From October 14th to October 20th we celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week. During this time we take a moment to highlight the behind-the-scenes work that our technicians and nurses perform on a daily basis. The theme of this year's Vet Tech Week is "Veterinary Nursing in Action". We have nine caring, compassionate technician and nurse staff who do the hard, dirty work that goes unnoticed each day. Join us as we highlight these excellent team members throughout the week. 

In our final entry in our Vet Tech series, we look at the veterinary field from the perspective of Chris Kostic. Chris has been with Dixie Animal Hospital for three years. He has learned a lot along the way as well as provided valuable insight for our cases.

Why did you choose this field?

Chris Kostic (CK): When I was younger, I had aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. I went to Robert Morgan Educational Center for my high school years and completed to Vet Tech program. Veterinary medicine seemed like a good career fit for me, especially given my love for exotics. I have a particular passion for reptiles.

What is a typical day for you like?

CK: When I come to the office, it's always interesting to see which days will be slow and which days will be hectic. We can have days where there seems to be a nonstop influx of patients that feel like they are on and endless loop. Then there are slow days where you could clean the hospital top to bottom and still wonder what you can get done before the day is over. I prefer the former in my typical day.

No job comes without challenges. What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

CK: The most challenging part of our field is clients who don't share the same passion for their pets as we do or as other pet parents do. A lot of people still look at animals as possessions instead of family. I do see more and more families treating their pets as one of their own children, and I think it is a positive trend for us to continue with.

What has become the most rewarding aspect of your job?

CK: Seeing those pet parents who interact with their pets with such compassion and joy is especially rewarding. I feel immense gratitude when I can see a pet parent is truly grateful for our services.

What professional experience stands out among the rest for you?

CK: At a previous clinic we received hands on experience with all types of species; not just dogs and cats. From another technician I learned a great deal about the health and handling of ferrets. Those skills include proper restraint, vaccinating, and blood draws. It's opened my eyes up to the species and has lead me to want to have my own ferret in my fur family some day.

This is the fifth and final entry in a series of Dixie Animal Hospital technician/nurse profiles that ran throughout the week in celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week. We hope you've enjoyed the series.