In this conversation, Kim Gardner shares her journey from being a veterinary assistant to owning her own relief business in Utah. She discusses the challenges of burnout in the veterinary field, the emotional toll of working in shelter medicine, and the importance of education and credentials. Kim also highlights the difficulties she faced in being taken seriously as a relief technician and the lessons learned from her experiences with clients and communication in the veterinary industry. In this conversation, Kim Gardner discusses the essential skills needed for relief technicians, the challenges of managing the business side of relief work, and the current technician shortage in the veterinary field. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, experience, and professionalism in relief work, while also addressing the emotional and physical toll of the profession. The discussion highlights how relief work can alleviate some of the burdens faced by regular staff and the passion for fear-free and cooperative care that drives her work. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the transformative power of compassionate veterinary care, emphasizing the importance of fear-free techniques and the role of veterinary technicians. They share success stories that highlight the impact of these practices on both animals and staff. The discussion also covers the challenges of starting a veterinary business, the necessity of professional standards, and the value of community support in the veterinary field. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of engagement and support within the veterinary community, the evolving role of veterinary technicians, and the innovations that are shaping relief work. They share personal journeys and inspirations, emphasizing the need for change and recognition in the field. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities facing veterinary technicians and the future of relief work in veterinary medicine.

Certifications: Professional Certifications & Continuing Education Fear Free Certified Professional Certified in Pet First Aid, CPR, and AED by the American Red Cross Anprolene Gas Sterilizer Certified Completed advanced dental continuing education and wet labs with Dr. Tony Woodward, DVM, AVDC (2005 & 2008) Attended national conferences including: Wild West Veterinary Conference (Reno, NV) with a focus on emergency and critical care PACVet Conference (Long Beach, CA) AVMA Annual Convention (Denver, CO) Participated in numerous local continuing education programs hosted by specialty and referral practices, including: Annual CPR Certification Courses (CPRC) Anesthesia training and refresher

Kim’s website & Socials:

Website: www.thelocumlvt.com

Instagram: @locum_lvt 

Kim’s recommended cat wrap:

https://a.co/d/cvf2Li6

Kim’s Sterilizer Certification

https://www.sterility.com/resources/operator-training/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22352005663&gbraid=0AAAAAD_k8R7MabODryD1y66WFM6k3y1vM&gclid=CjwKCAjwiNXFBhBKEiwAPSaPCa9uFeOsXSZ1LX2e-SCqBpTSf40haM8WL20Wn2Cx3--Lz7EzD3CUThoCSoYQAvD_BwE

Fear Free Certification

https://www.fearfree.com/

Wave App

https://www.waveapps.com/?utm_campaign=acq-us-branded&utm_medium=wp-bs&utm_source=google&utm_term=162597869454-wave%20invoice%20generator-b_new_nv&utm_content=c--771515952392_nv_nv&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=847004632&gbraid=0AAAAAC1Q-HwV-iZATZIGMSQN_Ex8_6Usb&gclid=CjwKCAjwiNXFBhBKEiwAPSaPCYkt1Ir8lVmSwzR48O42WX3xic2uETrk2ifz8uRBaznNAok_AMZsshoCXyAQAvD_BwE

Small Business Development Center

https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/small-business-development-centers-sbdc

Michelle’s favorite veterinary podcast

https://thebirdbath.io/

https://www.drernieward.com/veterinaryviewfinder

Jen’s favorite podcast

https://wondery.com/shows/?lg=en

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-crew-lvt-7a9270366/

Join the Unattached Vet Tech Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/655721712955548

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