Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians - OAVT

02/13/2026

🚨Time is running out🚨

Voting for the next members of the OAVT's Board of Directors ends February 15 at 5 p.m.

If you don't vote, you are letting the members who do decide who should run your Association. You are giving away the opportunity to elect someone who reflects your values and goals, leaving that decision up to others.

Last year, only 6% of members voted. How confident are you that those members share your ideals? A strong Association requires all opinions to be heard. When so few participate, that's not as likely to happen. Help your Association be the best it can be by voting today.

You can find details on the nominees by clicking this link: https://oavt.org/about/board-of-directors/2026-oavt-board-of-directors-nominees/

You should have received a ballot in your inbox from Election Runner. Please check your spam folder. If you missed it, Election Runner will be resending your instructions tomorrow, February 14.

If you need help, email kate@oavt.org.

02/11/2026

🚨Learn how to cope with compassion fatigue and more at the 2026 OAVT Conference!🚨

Joe De Fulio, CVT, CFE, CCFP, CVBL, is hosting four sessions to help you improve client relations, retain staff, and address compassion fatigue. Joe has held varying roles within the veterinary profession since 2007.

He is a Credentialed Veterinary Technician and has completed certification coursework specific to compassion fatigue.

He currently serves as the Vice President of Clinical Services at MedVet and is also the Executive Sponsor for their Black and LGBTQ+ Employee Networks.

To learn more and register, click the link below:

https://oavt.org/2026-oavt-conference/

02/10/2026

🚨Learn how to become a pet grief counsellor at the 2026 OAVT Conference🚨

Jessica Moll is a certified pet-loss grief specialist counsellor (certified through the American Academy of Grief Counsellors) and a Registered Veterinary Technician with the OAVT. She will present on the critical role grief counselling plays in supporting both pet owners and veterinary teams.

She believes integrating grief support into veterinary practice not only improves client care but also supports the mental health and retention of veterinary professionals.

Attendees to these sessions will also learn how RVTs can become certified pet grief counsellors.

There's still time to register! Visit https://oavt.org/2026-oavt-conference/ to learn more!

02/09/2026

The Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) is pleased to announce the launch of the Veterinary Technician/Technology Education Accreditation Program (VTEAP), a comprehensive new accreditation framework designed to strengthen and support the future of veterinary technology education in Ontario and beyond.

The OAVT extends its sincere gratitude to all partners, educators, subject matter experts, and RVTs who contributed their time, expertise, and insights throughout this process. Their dedication has been instrumental in shaping a robust and future-focused accreditation program.

To learn more, you can read our press release:

https://oavt.org/press-releases/ontario-association-of-veterinary-technicians-launches-new-veterinary-technician-technology-education-accreditation-program/

02/06/2026

DYK, the number of members voting in our annual Board of Directors election has been dropping over the last few years. Last year, only 6% of members voted.

It's vital that the concerns and expectations of all members are considered in every decision the Board of Directors makes, and the best way to do that is to ensure as many members as possible vote for the candidate who best represents their priorities.

This year, four nominees are vying for three seats. You can learn more about each of them by visiting our website.

You should have received your voting instructions from Election Runner via email. Please check your spam folder. If you still don't see it, email kate@oavt.org.

Our Association is strongest when as many members as possible participate.

02/05/2026

🚨Check out this speaker!🚨

Dr. Heather McClinchey is proud to be a veterinarian, farmer, wife, mother, and One Health champion. She graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College and went into mixed animal practice for several years before pivoting to small animal practice ownership. In 2018, she returned to OVC to complete a Master of Public Health degree. She has the coolest job in the world now, working as the veterinary consultant in the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, a position that she’s held since 2021.

Click below to learn more and to register for your conference pass!

https://oavt.org/2026-oavt-conference/

02/03/2026

🚨Speaker highlight!🚨

With over 20 topic experts and 10 educational tracks, the 2026 OAVT Conference has something for everyone!

Are you into small companion animals? You must check out Erin McConnell, RVT!

Erin has been working as an exotics-only RVT at the VCA 404 for almost five years now, having helped start the service with one of the doctors. She's been working with exotics for nearly her whole life, and they are truly her passion! From venomous snakes to birds of prey, she loves them all!

Her personal zoo includes a dog, cats, a ball python, an old-lady conure, and three tarantulas!

When not being a tech, she loves going on long forest hikes, camping trips, and winding down with some tabletop and video games!

Click below to learn more and register!

https://oavt.org/2026-oavt-conference/

02/01/2026

📢Help decide the future of the OAVT!📢

Voting is now open for the OAVT Board of Directors Election.

In 2026, there are three seats available and four members running. All active RVTs and retired RVTs in good standing are eligible to vote.

You should have received an email from Election Runner with a link for you to cast your vote. Please check your spam folder. If you have not received an invitation to vote, please email kate@oavt.org.

You can learn more about the four candidates by visiting our website. The link is in our bio!

You can help spread the word to other members by liking and sharing this post

01/30/2026

The OAVT is promoting the benefits of employing RVTs during day two of the OVMA conference!

Stop by our table in the Harbour Ballroom foyer to pick up some swag and learn how RVTs elevate vet clinics.

01/29/2026

For any RVTs attending the OVMA Conference, stop by the OAVT table and say hello to your association reps! 😊

This year, you’ll find us in the Harbour Ballroom Foyer, table 707. Pick up a special RVT giveaway that will help you ‘see more clearly’ and chat about the variety of benefits and supports provided to you as a member of the OAVT.

01/28/2026

01/27/2026

🚨Act now! Rooms are filling up fast! 🚨

We're partnering with the Holiday Inn Express to offer 2026 OAVT Conference attendees a preferred rate of $209.95 +.

The rooms are first come first serve, so book now! The Holiday Inn is located on the same side of the street as the convention space and is about an eight-minute walk.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Toronto - Markham by IHG

▪There is a two-night minimum stay
▪The rate includes hot breakfast, free WIFI, free parking, an indoor heated pool, 24-hour fitness center
▪Cancellations are permitted up to 72 hours before arrival
▪The preferred rate offer ends February 9!

Visit our website for booking instructions: https://oavt.org/2026-oavt-conference/