In honor of Vet Tech Week, we had the privilege of chatting with Brittany from Bend Animal Emergency and Specialty Center.
Vet techs play such a crucial role in animal health and welfare, and it definitely takes a special kind of person to work in that environment on a daily basis. Brittany’s compassion and dedication shines in all that she does, and she is making a huge impact in our community.
Her big heart and genuine spirit leave not only the animals feeling loved, but their parents empowered and heard. So please take a moment to help us celebrate this amazing human and learn more about her life as a vet tech!
Tell us a bit about yourself!
My husband and I moved to Bend the day after Christmas in 2014. We knew not a soul in town, didn’t have jobs lined up, it was incredibly scary, but in all reality, it was the best thing we ever did! We came to Bend with our chihuahua Oliver and black cat, Hemi. Since we moved to Bend the pack has grown by two more black cats, Smudge and Twitch and a chihuahua named Finnius Deschutes.
When we adopted Finn, I looked into a low-cost vaccine clinic and that’s how I learned about Bend Spay and Neuter Program. I quickly applied to be a volunteer, which led to a position on the board of directors. Giving back to my community in some form is what I love, so I was thrilled when I connected with BSNP.
I have been working at Bend Animal Emergency and Specialty Center for the last year and have really enjoyed the overall learning experience and deeply appreciate the quality of medicine we provide for our patients. I also passed my Vet Tech National Examination (VTNE) in December 2021 and received my official license in January of this year- after 5 years of school, along with small and large animal externships. This has been one of the most fulfilling and challenging goals of my life becoming a CVT! BAE was a huge support system for me as I studied for my exams, rooting me along the whole time. Within the last couple of months, I have started a new role with BAE as our community outreach coordinator.
What do you do as Community Outreach Coordinator?
This gives me the ability to reach out to members of our community to let them know the services we provide and that we are here for them and their pets. Our mission statement is to bring high quality, community focused, emergency, specialty, and critical care veterinary services to Central Oregon companion animals by improving veterinary employee industry working standards.
Our high-quality care comes from quality employees, that are retained through improved base standards of management, benefits, and training.
It has been quite incredible to see how BAE has grown and flourished during its first year under the ownership of Dr. Adam Stone and Dr. Naomi Kitagaki.
We have tripled the staff within the first 9 months of operation. Moving from about 12 employees to almost 40 after 1 year! The owners work on the floor along with the staff, instead of managing the clinic from another city.Wwhich is one of the major issues behind corporate vet hospital ownership.
It’s wild to think that most of the larger, established, local hospitals here in Central Oregon are owned by large vet corporations now.
When did you know you wanted to be a vet tech? Or have you always known?
Cats. I’m fairly certain that was my first word! My love of animals started at a very young age (especially cats!), however it took me until I was almost 30 years old to realize that I was meant to work in the veterinary medicine field. Several years back, I volunteered my time on the board of directors for Bend Spay and Neuter Program. After two and a half years serving on the board, I was approached by the medical director and was asked to join the medical team as a veterinary assistant. From then on, I knew in my heart that I needed to be professionally connected to the animal welfare community and more specifically, dedicate my time to dogs and cats in need.
Who or what inspires you?
My husband Rick is a HUGE inspiration in my life, on a daily basis! Every day before I head off to work, he says “go save em, baby!” which is always so helpful and motivating to hear before a long day at work.
My mom has also been super supportive and inspiring throughout my life. She is involved in community outreach here in Central Oregon, so that apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! I was always taught to give back to my community, this was instilled in me as a kiddo.
When you’re not working at Bend Animal Emergency as a vet tech, what do you like to do??
Ohhh good question! I love cooking new recipes with Rick or barbecuing in any kind of weather! Rick and I just bought a 66’ Volkswagen Beetle that we are starting to do fun projects on together, so that is my new favorite extracurricular activity. We love road tripping to the Oregon coast as often as we can, but also like planning trips to new and unfamiliar places. I have also really enjoyed volunteering my time with CAMP, by helping out at their monthly vaccine clinics here in Bend.
I’m sure that every day is a unique adventure in the ER, but what does a typical day look like for you?
Generally, we come into our shifts, making sure things are stocked and ready to roll for the next patients coming in.
We have a bell that alarms in the back treatment area when an emergency arrives to the clinic, or as we call a “STAT.” When this happens, usually two people will run up front- one person will grab the patient, and the other will stay with the owner and collect a detailed medical history.
It’s absolutely a team effort during an emergency situation like this and we really work well collectively as a group. And again, some days we have no stats come in, and others that dang bell will ring 3,4, 5 times in a shift!
Are there any common cases you see as a vet tech?
The more common cases seem to have a seasonality to them.
We see cheat grass foreign bodies mostly from May through September, with a peak in early summer.
We see more cases of heart failure and respiratory disease during the summer as well.
THC intoxication seems to be a year-round issue.
GI obstructions are more common in winter months as pets spend more time indoors.
But overall, common cases include dog bite wounds/lacerations, vomiting/diarrhea, ingestion of chocolate/grapes/rodent poison/toys, and/or allergic reactions.
5 tips or words of wisdom for dog parents?
Buy pet insurance, it’ll be super helpful in the long run and save you some serious $$$
It’s super important to develop a strong relationship with your regular veterinarian through yearly exams. Take their advice on things like vaccinations, dental care and preventatives. You want your family veterinarian on your team if an unexpected emergency pops up! But of course, BAE is always here for you too!
Spend money on dog training and teach off-leash recall. It could save your dog’s life, and prevent major emergency expenses. Understand that in public areas, your dog should not invade the personal space of other people or dogs unless given permission. We unfortunately see a fair amount of dog bite wounds because of this…
Provide enrichment for your dog- whether it’s a new, stimulating toy, or taking them somewhere new and dog friendly. Or if you have a senior dog that cannot walk long distances, get a stroller or sling so that can still enough outside time with you!
Microchip your dog! In the event that your pet goes missing, microchips and collars are incredibly helpful in the process of reuniting people and their pets.
What or where are some of your favorite dog friendly spots in Bend?
Ha! Well, I have two small dogs- one of which who is terrified of new people and the other isn’t a fan of other dogs, so this can be challenging.
We like taking the boys to Midtown Yacht Club or On Tap, as the dogs there usually seem to be very well behaved. Oliver our older chihuahua will usually be with us in his stroller, as it provides him with enrichment, since he physically doesn’t walk long distances. We also enjoy walking them at Pine Nursery around the big, looped pathway or down on the river trail near the Old Mill.
For more information about Bend Animal Emergency and Specialty Center, please visit their website: bendanimaler.com or on Facebook.
Author: Mandy Bradley
Mandy resides in Bend with her husband, daughter, two cats, and rescue dog. Her passion for animal advocacy started as a young girl, and has since then become a big part of her life. Whether it's exploring the great outdoors or curling up with a book, you can be sure there's an animal by her side.