Every October, the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA) proudly celebrates RVT Month, a province-wide initiative to honour the essential work of Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs) in Alberta. 

RVTs are integral to the health and well-being of both animals and people. They are highly trained veterinary professionals working in a wide range of settings, including companion, exotic, and small animal clinics, large animal practices, shelters, emergency response teams, research labs, and agricultural facilities, among others. 

Their knowledge and skills directly support public health and disease prevention through tasks such as client education, nutrition advice, parasite testing, and contributing to infection control protocols. In food safety, RVTs play a critical role in herd health management, supporting biosecurity practices, monitoring animal welfare on farms, and helping ensure that livestock are healthy before entering the food supply chain. 

RVTs also promote animal welfare through low stress handling, pain management, and shelter medicine. In the context of One Health, they help bridge veterinary care and public health by preventing disease transmission between animals and humans, particularly in rural, remote, and underserved communities. 

RVT Month is an opportunity not only to recognize these contributions but to educate others about the scope and impact of the RVT profession. Whether in a clinic, on a farm, or in a lab, RVTs are essential to the health systems that support our communities. 

Why We Celebrate RVT Month 

Since 1993, the third week of October has been recognized across North America as National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW), an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of veterinary professionals. As the profession advanced in Canada, and the Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) credential became standardized and protected across provinces, the need for greater and more sustained recognition became clear. 

In Alberta, the ABVTA and its members led the call for expanded awareness and appreciation. RVT Month was established to provide broader recognition and dedicate the entire month of October to acknowledging the diverse and essential work of RVTs. This month-long celebration recognizes the skill, expertise, and leadership that RVTs bring to all areas of animal health. 

RVTs contribute to veterinary medicine through specialized knowledge in areas such as anesthesia, dentistry, radiology, laboratory science, animal nutrition, shelter and emergency medicine, large and small animal care, and exotic species. They are deeply involved in patient care, and client education, helping veterinary teams provide the highest standard of care. 

RVT Month is a time to reflect on the value of this regulated profession, raise awareness across communities, and inspire continued recognition for the contributions RVTs make in every sector of animal health. 

Addressing Workforce Shortages and Retention 

The veterinary profession continues to face a significant shortage of Registered Veterinary Technologists across Canada. A 2021 workforce study conducted by the ABVTA, ABVMA and Government of Alberta, highlighted that retention remains a significant concern.  

Burnout, limited career advancement, and a lack of professional recognition are consistent contributors to the issue. While educational pathways and student outreach are key components of workforce development, long-term sustainability depends on building veterinary workplaces where RVTs feel valued, supported, and heard. 

To better understand these dynamics, the ABVTA conducted its 2024 Wage and Benefit Survey, capturing feedback directly from RVTs working across Alberta. The results offer real-world insight into the factors that influence job satisfaction and retention. This data supports earlier findings and points to practical steps employers can take to improve workplace culture, compensation, and communication. When RVTs are respected and well-supported, veterinary teams become more effective, patient care improves, and turnover decreases. 

Public recognition plays a vital role in boosting morale, enhancing professional identity, and helping communities understand the value RVTs bring to animal health, public safety, and veterinary care. By celebrating RVTs throughout October, we shine a light on their impact while fostering long-term support for a strong, resilient profession. 

Read the 2024 Wage and Benefit Survey Industry Summary here. 

Help Us Proclaim October as RVT Month 

October is Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) Month in Alberta. It is a time to celebrate the essential contributions RVTs make to animal health, public safety, and veterinary care across the province. 

One meaningful way to support this initiative is by requesting a municipal proclamation. A proclamation is an official declaration issued by a city or town to recognize a cause or initiative. When your municipality proclaims RVT Month, it helps raise public awareness and shows support for RVTs working in the community. 

To help you take part, we have created an easy-to-use toolkit that includes a downloadable proclamation template, a customizable email message, and an FAQ with helpful guidance on contacting your local government. 

Visit https://www.abvta.com/events-calendar/rvt-month-2025/ to access the full toolkit. 

RVT Month will also be recognized through landmark light-ups across Alberta. Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and several other communities will illuminate local landmarks in ABVTA blue and green to honour the profession and recognize the RVTs who serve their communities every day. We encourage members to visit these landmarks and take photos. If you share them on social media, be sure to follow and tag @abvta.official on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn so we can see and celebrate with you. 

You can also show your RVT pride by visiting the ABVTA RVT Month Store. Open throughout October, the store features RVT-themed apparel, accessories, home goods, and more. It is a great way to celebrate the profession and share your support with others. Stay tuned for more information including launch date and product details. 

Celebrate With Us 

Whether you are an RVT, practice manager, educator, or supporter of the profession, RVT Month is for everyone. Throughout October, the ABVTA will offer professional development opportunities, share tools to support recognition, and host fun contests and prize draws to celebrate the profession. 

If you are an ABVTA member and have not joined yet, we invite you to connect in the ABVTA Members Facebook Group. Throughout October, the group will focus on all things RVT Month, including updates, contest announcements, celebration ideas, and community conversations. It is a great way to stay involved and share the excitement with fellow RVTs. 

You can also get involved by inviting your municipality to issue a proclamation, visiting a local landmark, wearing your RVT Month apparel proudly, and encouraging others to learn more about the important role of RVTs. Every action helps raise awareness and appreciation for the profession. 

For more information on RVT Month 2025 including landmark light up locations, the RVT Month store, and upcoming events, visit our website at https://www.abvta.com/events-calendar/rvt-month-2025/. 

 

 

This article was written by Madison Furness, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association.