The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) is partnering with Merial Ltd. on a client education campaign and with Pets Best Insurance Services on a nationwide contest. The Merial partnership involves a continuing education course designed to teach veterinary technicians to have effective conversations with pet owners about the importance of year-round heartworm disease prevention. “Empowering veterinary technicians with the tools and knowledge needed to offer sound advice is paramount to Merial’s commitment to pet health,” said Sarah Cloud, a marketing director with the Duluth, Ga., drug maker, which produces the heartworm preventive Heartgard Plus. “With NAVTA’s approval, Merial is now able to offer this course to all veterinary technicians.” The free online course, available at JoinPowerOf12.com/education, is RACE approved for one continuing education credit. The material also addresses misconceptions and miscommunication. “This course provides simple tips on how to make that conversation more constructive and truly showcase the need that year-round protection serves,” said Julie Legred, CVT, NAVTA’s executive director. Also announced July 25 was the “Why I Love Being a Vet Tech” contest, which asks veterinary technicians to write a short essay explaining how they chose their profession and why they love their work. The winner will be chosen in an online vote and receive an expense-paid trip in January to the North American Veterinary Community conference in Orlando, Fla. All eight finalists will receive $200 and a one-year NAVTA membership. “Launching this new contest for veterinary technicians provides a valuable opportunity to showcase the hardworking individuals who play such a critical role in providing high-quality veterinary care,” said Jack Stephens, DVM, the president and founder of co-sponsor Pets Best of Boise, Idaho. The entry deadline is Sept. 12, and voting will take place on the Pets Best website from Sept. 26 to Oct. 10. More information is available at PetsBest.com/forms/vet-tech-contest.
