2024. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/culture-101-creating-a-healthy-practice-environment

A new AAHA study helps veterinary practices keep valuable staff