Covetrus teams with industry partners to offer veterinary tech scholarships

Photo / Courtesy of Covetrus To mark Veterinary Technician Week, Covetrus is collaborating with the American Veterinary Medical Association and Pets Best Insurance to provide mentoring scholarships for 35 veterinary technicians,

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By Renee Cordes

Covetrus, a Portland-based animal-health technology and services provider, is teaming up with the American Veterinary Medical Association and other partners to provide mentoring scholarships for 35 veterinary technicians.

“This five-month virtual mentorship and professional development program aims to promote well-being by providing a combination of training in professional skills, financial and mental health coaching and mentorship,” a spokesman for Covetrus told Mainebiz. He noted that each scholarship is $499.

The program is offered through MentorVet, a veterinary training provider. Also supporting the initiative is Florida-based Pets Best Insurance.

The scholarship announcement comes during the 30th anniversary of Veterinary Technician Week, this year from Oct. 15-21. In addition, Covetrus is launching a "Veterinary Technician Heroes" campaign to honor the role that techs play in the treatment and care of companion animals.

“Veterinary technicians are the heart of veterinary practices, and we recognize and honor them this year for all they do each and every day,” said Matt Yordy, president of Covetrus North America. The company employs 5,700 people, including more than 275 in Maine.

U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that 118,750 people were employed nationwide as veterinary technicians in May 2022. Job responsibilities range from executing laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood counts, to assisting a veterinarian during surgery.

”Veterinary technicians matter, and we are so grateful to see organizations coming together to support this important initiative,” said Dr. Addie Reinhard, MentorVet’s founder and CEO. "Veterinary technicians experience a myriad of challenges and stressors, and our innovative program can give this essential group of individuals the professional skills and support that they need to have sustainable careers in veterinary medicine.”