In honor of National Veterinary Technician Week, Snout School is proud to feature some inspiring women technicians. They are using their brands to disrupt the vet tech space and bringing the importance of this profession to light.
First up, Serena Pudelski, owner and operator of The Traveling Technician.
Serena has been a veterinary technician for over 11 years, and started her traveling tech business back in 2016 after noticing a need for in-home care for pets and relieving owners of unnecessary vet visits for tasks that did not have to be done by a veterinarian.
Was there a particular moment that sparked Serena’s idea for a mobile vet tech business?
Yes! Serena worked in a general practice before starting The Traveling Technician, and notes a particular visit with a dog who came in for a nail trim and it did. not. go. well.
It took three or four employees to safely restrain the dog, the dog was upset, and the owner was upset. Serena thought, “What if we didn’t have to stress this dog out in the office? What if things like this could be done at home, either by a technician OR the dog’s owner?”
Voila, The Traveling Technician was born!
What exactly does Serena do as a mobile vet tech?
Serena covers ALL the things a veterinary technician would do within a clinic, but in the comfort of the client’s home. What does that include? Lots of things, but to name a few:
- Anal gland expression
- Nail trims
- Medication administration
- Client education
That last one, client education, is especially important. Why? Because pet owners have questions about SO many different aspects of pet ownership that a veterinary technician can help them with. The list of topics she gets questions about is endless, but include things like:
- What is the purpose of a dental for my pet?
- New puppy or kitten questions.
- Heartworm medication and flea/tick preventative suggestions.
- Behavioral training recommendations.
- What kind of pet works for which lifestyles?
- So much more!
Client education is something Serena is specifically passionate about. So much so that she actually offers digital products to clients that cover many of the topics they often ask about more extensively. Through this profession, Serena has witnessed how much owners actually love to learn new things. Her digital education products give owners an opportunity to feel more confident about taking care of their beloved pets.
How big is Serena’s team?
Serena wears ALL the hats in her business! She’s a one-woman show! When she’s not out in the community with her clients, she’s operating her business from the comfort of her home. She loves how amazing it is to set her own hours, work for herself, do what she loves, and make more money for her efforts! By starting her own business using her tech expertise, she has TRIPLED her income since working in general practice.
What is her advice for other RVTs who potentially want to start their own business?
-Check your state’s VMA for information on what a RVT is legally able to do outside of a veterinary practice.
-Know you CAN use your skills and knowledge to further your career and simultaneously help others help their pets.
Serena can help YOU build your own RVT house call business too! She teaches you how using her other business, The Vet Tech Society.
“I want to reach the masses. I want to help change the veterinary community. I want to help normalize soul RVT-ism. I want to make it not so taboo that an RVT wants to work for themselves.”– Serena Pudelski
Need help building your brand as a mobile vet tech?
While Serena can help you with the logistics, we can help you create and market your brand. Check out our courses and coaching programs to get started!