The Essential Role of Registered Veterinary Technicians at Oriole Road Animal Hospital

When you bring your pet to Oriole Road Animal Hospital in Kamloops, BC, for routine care, a wellness check, or an urgent health concern, there is a highly skilled, compassionate team working to ensure your pet’s well-being. Among them are our Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs)—the backbone of veterinary care, who work tirelessly behind the scenes and at the forefront to provide your pet with exceptional care and comfort.

RVTs aren’t just assistants; they are extensively trained professionals who bring specialized skills and knowledge to every stage of your pet’s care. In fact, RVTs are there for your pet, you, and our veterinarians—making a difference in every area of animal health and healing.

What is a Registered Veterinary Tech?

In British Columbia, RVTs must complete a rigorous two to three-year accredited program in veterinary technology. This education covers everything from anatomy and pharmacology to surgical nursing and laboratory skills. After their program, RVTs must pass national and provincial exams to practice. The result? Skilled professionals who are not only certified in veterinary care but also trained in compassion, technical skill, and patient handling.

RVTs handle a variety of essential responsibilities in the clinic, making them invaluable to both our team and the pet parents we serve. To learn more about the dedicated RVTs at Oriole Road Animal Hospital, visit our team page.

RVTs in Surgery

Surgery can be a stressful experience for pets and owners alike. Our RVTs are essential to ensuring each surgical procedure goes smoothly, safely, and as comfortably as possible for your pet.

  • Anesthesia and Monitoring: RVTs carefully administer and monitor anesthesia levels throughout the procedure, ensuring your pet’s heart rate, respiratory rate, and other vital signs remain stable.
  • Assisting the Surgeon: Acting as the veterinarian’s right hand, RVTs provide sterile instruments, manage surgical supplies, and respond quickly to any changes during surgery.
  • Postoperative Care: Once surgery is complete, RVTs continue to monitor your pet during recovery, offering gentle care and comfort until they are awake and stable.

Surgical tasks demand focus, skill, and a deep understanding of veterinary medicine, which our RVTs provide every day. Their careful monitoring and attention to detail in these moments keep your pet safe and comfortable throughout the procedure.

In the Treatment Room

The treatment room is often where pets receive their initial care and diagnosis. Here, our RVTs are actively involved in delivering various treatments and therapies.

  • Administering Medications and IV Fluids: RVTs administer medications and place IV catheters, a critical step for pets requiring fluids or medication delivered directly into their bloodstream.
  • Wound Care and Bandaging: They clean and dress wounds, change bandages, and ensure all areas are healing as expected, making follow-up care easier for pet owners at home.
  • Observation and Pain Management: RVTs are trained to recognize signs of pain or discomfort, which may be subtle, such as restlessness or changes in posture. This expertise allows for timely pain management and a more comfortable recovery.

In every treatment, our RVTs are hands-on, compassionate, and attentive. They are trained not just in clinical skills but in providing comfort, reassurance, and care that makes your pet feel as secure as possible.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics play a crucial role in identifying health issues early and accurately. Our RVTs handle much of this work, assisting in a wide range of tests and assessments that provide essential information about your pet’s health.

  • Laboratory Tests: RVTs conduct blood work, urinalysis, fecal exams, and other laboratory tests. Their training allows them to identify irregularities that could signal health issues, from infections to metabolic conditions.
  • Radiology: They also perform radiographs (X-rays) to help diagnose fractures, tumors, and other internal conditions. Radiographs require precise positioning and technique, skills that our RVTs have mastered.
  • Ultrasound Assistance: In some cases, RVTs assist with ultrasounds, ensuring pets remain calm and comfortable during this diagnostic process.

With each diagnostic tool they handle, our RVTs contribute to a faster and more accurate diagnosis, which ultimately leads to better treatment outcomes for your pet.

Client Support

RVTs are there for pet parents, too. They provide essential education and guidance, helping you make informed choices about your pet’s care and providing support through every stage of your pet’s treatment.

  • Explaining Medications and Treatments: RVTs help pet owners understand how to administer medications at home, including demonstrations for handling pets safely and effectively.
  • Postoperative Care Instructions: After surgery or treatment, they offer guidance on how to care for your pet at home, answering questions and ensuring that pet parents feel confident in their care routine.
  • Preventative Care Advice: From nutrition tips to parasite prevention, RVTs educate owners on maintaining their pet’s long-term health. They are always ready to answer questions and provide resources to help pets thrive.

Whether it’s helping with a new medication, managing a chronic condition, or answering questions about diet and exercise, our RVTs are here to support and guide pet parents every step of the way.

Preventative Care and Health Maintenance

One of the most important ways RVTs contribute to your pet’s wellness is through preventative care. These services help prevent illness, manage chronic conditions, and keep your pet healthy throughout their life.

  • Vaccinations: RVTs are responsible for administering vaccines, ensuring that your pet is protected against common diseases.
  • Dental Cleanings: Regular dental care is crucial to overall health, and our RVTs perform thorough cleanings to prevent dental disease and discomfort.
  • Parasite Prevention: From heartworm to fleas and ticks, RVTs help keep your pet safe from parasites by administering treatments and educating owners on prevention.

Our RVTs are committed to proactive care, helping pets avoid preventable illnesses and stay healthy at every stage of life.

Recognizing and Appreciating RVTs


RVTs bring skill, compassion, and dedication to every interaction with pets and their families. They not only support veterinarians and care for pets but also form connections with the animals, offering a comforting hand, a gentle voice, and a steady presence that helps pets feel safe and secure. Their work is a labor of love, requiring immense patience, empathy, and skill.

How You Can Show Your Appreciation

If you’d like to show appreciation for the RVTs at Oriole Road Animal Hospital, here are some thoughtful ways to say thank you:

A Simple Thank You: A heartfelt “thank you” goes a long way and reminds RVTs that their work is noticed and valued.
Handwritten Notes: A personal note expressing gratitude can make an RVT’s day and is a cherished reminder of the positive impact they make.
Snacks and Treats: A basket of snacks for the team is always appreciated during their busy days.
Kindness and Respect: Showing kindness and respect to RVTs is one of the best ways to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

The RVTs at Oriole Road Animal Hospital are dedicated professionals who make a difference in the lives of pets, pet owners, and the veterinary team. Their compassion, expertise, and dedication bring comfort to pets and peace of mind to their families.

We are incredibly proud of our RVTs and the invaluable support they provide to our clinic and our patients. To experience firsthand the commitment and care of our RVT team, schedule an appointment with Oriole Road Animal Hospital today.