This year’s National Veterinary Technician Week started Sunday, October 12, and runs through Saturday, October 18. The 2025 theme selected by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)—Paths to Success: Shining a Light on Credentialed Veterinary Technician Stars—recognizes the unique journeys these celebrated professionals took to earn skilled certifications, as well as the mentors, educators, and veterinary medicine colleagues who assisted them.

Beckie Mossor, RVT, president of NAVTA, said the theme provides an opportunity to celebrate the diverse paths available in the profession and those who helped create them. Credentialed veterinary technicians serve in general practice, emergency and specialty care, classrooms, laboratories, research, industry, and public health.

NAVTA noted that the dedication of these professionals strengthens veterinary medicine and guides animals, clients, and colleagues. “Every [credentialed veterinary technician] is a shining star, each unique in all their qualities and individually contributing to this constellation of essential veterinary team members,” Mossor said in a news release.

Other industry organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), are joining NAVTA in recognizing veterinary technicians. In a public statement, the AVMA said, “Veterinary technicians are the backbone of modern animal health care, working tirelessly across exam rooms, laboratories, operating rooms, and beyond to ensure the health and welfare of the animals we love.” AVMA also noted that technicians bring expertise to veterinary medicine, which allows veterinarians to focus more on diagnosing and treating patients, ensuring practices operate efficiently, and providing comfort to anxious patients.

"Veterinary technicians, veterinary technologists, and veterinary technician specialists are veterinary health care teammates, and they greatly enhance the success of any practice," Michael Q. Bailey, DVM, DACVR, president of AVMA, said in a news release.

 "That is why recent updates to the AVMA's Model Veterinary Practice Act included language intended to elevate veterinary technicians' roles and streamline licensing. We encourage veterinarians to maximize the integration of veterinary technicians' skills, offer them continuing education opportunities, and more fully recognize their professional value as the teammates they are."

In the spirit of the week, NAVTA has launched a storytelling campaign highlighting the career paths of veterinary technicians. These inspiring and insightful stories are shared on the organization’s website and social media channels. Veterinary technicians are invited to share their own journeys and are encouraged to use the social media hashtag #VetTechStars to reach the community. NAVTA is also hosting contests, giveaways, and interactive campaigns throughout the week to further engage with its members and generate recognition for these professionals.

In the coming years, National Veterinary Technician Week is scheduled for October 18-24, 2026, and October 17-23, 2027. Additionally, the International Veterinary Nurses and Technicians Association annually recognizes the second Friday in October as International Veterinary Nurse and Technician Day.

In recognition of National Veterinary Technician Week, which 

 is celebrating for the entire month of October, we are bringing veterinary technician stories to life at dvm360.com. Follow our dedicated 

 page for the latest content highlighting these veterinary professionals.

Celebrating National Veterinary Technician Week 2025. News release. National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. September 4, 2025. Accessed October 13, 2025. 

https://navta.net/national-veterinary-technician-week/

AVMA celebrates National Veterinary Technician Week (Oct 12-18). News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. October 9, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/avma-celebrates-national-veterinary-technician-week-oct-12-18

Articles

The 2025 National Veterinary Technician Week runs through Saturday, October 18. 

Recognizing veterinary technicians and their "paths to success"

VetEvolve, a network of veterinary practices has appointed a new chief development officer with more than 2 decades of experience. The announcement comes shortly after the company announced a new CEO. Meanwhile, at the American Kennel Club, a former teacher is leading public education projects at the American Kennel Club as the nonprofit’s vice president of education.

Continue reading to learn more about each of these individuals.

Catherine Howell, MHA, CEO, VetEvolve. (Image courtesy of VetEvolve)

Last month, VetEvolve named Catherine Howell, MHA its new CEO. Prior to her appointment, Howell was VetEvolve’s chief operating officer (COO) and interim CEO. She has close to 2 decades of experience across healthcare leadership roles such as COO at Mass Advantage and vice president of operations at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Howell received recognition in 2019 from 

as one of the Top 10 Up-and-Coming Industry Leaders in Healthcare.

“I am honored to lead VetEvolve at such a pivotal momen. I have witnessed firsthand the VetEvolve team's commitment to support our people, equip our practices to deliver the highest level of care for the pets and communities we serve, and grow in a way that is sustainable and meaningful for our teams and our business,” Howell said in a company release.

 “I believe our best days are ahead, and together, we have an incredible opportunity to shape the next chapter of VetEvolve and continue on our mission: taking care of the lives of people and pets.”

Clayton Stanley, chief development officer, VetEvolve

More recently, VetEvolve appointed Clayton Stanley as its chief development officer. In his new role, Stanley will be responsible for the company’s business development and mergers and acquisitions functions (M&A). He has more than 20 years of experience in M&A. In his most recent position, Stanley was chief development officer for a veterinary consolidator.

“Clayton brings the experience and relationships to help us accelerate growth while staying true to our values,” Howell said in a company announcement.

“His leadership will ensure that the right partners join and feel as supported as our very first.”

Ashley Jacot, MBA, MEd, vice president of education, American Kennel Club

Ashley Jacot, MBA, MEd, vice president of education, American Kennel Club. (Image courtesy of American Kennel Club)

After joining the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2017 as a public education manager, Ashley Jacot, MBA, Med was promoted to the organization’s director of education a year later. Now, Jacot serves as its vice president of education, where she leads public education projects that raise awareness on responsible dog ownership, breeders, trainers, judges, and the general dog-owning public. She also manages the AKC Library and Archives. Prior to joining the AKC, Jacot was a middle-school educator.

"Ashley's dedication to education and her ability to connect with diverse audiences make her an invaluable leader," Gina DiNardo, president and CEO of AKC, said in a news release.

 "Under her leadership, our educational programs have grown in reach and impact, and I have no doubt she will continue to elevate AKC's mission of promoting responsible dog ownership and lifelong learning."

VetEvolve appoints Catherine Howell as CEO, strengthening commitment to people-first growth and partner practice success. News release. VetEvolve. September 3, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vetevolve-appoints-catherine-howell-as-ceo-strengthening-commitment-to-people-first-growth-and-partner-practice-success-302544607.html

VetEvolve appoints Clayton Stanley as chief development officer amid growth to 50 partner hospitals. News release. October 2, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025.

The American Kennel Club promotes Ashley Jacot to vice president of education. News release. American Kennel Club. August 18, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-american-kennel-club-promotes-ashley-jacot-to-vice-president-of-education-302530627.html

New leadership moves, recognition, and achievement.

Paws and profits: New chief development officer at VetEvolve, and more

Natural disasters make the news every day. Although preparing for every scenario may not be realistic, veterinary practice owners can design their buildings to be more resilient and better equipped to handle an emergency.

Incorporating disaster readiness in hospital design can also be simple and cost-effective. Here are some of the ways to prepare a facility for emergency situations.

Review FEMA maps before selecting a location

The first step we take when reviewing potential locations for veterinary clients is to review the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zone maps. These are available online at FEMA.gov. It is possible to search by parcel or location in any place in the United States and determine its flood hazard zone. This is important because flood hazard maps are subject to change over time due to variations in local conditions and evolving climate data. Check on FEMA.gov even for existing buildings. Just because something is constructed does not mean it is not in a hazard zone.

When interpreting FEMA maps, avoid properties located in a regulatory floodway, as they are prone to regular flooding. Additionally, avoid areas in 100-year flood plains, as they have a probability of flooding once every 100 years and require special flood hazard insurance. Building on them can be expensive or impossible, depending on local regulations.

Review existing buildings for code compliance

If you are selecting an existing building for remodel, have an architect and their recommended engineers review the building and site for local and state code compliance before purchasing it. For example, in Florida, older buildings may not be built to current hurricane or stormwater management standards. Existing buildings in California may not meet current seismic standards. Many states have updated their codes, partly due to improved information about the performance of buildings and building materials. Purchasing an out-of-code building can be expensive at best, and it is likely to suffer significant damage during disaster events. Choosing an existing building is an excellent strategy for hospitals to save money, but ensure that your local professionals are helping you select the best one.

Although fire sprinklers are not required for the smallest buildings, they are always a good idea. Structure fire data have shown sprinklers to reduce the impact of a fire and significantly lower the risk of death and injury to individuals, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

It is very important to have a sprinkler system if you offer boarding and/or house animals overnight. The animals are completely vulnerable and must be evacuated by fire rescue personnel, who will prioritize the human beings in the structure first. Equine facilities are particularly vulnerable to tragic fires, as they often feature wood-framed construction and may contain special hazards such as feed/hay and fuel for vehicles.

If it is not practical to add a sprinkler to your building, take the following measures:

If possible, design new buildings to be constructed from noncombustible materials.

In wildfire-prone areas, follow your local wildland fire guides and/or reference the free resources on the NFPA website at nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire. These will help guide exterior landscape design for fire breaks and other strategies. Avoid purchasing parcels on the wildlife urban interface.

Ensure your oxygen is contained in a fire-rated room or closet. Even if you have a sprinkler system, this may still be required by code. For greater safety, you may be able to run a single sprinkler head to the medical gas closet off the domestic water line.

Select a dryer with overheat protection, which will shut the dryer off if it gets too hot. This is simple and very important. Many fires start in animal care facilities due to a dryer fire. Also, maintain the dryer vent regularly.

Do not store flammable materials in the building under any circumstances. They can be stored in fireproof containers on the building’s property and/or off-site.

Ensure your site has up-to-code access for fire response vehicles. Your local fire marshal and your architect or site engineer can help you review site plans for compliance with emergency vehicle standards.

Natural disasters make the news every day. Although preparing for every scenario might not be realistic, veterinary practice owners can design their buildings to be more resilient and better equipped to handle an emergency.

The first step we take when reviewing potential locations for veterinary clients is to review the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zone maps. These are available online at FEMA.gov. It is possible to search by parcel or location in any place in the United States and determine its flood hazard zone. This is important because flood hazard maps change over time due to local conditions and climate data. Check on FEMA.gov even for existing buildings. Just because something is constructed does not mean it is not in a hazard zone.

When interpreting FEMA maps, avoid properties in a regulatory floodway. They will flood regularly. Also, avoid areas in 100-year flood plains. They have a probability of flooding once in 100 years and require special flood hazard insurance. Building on them can be expensive or impossible, depending on local regulations.

If you are selecting an existing building for remodel, have an architect and their recommended engineers review the building and site for local and state code compliance before purchasing it. For example, in Florida, older buildings may not be built to current hurricane or stormwater management standards. Existing buildings in California may not meet current seismic standards. Many states have updated their codes, partially because of improved information about the performance of buildings and building materials. 

Purchasing an out-of-code building may be expensive at best, and it may likely suffer significant damage during disaster events. Choosing an existing building is an excellent strategy for hospitals to save money, but ensure that your local professionals are helping you select the best one.

Using noncombustible materials such as metal stud framing can help reduce the impact of a fire. 

Although fire sprinklers are not required for the smallest buildings, they are always a good idea. Structure fire data have shown sprinklers to reduce the impact of a fire and significantly lower the risk of death and injury to individuals, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).1

It is very important to have a sprinkler system if you offer boarding and/or house animals overnight. The animals are completely vulnerable and must be evacuated by fire rescue personnel, who will prioritize the human beings in the structure first. Equine facilities are particularly vulnerable to tragic fires, as they tend to be wood-framed and sometimes contain special hazards such as feed/hay and fuel for vehicles.

If it is not practical to add a sprinkler to your building, take these measures:

If possible, design new buildings to be constructed from non-combustible materials.

Ensure your oxygen is contained in a fire-rated room or closet. Even if you have a sprinkler, this may be required by code. For greater safety, you may be able to run a single sprinkler head to the medical gas closet off the domestic water line.

Select a dryer with overheat protection, which will shut the dryer off if it gets too hot. This is simple and so important. Many fires start in animal care facilities due to a dryer fire. Also, maintain the dryer vent regularly.

Do not store flammable materials in the building under any circumstance. They can be stored in fireproof containers on the building’s property and/or off-site.

In areas prone to power loss, install a generator

For most hospitals, a generator does not have to cover the entire hospital, but it should cover systems such as:

Pumps for sewer or fire sprinkler (if applicable)

For hot climates, HVAC in animal ward zones and other critical operational areas

Of special note, MRI machines must be on a generator, as they risk damage or worse if they experience power failures.

For most hospitals (except those with critical life-safety systems that require power and those with MRI machines), a 

is acceptable. This is a type of generator that can be switched on manually. Hospitals with MRI machines and critical infrastructure on power will need an 

, which ensures no discontinuity of power, but also costs a lot more. Electrical engineers are the best source of information about types of generators and their pros and cons.

This room is designed to keep your employees safe in emergencies, which may vary based on location. The room could have hardened walls, lockable doors, communication devices, and emergency power. The safe room may be used during events as varied as active shooter threats and natural disasters. If you are in hurricane- or tornado-prone areas, consult with your architect to understand what level of safety you might require. The website FEMA.gov has good resources for criteria and design. For example, extreme threats may warrant evacuation off premises rather than sheltering in place.

As part of your emergency operation plan, create a storage area for the most useful supplies. Do not overstore (as this can create clutter and cost money to build storage space), but keep a few emergency items on hand. Supplies to store might include the following:

A couple of cots and sleeping bags for employees who might have to stay overnight in bad weather (such as in blizzard conditions)

Jugs of clean, drinking water for people and animals

A couple of plug-in heaters or fans (for instance, when the hospital is operating on partial power). Heaters should be the type that turn off if overheating or tipped over.

A small amount of pet food and human food. This should be replaced periodically if not used (once every few months).

Go kits for evacuation, which will include emergency food and water, first aid supplies, and other animal and pet supplies. Your go kit should be contained in a large, lidded bucket.

It is smart to be prepared for disasters, as no one has the mental capacity, resources, or time to plan on the spot when emergencies occur. If your hospital remains safe and you have a plan in place, you will be less likely to require assistance from first responders, and you will be more likely to be able to provide support to your community.

In addition to the above ideas, consult with your local fire department and/or city hall to see if they have additional information about emergency preparation for businesses in your local area.

McGree T. US experience with sprinklers. National Fire Protection Association. April 1, 2024. Accessed September 4, 2025. 

https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/research/nfpa-research/fire-statistical-reports/us-experience-with-sprinklers

Simple and cost-effective elements in the design of an animal hospital can create more resilient spaces.

Incorporating disaster readiness in a veterinary facility

Lindsay Hallman, CVT, CCMT, VTS (Oncology) tells dvm360 how she found her passion in oncology and the process to becoming a certified veterinary technician specialist.

A need for assistance led technician to oncology specialty role

Lindsay Hallman, CVT, CCMT, VTS (Oncology), a veterinary technician at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey, discussed oncology practice in an interview with 

. In this video, Hallman shares how she was introduced to veterinary oncology, why she chose it as her specialty and how it helped grow her career. In boosting her skill set in oncology, Hallman earned a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential.

In recognition of Veterinary Technician Week, which 

 is celebrating the entire month of October, we are bringing veterinary technician stories to life at dvm360.com. Follow our dedicated 

 page for the latest content highlighting these veterinary professionals.

The following is a transcript of the video

Lindsay Hallman, CVT, CCMT, VTS (Oncology)

: I had been doing overnight ICU medicine for 12 years, and a very good friend of mine was doing her residency in oncology, and had finished, and kind of gave me a call and said, ‘Hey, I need a nurse. I'm out of my residency. I'm starting at a hospital. Do you want to come to oncology with me?’ And I said, ‘I know literally nothing about cancer. I don't know how helpful I would be.’ And she said, ‘I'm going to teach you everything you need to know.’

I very quickly learned that that was where I was supposed to be in this world. The bonds with the clients were absolutely amazing. I just loved everything about it. And I was like, ‘OK, this is where I was supposed to be.’

I just really always loved teaching, and I knew that that was something that I always wanted to do going forward. So VTS was the next kind of stepping stone to that. So I knew if I obtained my VTS, that I would be able to lecture, maybe get some teaching at some schools, things like that, which I have started doing.

But the entire process, while it is a bit nerve wracking, is actually a really gratifying process and a really fun one. If you really lean into it, it's actually a really fun process I recommend. I recommend it for everyone, whatever your specialty is, I highly recommend going and getting a VTS.

Videos

Lindsay Hallman, CVT, CCMT, VTS (Oncology), discusses how she found her place in veterinary medicine and what it took to earn the VTS credential, in a dvm360 interview.

Filling a needed role leads technician to specialist certification

 readers! We had news from all over the world hit our website this week, from Scotland to Kansas City, Missouri, and everywhere in between. This week's top stories on dvm360.com capture the breadth and urgency of these developments, offering the insights every veterinary professional needs.

From updates on H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in poultry and new diagnostic tools for conditions like canine osteoarthritis and heartworm, the industry is navigating both challenges and rapid advancements.

Here is what you can find this week on dvm360.com:

A Scotland-based veterinary diagnostic company MI:RNA 

 it has received funding from Scotland’s national and international economic development agency to support the development of a tool that can help detect osteoarthritis in canines earlier.

Best Buy Bones recalled 4 lots of its Nature’s Own Pet Chews Bully Bites 1-lb bags of treats because of potential 

 contamination on October 3, 2025, after samples collected a month prior were tested and came back positive for 

, and sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, joins host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to talk more about atopic dermatitis in canine patients, during this live recording at the 2025 Fetch dvm360 Conference in Kansas City.

The Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) is working with the American Veterinary Medical Association to 

 the ECFVG certification program by introducing updates designed to improve candidate’s experiences as well as maintain the credibility and rigor of the credential.

 hosted by Christopher Lee, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, is now available. On this episode, Lee welcomes Pedro Diniz, DVM, PhD, to the show to talk about what the future of veterinary education could look like now that artificial intelligence is rising in popularity among students and educators.

State officials in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin 

 new outbreaks of H5N1 in each state. Although not the first time H5N1 has been detected in these midwestern states, with Iowa’s latest finding being the 8th outbreak in domestic birds this year and Minnesota reported 8 poultry outbreaks since mid-September.

Bautista-Alejandre A. Researchers to develop blood-based panel to detect canine osteoarthritis earlier. dvm360. October 9, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/researchers-to-develop-blood-based-panel-to-detect-canine-osteoarthritis-earlier

McCafferty C. Best Buy Bones recalls product due to health risks. dvm360. October 7, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/best-buy-bones-inc-recalls-product-due-to-health-risks

McCafferty C. Managing atopic dermatitis in canine patients. dvm360.  October 7, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/managing-atopic-dermatitis-in-canine-patients

McCafferty C. ECFVG launches new platform. dvm360.  October 8, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/ecfvg-launches-new-platform

Diniz P, Lee C, McCafferty C. Brains and bots: how AI is shaping medical education. dvm360. October 6, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/brains-and-bots-how-ai-is-shaping-medical-education

Bautista-Alejandre A. New bird flu outbreak reported in poultry across 3 Midwestern states. dvm360. October 6, 2025. Accessed OCtober 10, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/new-bird-flu-outbreaks-reported-in-poultry-across-3-midwestern-states

Wrap up: Earlier canine arthritis detection via blood panel, and other news 

The Harvey S. Peeler Jr College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University has received a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. The action marks a step forward in the accreditation process, allowing the university to open its application window for prospective veterinary students.

The deadline to apply for admission with the inaugural class is November 17, 2025.

 The university is aiming to open the veterinary college to students in fall 2026 and will be the first in South Carolina to provide the opportunity for individuals to earn a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.

, Steven Marks, BVSc, MS, MRCVS, DACVIM, founding dean of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr College of Veterinary Medicine, noted the importance of producing veterinarians for a state in which many animal owners experience a lack of access to veterinary care.

 “It's also a priority to produce some agricultural veterinarians, and what I mean by that is large animal veterinarians, so [those caring for] equine, bovine, [and] poultry. And we hope to…attract students from underserved areas of the state to return to underserved areas of the state,” Marks said.

An artist's rendering of the CVM Hub at Clemson University's Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine in South Carolina.

In June 2023, Clemson University received approval from its board of trustees to develop the veterinary college, and in November 2024, the university broke ground on its new campus.

 Four months later, the university celebrated progress being made with building the animal health campus facilities by holding a traditional 

Named for South Carolina General Assembly Senator Harvey S. Peeler Jr, who is also a Clemson University graduate, the veterinary college has planned 7 structures for its campus in Pendleton, South Carolina—a short drive from the university’s main campus. The complex includes the centerpiece CVM Hub, which houses classrooms, a library, food service, and social spaces for students. Other structures include a research building with laboratories, a clinical teaching building with laboratory and simulator spaces and a community clinic, an ambulatory service building for the mobile hospital service, separate teaching facilities for equine and farm animal educations, and a utility building.

“It has been an incredible journey building a college from the ground up,” Marks said in the Clemson report.

 “This team has pulled together and worked tirelessly to make it to this [new] milestone. Of course, I’m grateful to the lawmakers and industry professionals who have supported us along the way. What an amazing experience, and we are just getting started.”

Jim Clements, president of Clemson University, said he is grateful for the support the veterinary college has received from elected officials, community partners, faculty staff, and the greater Clemson community. “Together, we are moving Clemson fiercely forward, and we are making a difference in the lives of people and animals across the great state of South Carolina and beyond,” Clements said in the news report.

Rowan University opens Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine

Harris S. Clemson’s Harvey S. Peeler Jr College of Veterinary Medicine opens application window for inaugural class. Clemson News. October 9, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. 

https://news.clemson.edu/clemsons-college-of-veterinary-medicine-opens-application-window-for-inaugural-class/

Marks SL, Crossley KC. Advancing the veterinary profession and agricultural care. 

 April 17, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/advancing-the-veterinary-profession-and-agricultural-care

Crossley KC. Clemson University breaks ground on South Carolina’s first veterinary school. 

. November 23, 2024. Accessed October 10, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/clemson-university-breaks-ground-on-south-carolina-s-first-veterinary-school

Crossley KC. Clemson University’s future veterinary school is making progress. 

. April 10, 2025. Accessed October 10, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/clemson-university-s-future-veterinary-school-is-making-progress

The Harvey S. Peeler Jr College of Veterinary Medicine has received a Letter of Reasonable Assurance from the American Veterinary Medical Association.