4 ways to celebrate World Veterinary Day

This year’s World Veterinary Day takes place on April 24^th. How will you be giving a shout-out to the profession?

Each year there is a new theme for World Veterinary Day. This year the theme is ‘The Veterinarian Response to the Covid-19 Crisis’. While veterinarians have continued to play a vital role in assisting our beloved fur friends, COVID-19 has placed them under increased pressure.

Nonetheless, the pandemic and the way in which veterinarians have managed to continue offering their services have shown the strength of the profession.

7 fun veterinary facts

Why not raise awareness of World Veterinary Day by sharing a few interesting facts about vets? Here are a few to get the ball rolling…

1. The term veterinarian comes from the Latin world veterinae, which means ‘working animals’.
2. In 1961 Claude Bourgelat set up the first veterinary school in Lyon, France.
3. The word ‘Veterinarian” was first used in print by Thomas Browne in 1646.
4. Veterinary work isn’t all about animal injuries and euthanasia—there are many areas for vets to specialise in including radiology, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, oncology, preventative animal medicine (including vaccinations), internal medicines and surgery.
5. Veterinary work is no walk in the park; during the course of their job, more than half of all vets are seriously injured.
6. Vets were apparently at the forefront of ending malaria in the United States!
7. Veterinarians are the only doctors educated to protect the health of animals and humans. They play a critical and vital role in animal health and welfare, environmental protection, research, food safety and public health.

How will you celebrate World Veterinary Day 2021?

The World Veterinary Association (WVA) encourages the global veterinary community to get involved in this year’s initiative. Applications are now open for the World Veterinary Day Award, which honours one WVA member’s activities in line with the 2021 theme (COVID-19). Applications must be received by May 24^th, 2021.

However, whether or not you intend to enter into the awards, you can celebrate this special day. Here are a few ways to get involved.

1. Join forces with your local community

Why not host a community open day at your clinic? Fire up the barbecue and provide a sausage sizzle, with proceeds going to your local animal shelter. This is a great opportunity to introduce your entire team to local pet parents.

2. Host an educational seminar

Vets are an integral part of animal wellbeing and welfare. There are many important topics you can help educate people on. Choose a topic that is close to your heart and host a seminar to share your knowledge. Certainly, there’s the choice to host it online or face-to-face (in line with local COVID restrictions).

3. Thank your team

We know that stress and burnout are common amongst the veterinary community. We also know that encouraging a positive workplace culture is beneficial for staff morale and business. So, if you’re a veterinary owner or manager, why not organise a ’thank you’ event for your team?

It might be a clinic-based get-together or a long lunch, but use this as a great opportunity to tell your staff just how valued and appreciated they are.

4. Promote World Veterinary Day via your social media

A super-easy way to get involved in this year’s event is to promote the work of vets around the globe by sharing key facts and information about the vital work you do. After all, by protecting animals, vets help preserve the future for us all. Check out the World Organisation for Animal Health’s One Health concept here.