Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists

04/24/2026

Michele Moroz, SAVT President, will be representing the association this weekend at the SaskSPCA Gathering for Animal and Human Welfare. Attending the event? Be sure to stop by and connect!

04/23/2026

Dental health is a key part of overall wellness in pets, but it’s often overlooked.

By what age do cats and dogs typically start showing signs of dental disease?

A️) 1-2 years
B️) 2-3 years
C️) 3-4 years
D️) 5-6 years

Comment your answer below!

04/22/2026

Sharing this important message from the SaskSPCA.

We echo their concerns, especially around the risks to dogs, cats, and other animals who can be exposed directly or indirectly.

SaskSPCA Reaffirms Opposition to Strychnine Use in Pest Control.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[SASKATOON, SK – April 13, 2026] — The SaskSPCA is expressing concern following the recent decision to temporarily allow the use of strychnine for pest control in Saskatchewan and Alberta.

While strychnine has historically been used to control certain pest populations, the SaskSPCA maintains that its use results in a slow, painful, and inhumane death. Strychnine poisoning is an acute neurological emergency that can cause severe muscle spasms, seizures, and respiratory failure within a short period of time, leading to significant suffering.

Beyond the direct impact on target animals, the SaskSPCA is deeply concerned about the broader ecological consequences. Toxic substances remain in the bodies of poisoned animals, posing a risk to predators and scavengers that may consume them. This process, known as secondary poisoning, can lead to illness or death in wildlife such as birds of prey, foxes, and other species. The impacts may be further amplified by tertiary poisoning, resulting in broader ecological consequences across the food web.

Domestic animals are also at risk. Dogs and cats may be exposed through direct ingestion of bait or by consuming poisoned rodents, which can result in severe illness or death.

In its 2020 re-evaluation, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) concluded that the environmental risks of strychnine use for Richardson’s ground squirrel control were unacceptable, particularly due to the threat posed to non-target wildlife, including species at risk. Research has shown that poisoned carcasses can remain accessible on the surface and that mitigation measures do not reliably prevent exposure to other animals.

The SaskSPCA also emphasizes the ecological importance of species such as Richardson’s ground squirrels. These animals play a vital role in prairie ecosystems, contributing to soil aeration, water infiltration, nutrient cycling, and serving as a key food source for predators. Disrupting these relationships can have far-reaching ecological consequences, including impacts on vulnerable species such as the Ferruginous Hawk, which is already considered threatened in Canada and endangered in Alberta.

“Poisons inflict a slow, painful, inhumane death on any animal that ingests them,” said Mikayla Basset, Education Coordinator with the SaskSPCA. “Although they may be intended to target specific species, their impacts do not stop there. Poison can move through the food web, causing harm to wildlife, pets, and other animals far removed from the original target.”

The SaskSPCA acknowledges that pest management is an important concern for many landowners, farmers, and communities. However, the organization strongly advocates for the continued research, development, and adoption of alternative methods that are both effective and humane. Preventative measures such as habitat modification, biological and mechanical controls, and exclusion techniques can reduce conflict, while more humane lethal options such as properly used snap traps can be considered when necessary.

The SaskSPCA urges decision-makers and stakeholders to carefully consider the long-term implications of strychnine use and to prioritize solutions that protect both animal welfare and environmental health.

https://saskspca.ca/saskspca-reaffirms-opposition-to-strychnine-use-in-pest-control/

04/16/2026

Call for Speakers – SAVT Conference 2026

Are you passionate about sharing your knowledge and expertise with fellow RVTs?

We invite you to join us in Saskatoon, SK, on November 7-8, 2026 for the SAVT Annual Conference, an engaging and educational event dedicated to Registered Veterinary Technologists.

We are currently seeking dynamic and knowledgeable speakers to present sessions and hands-on labs focused on real-world RVT education and clinical relevance.

Suggested topics include:
• Anesthesia
• Dentistry
• Cytology
• Animal behaviour
• Nutrition
• Practice management (workflow, scheduling, inventory, RVT utilization)
• Bovine handling and reproduction
• Personal and financial wellness

If you are a confident communicator with a passion for veterinary excellence, we want to hear from you.

Submission deadline: May 31, 2026

👉 Submit your proposal today and help shape the future of RVT education.

Apply now: https://savt.ca/page/2026_speakers

04/11/2026

Happy National Pet Day!

Today is a reminder of the important role pets play in our lives, and the responsibility we share in keeping them healthy and safe.

Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) support animal well-being every day through compassionate care, client education, and clinical expertise.

Let’s celebrate the pets who inspire the work we do, and the professionals dedicated to their care.

We’d love to see your pets! Drop a photo in the comments and tell us their name.

04/10/2026

Met Jolene! a RVT whose work is rooted in the compassion and dedication she values most in the profession. With experience as a Head RVT and dental hygienist at The Cat Hospital of Saskatoon, she has supported both patients and veterinary teams through hands-on clinical care and leadership.

Today, she continues to support the profession differently by facilitating veterinary workshops and speaking across North America on empathy fatigue, emotional regulation, and stress management, helping veterinary teams navigate the emotional realities of their work.

When asked about her experience as an RVT, Jolene shared:

“What I love most about being an RVT is the dedication and compassion in this profession. Veterinary teams give so much of themselves every day, often carrying both the joy and emotional weight of caring deeply. I loved practicing in clinic and serving as Head RVT and dental hygienist at The Cat Hospital of Saskatoon. Today I support veterinary teams in a different way by facilitating veterinary workshops and speaking across North America on empathy fatigue, emotional regulation, and stress management.

Animals have always been at the center of my life. I grew up on a farm loving cows just as much as cats, and my first word was “kitty.” I now volunteer as a professional cat cuddler at our local animal pound, have four rescue cats of my own, and yes, the cats were in our wedding photos. That love continues to shape my work and my commitment to this incredible industry.” Her lifelong connection to animals continues to shape her work and her commitment to the veterinary community and the care it provides."

03/25/2026

In veterinary medicine, abbreviations are commonly used during patient exams and monitoring.

What does the abbreviation TPR stand for?

A. Temperature, Pulse, Respiration
B️. Tissue, Pulse, Recovery
C️. Temperature, Pressure, Recovery
D️. Test, Procedure, Result

Comment your answer below!

We’ll reveal the correct answer in the comments.

03/18/2026

SAVT Member Spotlight

Meet Kristi Harms, from Warman Veterinary Clinic, one of our valued SAVT members.

We asked Kristi what she loves most about being an RVT. Here’s what she shared:

“I love being able to connect with clients and help their pets. Pets are family. And keeping them healthy and happy is the main priority. Having pets myself, especially seniors, I want to make everyone’s day better and more comfortable.”

Thank you, Kristi, for the care, compassion, and commitment you bring to animals, clients, and the RVT profession every day.

03/13/2026

Hot Topic - What's the Gripe with Grapes?

Most people know that grapes are toxic to dogs. What many don’t realize is that we still don’t know why or how much is too much. When dogs eat grapes or raisins, they may develop gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea. In many cases, however, grape ingestion can also lead to acute kidney injury, which can happen quickly and be life-threatening.

So what makes grapes toxic?

A 2022 case study suggested that tartaric acid, a substance found in high amounts in grapes, may be responsible. Despite this, the exact cause is still unknown.

There is also no known safe or toxic dose.
Whether a dog eats one raisin or 45 grapes, the outcome can be the same. Because of this, every grape or raisin ingestion is considered an emergency.

If you suspect your dog has eaten grapes or raisins, seek veterinary care immediately.

🔗 Learn more here:
The Wrath of Grapes – Veterinary Partner (VIN)
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=6137765

03/03/2026

📣 Calling all SAVT Members: We want to feature you in our Member Spotlight series!

We're celebrating the RVTs who bring skill, compassion, and dedication to veterinary care across Saskatchewan.
Tell us:

- What do you love most about being an RVT?
- What inspired you to choose this profession?

Submit a headshot, your answer, and your workplace details on our website (you must log in to submit, or email communications@savt.ca with your information)

Learn more & Submit: https://savt.ca/page/member-submission

03/02/2026

Looking for a new opportunity? Visit our website to check out job listings for the RVT community: https://savt.ca/networking/

02/18/2026

Please join the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association on March 12, 2026 for this 60 minute webinar to learn about an important wellness support resource available to all Canadians working in the veterinary industry. They will be discussing Togetherall, an online peer support community where you can connect with others to ask for and provide support about whatever challenges you may be facing.

The session will cover:
• The benefits of peer support
• A walkthrough on how to register and access Togetherall
• An overview of Togetherall community and platform features
• How others in the veterinary industry are currently using Togetherall
• How you can promote Togetherall to other colleagues in the industry

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LOr8qjI0QgqbUO6ANhXVKQ #/registration