Paws for Wellness A happy and healthy pet starts with a plan!

Veterinary Technician/Veterinary Nurse Appreciation Week

Two Veterinary Nurses examining a dogVeterinary Technicians, also referred to as Veterinary Nurses in Australia and the United Kingdom, play a vital role in your pet’s health. Without Veterinary Technicians, veterinary practices would not function as they do today.

Veterinary Technicians and Nurses undergo rigorous training in animal care and handling, laboratory testing, radiography, surgical and anesthetic procedures, nursing care, and many other technical procedures and practices.

But what exactly does a Veterinary Technician or Nurse do in the practice? They perform many of the same tasks that nurses, laboratory technicians, and other specialized technologists provide to people.

  • Often, Veterinary Technicians are the first point of contact with the patient or client, discussing the medical issue that has brought the client to the practice.
  • They collect a patient’s medical history by carefully asking all the right questions, obtain vital signs, and collect blood or urine samples for laboratory testing.
  • Perform laboratory testing on blood, urine, and stool samples.
  • Prepare the patient and surgical suite for surgery.
  • Assist in surgical procedures; monitor the patient’s vital signs and watch for any signs of distress in the patient during the surgery.
  • Ensure the proper sterilization of surgical instruments.
  • Assist the veterinarian with medical and diagnostic procedures.
  • Keep the patient calm and comfortable during procedures that may be frightening to a cat or dog.
  • Provide specialized nursing care after surgery and for critically ill patients.
  • Change bandages and dressings.
  • Feed and water the patients and take them out for exercise and “bathroom breaks”.
  • Position the patient for X-rays and ultrasounds.
  • Educate clients on caring for their animals whether it be proper medication dosing, preventive care, nutrition, or recovery from procedures, surgery, or illness.
  • Follow-up with clients to check on the progress of the patient once discharged.
  • In smaller practices, Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Nurses can provide practice management and administrative support.

Veterinary Technician Week is a week set aside to acknowledge and recognize the role that Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Nurses play in veterinary practices. They are highly skilled and extremely dedicated to the work they do each day. Send a thank you card to the Veterinary Technicians or Veterinary Nurses at your veterinary practice. Better yet, if you happen to be in the practice this week, be sure to thank the Veterinary Technicians in person!

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Meet Our Team

  • Dr. Laura  Neuhaus (Raiff) Photo
    Dr. Laura Neuhaus (Raiff)

    Veterinarian

    Dr. Laura Neuhaus is a graduate of the University of Missouri - College of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation, she completed an emergency and specialty medicine internship at VCA Emergency Animal Hospital and Referral Center in San Diego. She enjoys ophthalmology and has a special interest in avian medicine. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking, and spending time outdoors. She is the proud parent of a cat and 2 parrotlets.
  • Dr. Mitchell  Meyerhoeffer Photo
    Dr. Mitchell Meyerhoeffer

    Veterinarian

    A Virginia native, Dr. Mitchell Meyerhoeffer (Dr. M is fine!) started his career in the veterinary field in high school at Chesterfield Technical Center's veterinary science program. He completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University while working as a veterinary assistant in a specialty and emergency hospital. Dr. M then completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine training at Virginia Tech, enjoying the hiking and outdoor scenery in Blacksburg when he could ...
  • Beth   Photo
    Beth

    Veterinary Technician

    Beth joined the GAH staff in April 2010. Originally from Maryland, she now lives in the Gloucester area. She has been working as a Licensed Veterinary Technician since graduating from Blue Ridge Community College in 1989. Away from work, she enjoys reading and working her dogs in obedience and agility classes. She has two dogs, three cats, four ferrets and three reptiles.
  • Becca   Photo
    Becca

    Veterinary Assistant

    Profile coming soon!
  • C
    Cheyenne

    Veterinary Assistant

    Bio Coming Soon!
  • Z
    Zyiah

    Veterinary Assistant

    Bio Coming Soon!
  • T
    Tomas

    Veterinary Assistant

    Bio Coming Soon!
  • E
    Emily

    Veterinary Assistant

    Bio Coming Soon!
  • Mary   Photo
    Mary

    Treatment Team Lead

    Profile coming soon!
  • Felicia   Photo
    Felicia

    Kennel Care Team Lead

    Profile coming soon!
  • Alex   Photo
    Alex

    Kennel Care Team

    Profile coming soon!
  • Brittany   Photo
    Brittany

    Kennel Care Team

    Profile coming soon!
  • M
    Morgan

    Kennel Care Team

    Bio Coming Soon!
  • S
    Sophia

    Kennel Care Team

    Bio Coming Soon!
  • Aidan   Photo
    Aidan

    Professional Groomer

    I'm Aidan, and I'm not your typical groomer. I'm a passionate animal lover with a heart full of love for our furry friends. Every day, I get the incredible opportunity to work my magic as a groomer at the renowned Grafton Animal Hospital. I can't express just how much I adore what I do. It's not just a job; it's a calling. I find immense joy in transforming your beloved pets into the best versions of themselves. Whether it's a shaggy dog that needs a fresh haircut, a cat in need of a spa day, or ...
  • Potato   Photo
    Potato

    Grooming Manager

    Bio Coming Soon.
  • Tracy   Photo
    Tracy

    Practice Manager

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  • K
    Kourtney

    Receptionist

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    April

    Receptionist

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  • B
    Brianna

    Receptionist

    Bio Coming Soon!
  • H
    Heather

    Receptionist

    Bio Coming Soon!
  • Ricky   Photo
    Ricky

    Front Desk Supervisor

    Ricky came to Grafton Animal Hospital in April of 2011. He was a little shy at first, but once he became more comfortable with us, he became one of the team. Ricky is a Congo African Grey Parrot. We think he is around 10 years old, but no one is sure. He will sometimes put on a show of whistling, talking, singing and dancing, and imitating sounds like telephones and coughing. Visit our Facebook page for an opportunity to see Ricky in action.
  • Lucy   Photo
    Lucy

    Staff Meeting Coordinator

    Lucy joined the Grafton Animal Hospital reception team as the new Noisemaker bird in September 2016. After losing our long-time mascot, Croaker, earlier that year, we learned of a young Quaker parrot available for adoption at the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter and decided she might be a good fit for the clinic. Lucy quickly made herself at home and before long, she was showing the staff who was really in charge. She is generally pretty friendly, so you will often see the staff holding her. ...
  • Daisy & Duke   Photo
    Daisy & Duke

    Staff Meeting Coordinators

    Daisy and Duke joined the GAH team in June of 2009. They were stray kittens that needed a home, and Squeaks was in need of a brother or sister. After some convincing, we were able to keep both. If you haven’t seen our kittens roaming the clinic, it’s because they are still learning their way around. For now, they are great morale boosters that keep us entertained during our staff meetings.
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