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The paraveterinarian is the face of the veterinary practice and is playing an increasingly vital role in the evolving veterinary landscape. Yet, many paravets are leaving the profession due to a lack of challenge and appreciation. What opportunities lie ahead, and what hurdles must be overcome?

What once began as the vet’s wife lending a hand in the practice has evolved into a professional occupation playing an indispensable role. Paraveterinarians, also known as paravets, are often the first point of contact for pet owners and assist veterinarians with medical procedures, animal care, and administration. Some paravets are seeking more opportunities for development and challenge. “We’re now losing those people,” notes Robert Favier, Director of Education for Professionals at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. “It’s important to keep paravets passionate about their profession and to offer them opportunities for advanced training.”

I try to keep contact with owners accessible, so that people feel more comfortable asking questions and need to worry less about their pets.

That’s something Samantha Bloemscheer, paravet at Evidensia in Rotterdam, has experienced firsthand. “I was looking for more challenge in my work, so I followed the differentiation ‘consulting paraveterinarian’. Now I assist patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or kidney failure. I really enjoy supporting the owners as well. I try to keep contact with them accessible, so that people feel more comfortable asking questions and need to worry less about their pets.” Bloemscheer believes that in the future, more and more will be expected of paravets and that their role will become more challenging.

Making better use of potential

Marleen Langen, chair of the paraveterinary professional association Vedias, also sees the role of paravets shifting and growing. ‘We need to make better use of the potential of paravets in the future, so that the work matches their qualities. This also includes expanding the range of procedures that paravets are allowed to perform.’ As examples, Langen mentions minor surgical treatments, such as suturing and removing lumps, and procedures in dentistry or anaesthesia. Thanks to the efforts of Vedias, it is now also possible for paravets to be trained as radiation specialists. This enables them to take X-rays independently, something that was previously reserved for vets.

Expanding the duties of paravets could also ease the pressure on vets. According to Favier, there is still a lack of clarity about the work involved. ‘We need to define the tasks properly, but at the moment there is no central authority that can take decisive action. I expect that the soon-to-be-formed Professional Organisation for Veterinary Professions will be able to play an important role in this.’ Paravet Bloemscheer also recognises the need for clear tasks. ‘A list of procedures would help. At the moment, we sometimes feel like we're being thrown in at the deep end.’

The shift in paravets' tasks is in line with the changing veterinary landscape. ‘Large chains operate differently from small practices and offer more specialised care. This creates a demand for paravets with more advanced training,’ explains Favier. But not all paravets are keen to pursue further study, Bloemscheer has noticed among her colleagues. And they don't have to. Favier and Langen expect more diversity in the future, with small practices employing all-round paravets and large companies employing paravets who have undergone advanced training.

Practising in the X-ray room

These kinds of changes require well-equipped paravets. Favier is developing advanced educational programmes at the faculty. ‘We want to give substance to the development of paravets. We consider what they need to perform their tasks on the ground.’ To this end, the faculty seeks cooperation with the professional field and vocational education programmes. ‘We want to bring more structure to our programmes and focus on reflection, self-insight and workplace learning. We are currently exploring a development track on taking good X-rays for around fifteen paravets, where they can practise in groups in the X-ray room and share the experiences from their practices.’

We should utilise the power of collaboration between vet and paravet.

Strengthening equality

The need for more challenge is not the only reason why paravets leave the profession. According to the chair of the professional association, appreciation is also often lacking. Langen: ‘Some paravets cannot make ends meet or have to deal with an unpleasant working environment due to a strong hierarchy and lack of trust.’ Langen believes that the faculty can contribute to a cultural change by better preparing veterinary students for working with paravets. ‘We should emphasise and utilise the power of collaboration. This can strengthen the sense of equality, in which the paravet is truly a profession in its own right, complementary to that of the veterinarian.’ Bloemscheer's experiences already offer some hope: ‘In my practice, I feel supported by the vets. They are pleased with my development and place a great deal of trust in me.’

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