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2025 Vet Tech Week

2025 Vet Tech Week

Happy National Veterinary Technician Week! This annual celebration occurs in the third full week of October (October 12-18 this year). During the week, we recognize the critical contributions, skills, and compassionate care that credentialed veterinary technicians and nurses provide to animal patients and veterinary teams. It’s an important opportunity for clinics, veterinarians, and pet owners to show appreciation through gestures of thanks, social media recognition, and educational outreach about their vital role in animal healthcare.

To help clinics celebrate the trailblazing vet techs on their team, VHA has worked alongside clinic teams to nominate vet techs on their team to win prizes in our Veterinary Technician Week Giveaway! See the winners for this year below! Check back throughout the week to see who the daily winners are.

2025 Vet Tech Week Giveaway Winners

Winners will be announced daily, so make sure to check back to see who won!

Tisheena Gross
Veterinary Technician, Rice Veterinary Clinic - Rice, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Tisheena brings dedication, heart, and a can-do spirit to every shift. No matter where she’s needed—whether it’s helping restrain animals, cleaning up messes, or stepping in upfront—she’s always ready to lend a hand. Her willingness to jump in anywhere, combined with her compassion and teamwork, makes a meaningful difference every single day!

Prize: Tisheena has won a $500 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim!

Alesha Hernandez
Certified Veterinary Technician, Barrington Oaks Veterinary Hospital - Elk River, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Alesha’s compassion, knowledge, and positivity shine through in everything she does. With over 15 years in veterinary medicine—including 11 dedicated years at her current hospital—she brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to exceptional care. Specializing in exotic patients, Alesha is always ready to share her expertise, whether she’s advocating for a patient, mentoring a new team member, or guiding an exotic pet owner. Her empathy, teamwork, and ever-present smile make her a true standout in the field.

Prize: Alesha has won a $25 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by Veterinary Hospitals Association!

Jenny Sherman
Veterinary Technician, Walker Animal Hospital - Walker, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Jenny is the kind of teammate everyone hopes to have—steady in a crisis, quick to laugh, and always there when you need her. Her calm, capable presence keeps things running smoothly, whether she’s helping deliver sphynx kittens during an emergency C-section or supporting clients through tough moments. She has a gift for balancing empathy with action, stepping in wherever she’s needed and putting patient care first every single time. Jenny’s reliability, humor, and heart make her a cornerstone of the clinic—and someone her team is truly grateful for.

Prize: Jenny has won a Vet Tech Survival Kit, sponsored by our friends at Positive Impressions!

Shelby Conway
Veterinary Technician, Camden Pet Hospital- Minneapolis, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Shelby is truly one of a kind! Her “can-do” attitude and upbeat energy help keep the entire team motivated and on track. She has a remarkable ability to balance the details—providing top-notch patient care while ensuring every client feels informed and supported. Whether she’s managing the day’s flow or lifting spirits with her positivity, Shelby brings excellence and heart to everything she does. She’s the kind of tech every team dreams of having!

Prize: Shelby has won a Nintendo Switch 2, sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim!

Lucy Whitlock
Veterinary Technician, Shady Oak Veterinary Clinic - Minnetonka, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Lucy is a standout team member who consistently goes above and beyond. Even when her plate is full, she willingly takes on more, always following through with precision and care. Her attention to detail ensures that patients receive the best care possible, and her reliability makes her someone the entire team can count on. Lucy’s dedication and diligence make a meaningful difference every single day.

Prize: Lucy has won a Ninja Luxe Cafe, sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim!

Jennifer Stahl
Lead CVT and Inventory Manager, Eagan Pet Clinic - Eagan, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Jennifer balances it all with skill and heart! As Lead Technician and Inventory Manager, she keeps everything running smoothly while providing exceptional patient care. Outside of work, she’s a dedicated supermom to her two daughters, dog Skye, cat Alex, and horse Shamrock. Jennifer’s organization, compassion, and commitment to both her team and patients make her an incredible asset to her hospital.

Prize: Jennifer has won a $500 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim!

Andrea Bernier
Certified Veterinary Technician, Advanced Veterinary Care- Blaine, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Andrea is the go-to problem solver who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes! From fixing broken items and deep cleaning runs to restocking supplies and tackling the little details others might miss, she always goes above and beyond. Her two lockers are legendary—packed with every “just in case” item anyone could ever need! Andrea’s resourcefulness and dedication have saved the day more times than anyone can count.

Prize: Andrea has won a $25 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by Veterinary Hospitals Association!

Martha Atkins
Veterinary Technician, Woodlake Veterinary Hospital - Richfield, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Martha brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to every shift. She’s always ready to support her team, whether it’s assisting with restraint or handling a tricky blood draw. Martha also has a special touch with clients, providing comfort and guidance during challenging moments. Her expertise and compassion make a meaningful difference every day.

Prize: Martha has won a $300 Visa Gift Card, sponsored by our friends at Purina!

Brooklynn Haas
Certified Veterinary Technician Heritage Animal Hospital - Maple Grove, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Brooklynn is an outstanding technician whose passion for patient care shines in everything she does. Exceptionally organized, she ensures every patient and client receives thorough, timely, and compassionate attention. With a special skill in dentistry and a talent for client education, Brooklynn helps pets stay healthy while empowering their owners to make the best decisions. Her dedication, expertise, and care make her an invaluable part of her team.

Prize: Brooklynn has won an Apple Watch SE 3, sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim!

Melissa Cloutier
Lead CVT, Cannon Valley Vet Clinic - Northfield, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Melissa is the Head Technician at her clinic and a true cornerstone of the team. She’s always ready to lend a hand, go the extra mile for her patients, and ensure harmony among doctors and staff. Known for her exceptional skills, positivity, and reliability, Melissa helps keep the clinic running smoothly and compassionately every single day.

Prize: Melissa has won a $500 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim!

Pamela Medenwaldt
Certified Veterinary Technician, Champlin Park Pet Hospital - Champlin, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Pamela is the kind of technician every team dreams of—always dependable, always ready to jump in, and always there when you need her. Her consistency, reliability, and dedication make her an incredible support to her team and a vital part of the clinic’s success.

Prize: Pamela has won a $25 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by Veterinary Hospitals Association!

Leslie Gearey
Certified Veterinary Technician, Pet Dermatology Clinic - Maple Grove, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Leslie has a gift for connection—she knows her clients, their pets, and all the little details that make each one unique. Her reliability and nurturing spirit make her the go-to “clinic mom” for the entire team, always ready with an answer, a helping hand, or a word of support.

Prize: Leslie has won a Pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3, sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingleheim!

Bretton Fobes
Certified Veterinary Technician Pilot Knob Animal Hospital - Eagan, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Bretton has been instrumental in helping PKAH earn its Cat Friendly Practice recognition from the Feline Veterinary Medical Association. Her dedication to making every visit less stressful—whether for cats or dogs—shows her deep commitment to animal comfort and care. Always calm under pressure and ready to lend a hand, Bretton leads with positivity and mentors others with grace. She’s a true advocate for both patients and teammates alike.

Prize: Bretton has won an Vet Tech Survival Kit, sponsored by our friends at Positive Impressions!

Chloe Solheim
Certified Veterinary Technician, Valley Animal Hospital - Thief River Falls, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Chloe goes above and beyond for every patient and client she meets. Her knowledge, quick action, and genuine care make her an outstanding technician and a trusted member of the Valley Animal team. Always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed, Chloe keeps patient care her top priority—and it shows in everything she does.

Prize: Chloe has won a Bogg Bag and Paw Charm, sponsored by our friends at PetDesk!

Melissa Wimsett
Hospital Manager & CVT, Douglas Animal Hospital - Osseo, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Melissa’s dedication, leadership, and passion for veterinary medicine shine through in everything she does. Starting as a receptionist at Douglas Animal Hospital, she worked her way up to Hospital Administrator while continuing to excel as a skilled and compassionate technician. She’s a true leader—supporting her team, volunteering her time, and inspiring those around her to grow.

Prize: Melissa has won a $500 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim!

Molly McGinnis
CVT & Practice Manager, Northwest Animal Hospital - Plymouth, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Molly is the heart of the clinic—always keeping things running smoothly and supporting her team every step of the way. She’s a natural teacher, a problem solver, and a steady source of care and encouragement. Passionate and dependable, Molly gives her all every single day, and the team wouldn’t be the same without her!

Prize: Molly has won a $25 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by Veterinary Hospitals Association!

Grace Boe
Lead CVT & Head of Radiology, South Hyland Pet Hospital - Minneapolis, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Grace is a skilled and well-rounded technician who excels in every area—from surgery and patient care to client education and staff safety. As Lead CVT and head of the radiology department, she’s respected by her teammates for her knowledge, leadership, and down-to-earth personality. Grace’s dedication and teamwork make everyone around her better!

Prize: Grace has won a $300 Visa Gift Card, sponsored by our friends at Purina!

Stefanie Benson
Certified Veterinary Technician Northern Veterinary Clinic - Bemidji, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Stefanie always puts patient care and comfort first, going above and beyond to support her team and ease the workload. Her upbeat personality keeps everyone smiling, and clients appreciate how she remembers every patient’s unique details. She brings warmth, dedication, and fun to everything she does!

Prize: Stefanie has won an Apple Watch SE 3 sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim!

Jessie Cramer
Lead CVT, Southview Animal Hospital - West St. Paul, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Jessie consistently goes above and beyond—not only in the care she provides to her patients, but also in the support she offers to her team. She ensures that every patient receives timely, high-quality care, and she takes the lead in guiding the team to deliver that standard. Jessie is also a natural teacher, always willing to share her knowledge and help others grow. Her dedication, leadership, and mentorship make a meaningful impact every day!

Prize: Jessie has won a $500 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim!

Jessie Pudil
CVT & Director of Laboratory Services, St. Francis Animal Hospital - Roseville, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: Jessie has a remarkable talent for juggling so many tasks, from managing a complicated anesthesia to helping a veterinary assistant learn how to perform radiographs to jumping in to assist a doctor with a spicy patient. In addition to all of her technician duties, she serves as the Director of Laboratory Services for St. Francis Animal Hospital, managing all of their laboratory services. Jessie does all of this with the kindest heart and an upbeat attitude — patients, clients, and staff adore her!

Prize: Jessie has won a $25 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by Veterinary Hospitals Association!

Janet Platte
Veterinary Technician, All Creatures Veterinary Clinic - Red Wing, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: You won’t come across a technician more dedicated and passionate than Janet is! She’s been helping clients and their pets at All Creatures for over 30 years – talk about loyalty! She’s great at small talk with anyone and really gets to know the people and their animals on a more personal level. With her level of experience, she really is their go-to tech for anything. Janet also specializes in spicy cat restraint!

Prize: Janet has won a Vet Tech Survival Kit, sponsored by our friends at Positive Impressions!

Jen Wolf
CVT & Co-Head of Surgery & Dental, South Hyland Pet Hospital - Minneapolis, MN

About the Trailblazing Vet Tech: One of Jen’s many responsibilities is ensuring that all of South Hyland’s anesthesia machines and surgical instruments are properly maintained and monitored for repairs—a vital role that keeps their patients safe and surgeries running smoothly. She pairs this precision with genuine compassion for every patient she cares for, showing love and dedication to every tail that walks through the door!

Prize: Jen has won a pair of Apple AirPods Pro 3’s, sponsored by our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim!