We want to recognize the amazing work the medical team at Operation Kindness does! For this National Veterinary Technician Week, we want to educate community members on vet techs and highlight some of our very own. The work they do at Operation Kindness has helped save the lives of many shelter animals that wouldn’t have received care anywhere else.
What are vet techs and what do they do?
Veterinary technicians have a multitude of roles and responsibilities that are different from veterinarians and vet assistants. While vet assistants don’t have a standard education requirement, vet techs are required to complete an accredited program — typically two-years long — by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Vet techs are usually responsible for preparing animals for surgery, performing physical exams, helping with surgeries, and so much more. The role veterinary technicians play in providing quality care is imperative to helping pets lead happy lives with their new families.
How many vet techs does Operation Kindness have?
Our medical team has grown since the on June 6, 2024, and the expansion of our shelter’s Rees-Jones Foundation Medical Wing in March 2020. Operation Kindness now has 13 vet techs at our shelter location in Carrollton and 7 that work at our Lifesaving Partnerships Hub.
Vet Tech Spotlight
This week, we wanted to spotlight some of Operation Kindness’ shelter and Community Initiative vet techs for you to learn more about who is behind the scenes caring for animals in North Texas.
Christy Gray, 22 years as Vet Tech:
Why did you want to be a vet tech?
I’ve always had a passion for animals. When I was young, I volunteered at a large animal clinic in the small town where I grew up. I experienced so much, a breached calf, a cat with a ruptured abscess that had to be surgically drained and removed, a constant surge of appointments with dogs, cats, birds and even wildlife. I was hooked! I loved the fast-paced environment and the variety of animals the vets treated. Later, as a young adult, I was so lucky to find Operation Kindness and my lifelong vocation.
Maria Armstrong, eight years as Vet Tech:
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of this job is helping the community. Whether we are doing vaccine events, going to different shelters throughout DFW to help with medical needs or surgeries to help get as many animals as possible out!
Brandy Gospodarek, one year as Vet Tech:
Why is being a Community Initiative vet tech meaningful to you?
You never understand the full extent of what it takes to rescue animals until you are part of it yourself. As a vet tech for the community initiative team, I get to work with so many shelters in the DFW area. It is incredible to witness all the different teams across a variety of shelters and rescue groups—each one is unique, yet the drive, passion, and hard work is just the same.
