San Carlos Veterinary Hospital

Who Cares For You and Your Pet?

Have you ever wondered who all of those people are working in the veterinary hospital that take care of your special pet; and what abilities they have in order to do their job?

Most people are bringing their pet in to be seen by the veterinarian (a doctor who has gone through at least 4 years of pre-veterinary college and 4 years of veterinary school). But who are all the other people caring for your pet?

At San Carlos Veterinary Hospital a receptionist first greets you. That would usually be Betty, who has been with us for over 20 years, Janelle, Shara, Linda, Jessica E., and, at times, Penny. Besides bestowing plenty of love, kisses, affection, and treats (usually at the end of the visit), they are the ones who make the appointments, prepare your pets' charts, make up your prescriptions, confirm your telephone numbers and address, call for progress reports, and complete any transactions at the end of your visit. They have usually had on-the-job training and simply enjoy being around and helping people and their pets.

The next person you will probably see at SCVH is our exam room assistant. These people are normally trained on-the-job or, in the case of some, may have schooling, such as at the Regional Occupational Program (ROP). Most of the time it is Penny, but oftentimes Roberta, Candice or Janelle can be found helping in the exam rooms. They will get you and your pet situated in an exam room, obtain a more detailed history, and assist the doctor with treatments as well as assisting with taking radiographs, drawing blood and/or other laboratory samples, or help get your pet checked into the hospital for any surgery or procedure. They do a "little bit of everything".

The staff behind-the-scenes who care for your special pet are the RVTs (registered veterinary technicians) and veterinary assistants. You may not see these people too often because they are usually busy in the back where x-rays, laboratory tests and surgeries are performed. Jan and very occasionally Gaylene are your RVTs at SCVH. They received their A.S. degrees in Veterinary Technology from Mesa College and passed the state boards in Veterinary Technology. This education comprises 2 years of general education and veterinary technology courses in diseases, surgical assisting, radiology, laboratory, clerical, and nursing skills. In human medicine, nurses have specific areas of interest, but in veterinary medicine, the RVT is utilized in all areas.

The others you don't see as often are Liz, Jessica T., Aimee and Candice. They are veterinary assistants. Veterinary assistants are usually trained on-the-job, although some are pre-veterinary students and others have gone through the ROP program for veterinary assistants.

No matter who you meet at our hospital, the most important role we al have is the care and concern for your pet's health and welfare. And, of course, we don't mind getting hugs and kisses from your furry family members if they want to "share their love" in return for our care.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AND YOUR PET