Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT) are valuable members of animal care teams and they work in a variety of industries from veterinary clinics to research facilities, rehabilitation centres and even aquariums like us!
Our Head of Animal Care, Kit, holds dual qualifications in Marine Biology and Veterinary Technology. Today she is here to answer some questions about what it’s like to be an RVT at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea.
Question: What exactly does an RVT do?
Answer: RVT’s are akin to the nurses of the human medical world. We have specialized skills in the care of both healthy and sick animals. We can take blood, place IVs, take x-rays, use microscopes to look at skin scrapings, blood smears, and search for parasites. We even put animals under anesthesia and monitor them during and after surgeries! Above all we are advocates for animal health and welfare.
Question: How does someone become an RVT?
Answer: Animal health technology/veterinary technology is an intense two year program at an accredited post-secondary institution. After completing your courses and internships you must pass a national board exam. Each year you must partake in continuing education credits to maintain your registration within the field.
Question: What do you do as an aquarium RVT?
Answer: Every day is different but I start each day along with my team of Aquarists as we carefully look over each habitat and animals residing within. We look for animals that are showing signs of illness or stress, we ensure the animals are in good body condition, we monitor for external parasites, watch out for pregnant animals or those that are getting ready to mate. Some mornings we even come across eggs being guarded by their parents, or in the case of our perch who give birth to live young- tiny newborn perch! We ensure the animals are provided with everything they need to live healthy and stimulating lives during their time with us.
Question: What is the most challenging group or species of animal to work with?
Answer: Most challenging would be invertebrates. There is such anatomical diversity across invertebrates and very little data about medical conditions or treatments for illnesses.
Question: Favourite animal in the Centre to work with?
Answer: I really enjoy working with the Chinook salmon we have. It’s so rewarding to see them grow from smolts to adults and then say goodbye to them when they are released back to the ocean. Also our giant Pacific octopus - their personalities and playfulness is just so fun. Doing their pre-release health exam is usually very easy as they are happy to be handled by us.
Question: What advice would you give to someone wanting to become an aquarium Veterinary Technician?
Answer: Take science courses in high school, get as much hands on animal experience as you can, even caring for fish in a home aquarium helps! Complete your veterinary technician program and try and get experience with fish through internships, work experience and lastly, network with aquarium professionals!