What’s it like being a large animal veterinary technologist in Western Canada?
Just as nurses are the backbone of Canada’s healthcare system, Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) play an essential role in clinics nationwide. Unfortunately, this rewarding career is often overlooked by those who would relish the chance to care for animals. Two such professionals , called “veterinary technologists” in the Western part of the country, working in large animal practices in Alberta share their stories to shed light on this vital trade.
Shanelle’s immense love for large animals
Growing up on a farm in Saskatchewan, Shanelle Bleakney has been at home with cattle and horses since childhood. “There’s nothing more peaceful than watching cows in pastures on a sunny day,” she says. She also emphasizes that cattle are not just part of the landscape—they sustain us, and that’s a bond that should inspire us to care for them in return.
Shanelle’s career path has been straight as a well-worn trail: she was hired by Weir Veterinary Services in Lloydminster, Alberta, after graduating from a veterinary technologist program in 2019 and has been there ever since.
How Andrei discovered her true calling
In another small town in Northern Saskatchewan, Andrei Heiland was raised on her family’s farm. She roamed through various fields after finishing high school, searching for where her true interests lay. Everything fell into place when her oldest sister mentioned the veterinary technologist program at Saskatoon’s Saskatchewan Polytechnic. “I liked that the program was short,” says Andrei. “In just two years, I could be out of school and back where I belong—working with animals, something I’ve always loved.”
Andrei journeyed across the prairies, working with a mix of both small and large animals. She fondly recalls her time on the feedlot. “It’s kind of a tough and dirty job, but there’s something satisfying about putting on your hat and coveralls,” she adds. She finally put down roots in 2017 when a veterinarian she enjoyed working with invited her to join her practice at Berry Creek Vet Services in Wardlow, Alberta. “I leapt at the chance,” says Andrei.
A typical day as a veterinary technologist
Routine tasks like handling bloodwork, placing catheters, giving injections, administering medication, and bandaging wounds are all part of a veterinary technologist’ daily workload. Many also assist during surgeries; Shanelle readies cattle for C-sections at her clinic, while Andrei helps perform procedures on lame horses.
On the less glamorous side, the job also requires cleaning—a lot of cleaning. “You need to stay on top of everything by keeping the floor and instruments clean and making sure nothing’s left over from the last emergency,” explains Andrei.
The most significant difference from small animal practice is the way patients are handled. “It’s a lot less hands-on, because they weigh anywhere from 100 to over 2,000 lbs!”, points out Shanelle. “So, restraint is done using chutes, pens, or sometimes sedation.”
Learning never stops
The veterinary technologist program teaches advanced clinical skills and encourages students to acquire first-hand experience by volunteering at a veterinary clinic. But that’s just the first step. “You learn as you go,” says Shanelle. “Dealing with people, making patients feel safe and comfortable, and handling big animals the right way all become part of your skill set.”
Continuing education is an important tool for developing a career and a requirement to keep the RVT designation. Veterinary technologist are thus constantly sharpening their skills through courses, conferences, and other industry events. Having attended a few large animal handling and transportation courses, Shanelle sees several more topics worth exploring: “I’d love to see more herd health courses, as well as additional training on pregnancy checking, artificial insemination, and calving issues directed specifically for veterinary technologists, so that we could better assist veterinarians in those situations.”
Further learning happens naturally among colleagues, like the countless things Andrei has absorbed as her veterinarian’s right-hand woman. “My vet has taught me so much about horses since I’ve been here—I couldn’t even begin to list everything I’ve learned!” she says.
What makes the job rewarding? How could it be improved?
Both veterinary technologists feel fortunate to work in positive environments where their contributions are valued and appreciated. “It’s a good feeling to apply the skills you’ve learned to help large animals overcome a condition that’s been hindering them”, explains Shanelle.
For Andrei, a flexible schedule made possible by her close relationship with her employer has been a blessing in maintaining a work-life balance. “We work really well together, and having a strong relationship with the people you work with is essential,” she adds. She felt confident taking maternity leave to raise her two children in recent years, knowing that returning to work would be easy.
However, when considering the profession more broadly, both women agree that veterinary technologists should be more utilized, particularly in large animal practices. “Veterinarians are in short supply, and it’s a hard program to enter, but skilled veterinary technologist could certainly lighten their load,” Andrei points out. “For example, we can triage and take the animal’s history before a veterinarian even walks into the room to work more efficiently, or educate producers on best practices to keep their herds happy and healthy.”
Veterinary technologist are highly trained individuals who play a critical role in veterinary medicine. Their versatility and expertise make them an indispensable part of the veterinary team.