April 29th is World Veterinary Day 2023!
World Veterinary Day celebration began in the year 2000 by the World Veterinary Association. It is celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April. The theme of 2023 is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the veterinary profession.
What is World Veterinary Day?
According to the World Veterinary Association, “World Veterinary Day celebrates efforts from veterinarians, veterinary associations, and others to advocate for fairness and equity. Removing barriers and improving inclusiveness through diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and practices, in a diverse world needs a special focus. The well-being of all veterinarians is enhanced when diversity, equity, and inclusion are promoted and applied.”
Happy World Veterinary Day!
Over the past month, in honor of this special day, we invited veterinary professionals to share a few sentences about someone in the industry who has made a meaningful impact on their personal or professional life. Enjoy some of our favorite stories!
“Rachael is the definition of the first person you want to see in the morning. She maintains a calm energy through every situation thrown at her. I feel lucky to have such a selfless, beautiful human being to work with every day.”
“Adam has an excellent skill set and is a committed technician who constantly advocates for his patients, supports our clients, and continues to teach all around him. He is well respected and a fantastic leader within the clinic. Would be lost without him!!”
“Dr. Venn. Not only is she an amazing doctor, but she is great to our staff and clients. She educates us employees and our clients as well. She will double, sometimes triple book to try and accommodate our clients. She also works longer hours so our staff has available hours. She is a perfect example of a true team player and has tried to accommodate our staff and clients' needs. Amazing mentor as well.”
“We work in a stressful ER clinic, and Jessica makes it a comfortable place for all of us. She is willing to explain the hows and whys of findings for sick animals. She makes the environment fun, which helps with the stress.”
“Kathryn has been in the vet field for 35 years, maybe a little more. Her passion/wisdom/knowledge inspires me every day. Her work ethic is like no other. To me, she is a true superhero in this field. She puts the animals first no matter the situation and has helped many owners feel comfortable when their pets are not feeling the best.”
“Kendra is such a great advocate for our patients while simultaneously being supportive, empathetic, uplifting and a wonderful human being. She's a true example of what is good and special in the veterinary community. Her amazing spirit and kind heart are the reasons young people want to get into this field. I could go on and on about her and why she's so deserving of being recognized but what reminds me everyday is how she shows up. Not just physically but with her whole heart regardless of what can of worms life tosses her way.”
“Every single day Ashley goes above and beyond for her patients and coworkers. She works a minimum of 12 hours a day and 5-7 days a week at 2 busy ER clinics in the area. She's hard to sum up in just a few sentences, but make no mistake, she is the most exceptional woman I know.”
“Melissa is an exceptional LVT, practice manager, coworker, friend, and mother. She runs a practice, a family, and manages to still be the most compassionate and caring person. She gives every patient her best and every client her undivided attention. She is a phenomenal mentor to tech students, assistants, and doctors as well. With 10+ years of veterinary experience, she is the technician baby techs dream of.”
“What Dr. Halleran’s job description does not mention is her passion, dedication and love for encouraging students. She is a critical pillar of our program. Dr. Halleran recognized in me something I couldn't see clearly in myself. She encouraged me to attend food animal rounds, which she held weekly down in the large animal hospital covering topics from caprine urolithiasis to calf diarrhea. This is the true mark of a mentor – seeing your student’s potential in a way that outstrips your own self-image. Because of Dr. Halleran, I have grown into a caring veterinarian with a passion for serving others, just like she helped me.”
“Shelly is the most wonderful veterinarian and practice owner. Her passion and compassion are second to none. She created a business model that our profession desperately needs. She found a balance of high quality and compassionate care, while providing the team a work/home life balance. She truly cares and takes care of us. She heavily invests in us knowing that it comes full circle to the patients. The clients and patients love her because she is such an amazing and intelligent veterinarian. She created a mobile practice to bring comfort and low stress to patients and their owners. She is such a positive mentor and leader to all. I have been in this field for 17 years and feel so lucky to have found a practice with such values.”
How To Celebrate World Veterinary Day 2023
We’re also sharing some ideas to celebrate or recognize all veterinary professionals this World Veterinary Day!
- Let your veterinarian and vet staff know how much you appreciate them each time you visit. A simple “thank you” goes a long way!
- Give your veterinarian or clinic a shout-out on social media. Whether you just thank them or you want to share an exceptional experience, this will go a long way in showing your support.
- Write a hand-made thank you card. Bonus if you include a picture of the pet they’ve helped!
- Send a gift basket or gift card.
- Donate to charities or foundations that relate to veterinary medicine.