SPCA launches program to address veterinary technicians shortage in N.S.

CITYnews halifax/ By Steve Gow

An urgent need for veterinary technicians in Nova Scotia has inspired a new course-based program.

The Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare in Dartmouth is launching its first veterinary technician program, which it hopes will address a shortage of such positions in the province.

An essential part of an animal health-care team, the agency says there are about four registered technicians to every five licensed veterinarians in Nova Scotia.

According to the college’s director of veterinary programs, that is having an impact on animal care.

“In order to provide proper care for as many patients and their families as possible, we need to have veterinarians supported by an appropriate number of veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants,” says Dr. Mike West. “We really should have more veterinary technicians than we have veterinarians.”

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Dr. West adds that with pet ownership on the rise in Nova Scotia, the shortage is increasingly concerning.

Veterinary technicians are formally trained and licensed with a broad range of skills that can range from nursing and collecting and analyzing laboratory samples to pharmacology and radiology.

Dr. West says the college is now taking applications for the launch of the two-year program, which will begin in May.