New virtual platform for veterinary technician educators to come

Photo: Prathankarnpap/Adobe Stock

The Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE) is introducing a new online community dedicated to veterinary technician educators. The initiative, which was announced at the AVTE 2025 Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on August 4th, is a collaboration between the AVTE and Chewy Health.

“This collaboration is more than a technology initiative—it’s a tangible step in advancing AVTE’s core concept of One Community, where veterinary technician educators are supported, connected, and inspired through a collective purpose,” reads a news release by the AVTE and Chewy Health.¹

The upcoming virtual space is expected to launch in late 2025. It will allow veterinary technician educators to connect, exchange resources, navigate common challenges, and participate in discussions centered around the role as veterinary technician educators. The initial costs of the project will be funded by Chewy Health, who will actively contribute to content, join in on conversations, and share teaching resources with the platform’s users.

“We are incredibly grateful to Chewy Health for not only supporting this new community platform but for believing that high-quality education of the next generation of veterinary technicians is vital,” said Tricia Gorham, FVTE, AVTE president, in the news release.¹ “Their partnership helps us move from idea to action, and we’re excited to take this first step forward—side by side.”

The dynamic hub will be a secure, member-driven space where educators will be able to come together and engage with the platform, which will act as a virtual town hall, resource center, and peer support network. The digital platform will be a place to ask questions, swap classroom tools and find camaraderie and mentorship in one area, according to Chewy Health and AVTE.

“At Chewy Health, we believe that expanding access to educational and professional resources is essential to advancing the veterinary profession,” said Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health.¹ “This collaboration with AVTE is an extension of our commitment to supporting veterinary professionals at every stage of their journey. With this innovative community platform, we hope to create a space where veterinary technician educators feel empowered, connected and inspired.”

Chewy Health said it hopes its early investment in the new virtual space for this veterinary community will “signal the importance of this effort and inspire other organizations to lend their voices, resources and support to foster the growth of this community.”¹

Beyond the upcoming platform, the AVTE focuses on supporting and improving the education of veterinary technician students through member groups, other virtual learning opportunities. The organization also hosts a yearly conference, which offers workshops and other educational sessions with best practices for educators to implement into their classrooms.²

References

1. AVTE and Chewy Health partner to launch online community for veterinary technician educators. News release. Chewy Health, Association of Veterinary Technicians. August 4, 2025.
2. About. Association of Veterinary Technician Educators. Accessed August 5, 2025. https://www.avte.net/about