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FriOct 11

Vet Nurse Day – October 11, 2024

Vet Nurse Day is observed on the second Friday in October to recognize the nurses who play a significant role in veterinary care. This year, it takes place on October 11. The objective of the holiday is to appreciate the work of veterinary nurses and technicians, and remember the positive impact of their work. It is the perfect time to recognize the irreplaceable work these professionals do. Vet Nurse Day was first established by the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (V.N.C.A.) to “raise awareness of the importance of veterinary nurses to the veterinary industry and to the wider community.”

History of Vet Nurse Day

This history of veterinary medicine goes all the way back to Mesopotamia in 3000 B.C., where an individual named Urlugaledinna was hailed as an “expert in treating animals.” Since then, history has been rife with mentions of veterinary practices across the world. One of the first written mentions came in 1900 B.C., enshrined within sacred Hindu texts. The formal start of veterinary medicine, however, came much later in Lyon, France, in 1761, when Claude Bourgelat founded the first veterinary school. Formal British veterinary practices can be owed to the Odiham Agricultural Society, from which the London Veterinary College was born in 1791.

The American Veterinary Medical Association was established in 1863 to advance veterinary medicine and its propounders. The Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) further established the Veterinary Medical Branch in 1965 to supervise veterinary pharmaceuticals — this later developed into the Center for Veterinary Medicine (C.V.M.).

Veterinary medicine has undergone many changes over the centuries. Initially, its focus was the treatment of livestock, but it has since expanded to include domesticated animals as well as wild animals. Today, vets and para veterinary workers such as vet nurses and technicians diagnose, treat, and help a variety of animals keep safe and healthy. They are, most often, obliged to look after animal welfare. They also help maintain the food chain and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases — diseases that transfer from animals to humans.

Vet Nurse Day timeline

3000 B.C.
The Father of Veterinarians

Urlugaledinna, a man from Mesopotamia, is hailed as an expert in the treatment of animals.

1761
The First Veterinary School

The very first veterinary school is established in Lyons, France.

1791
Veterinary Medicine in Britain

The London Veterinary College is born.

1863
American Veterinary Medicine

The American Veterinary Medical Association is established.

Vet Nurse Day FAQs

How long does it take to be a veterinary nurse?

It takes about two to three years to qualify as a vet nurse.

Where do vet nurses make the most money?

They seem to be paid higher in Massachusetts, Vermont, Alaska, California, and Nevada.

What do vet nurses do?

Veterinary nurses aid veterinarians by providing nursing care to sick animals. They educate pet ownerṣ on proper health care for their animals.

How to Observe Vet Nurse Day

  1. Thank your local vet nurses

    Show gratitude to your local vet nurses. By simply thanking them for their work, you’ll make them feel appreciated.

  2. Give them a small token

    If you can, get them flowers or a card showing your appreciation. It’s bound to bring a smile to their faces.

  3. Talk about it on social media

    Raise awareness by talking about Vet Nurse Day on social media. Share the information you receive with your friends and family.

5 Interesting Facts About Animals

  1. Jumping fleas

    Fleas can jump 350 times their height.

  2. Flying mammals

    The only mammal that is capable of flight is the bat.

  3. Many hearts

    Octopi have three hearts.

  4. A polar bear’s skin

    Polar bears have black skin.

  5. Accented speech

    Young goats can pick up accents from each other.

Why Vet Nurse Day is Important

  1. It highlights the importance of vet nurses

    Vet nurses are invaluable to the health and safety of our pets. Vet Nurse Day serves as a reminder of just how important they are.

  2. It’s a vet nurse appreciation day

    Being a medical professional, especially a nurse, is often a thankless job. Vet Nurse Day is the perfect reminder to appreciate vet nurses.

  3. It’s an excuse to bring them gifts

    We bet your local vet nurses are delightful to interact with. Today is the perfect excuse to give them a small token of your gratitude.

Vet Nurse Day dates

YearDateDay
2022October 14Friday
2023October 13Friday
2024October 11Friday
2025October 10Friday
2026October 9Friday

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