Terrific ways to tout technicians and team members

You know your veterinary practice wouldn't survive without you and your team members' hard work. And while you might not always get the thanks you deserve, your opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments is coming up.

National Veterinary Technician Week is Oct. 10 to 16, and it's a time for you to receive credit for your dedication to your practice. At Inver Grove Heights Animal Hospital in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., this credit comes in many different forms—and it's not reserved just for technicians.

"We celebrate 'Staff Appreciation Week,'" says practice manager Liane Laughlin, CVT. "It's quite an event, and the staff really looks forward to it."

And why wouldn't they? The event is a regular party at the practice—here are a few of last year's perks:

• Half-hour professional massages

• Free movie tickets

• A breakfast bar with fresh omelets

• A caramel apple bar with melted caramel, nuts, cereals, and candies

• A happy hour after work

• Catered lunches

• A $50 credit to use for pet care

Associate doctors at the practice get in on the fun, too. In past years, they've created ice cream sundae bars—complete with numerous flavors of ice cream and toppings—and ordered customized coffee mugs for each team member. Laughlin even used her talents as an artist to teach painting classes in the evenings.

Finally, make technicians—and team members—wildly popular among clients through a "meet the team" bulletin board. Visit dvm360.com/meettheteam to get started by downloading customizable forms.