Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Animal Care

May 2024 – Across the globe, the month of May is dedicated to celebrating Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month, an initiative aimed at recognizing the crucial role of veterinary nurses in animal healthcare. This annual event raises public awareness and acknowledges the significant contributions of these professionals, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated.

Emily Murray, a veterinary nurse from Ireland, reflects on the evolution of the profession: “In Ireland, Veterinary Nursing became a regulated profession with a protected title in 2005.

Since then, veterinary nurses have been crucial to the provision of a high standard of care for our animals and the profession has grown from strength to strength, with the public awareness also growing.

Within smaller local practices, nurses provide an invaluable service educating clients about preventative healthcare and elevating the level of medical and surgical care available. In larger referral hospitals, veterinary nurses enable complex procedures to be carried out and critically ill patients to receive the intensive treatment they need. Veterinary nurses are integral to the welfare of animals in Ireland.”

Murray also highlights the educational standards in Ireland, noting, "we are lucky to have five ACOVENE accredited course providers who are committed to delivering such a high standard of veterinary nursing education in the country.”

In Norway, Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month is marked with a special celebration on May 27th. Heidi Rasch, a veterinary nurse, explains the significance of this date: "The celebrations take place on one day – the 27th of May – in commemoration of the day we received the bill for authorization and protected title for veterinary nurses. This year, an evening seminar on mental health and opportunities for further education for qualified veterinary nurses will be held at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, which offers an ACOVENE accredited program for veterinary nurses."

Rasch emphasizes the importance of this event: "This seminar is a social event open to both qualified veterinary nurses and student nurses. It not only focuses on critical issues like mental health and professional development but also enhances networking among the participants, fostering a sense of community and support within the profession."

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month is celebrated in various ways around the world. In many countries, veterinary practices and organizations host open houses, workshops, and educational sessions to engage with their communities and highlight the vital work of veterinary nurses. Social media campaigns and local events further amplify the message, showcasing stories of dedication and excellence within the profession.

The month-long celebration serves multiple purposes: educating the public about the diverse roles of veterinary nurses, advocating for better working conditions and professional development opportunities, and recognizing the indispensable contributions these professionals make to animal welfare.

As the awareness of veterinary nurses' roles continues to grow, so does the appreciation for their hard work and dedication. This May, join the global celebration and acknowledge the veterinary nurses who tirelessly ensure the health and well-being of our beloved animals.