Delaware Veterinary Medical Association

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Delaware Veterinary Medical Association

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The Delaware Veterinary Medical Association is a professional association for licensed veterinarians. The DVMA Serves Delaware’s Other Family Doctors

We are the professional membership organization for veterinary professionals in and around the state of Delaware.

10/24/2026

Kelly Coleman, LVT, CVT
Trupanion

A patient that will always stick with me was an emaciated, senior Jack Russell Terrier. The owner dropped him off to be euthanized, didn't even stay to give this poor dog comfort in his last moments. I treated that poor boy as if he was my own, held him in his last breaths and cried for this beautiful creature that was left to selfishly suffer. I vowed to always tell pet owners that it is better to euthanize one day too early than one day too late. Having a pet for it's entire life and then giving up on them in death is cruel. The following week I had an appointment with a new dentist, I walked in to the exam room and it was the owner of the JRT, I walked out.

10/23/2026

Rut Finnsdottir, RVT, LVT
Central Shore Veterinary Services

COVID was a demanding time for everyone in veterinary medicine: our clients, patients, technicians, assistants, kennel staff, receptionists, and doctors. But it was also amazing. It was an accelerated course in doing what needed to be done with whatever we had. All hands on deck: see one, talk through one, do one. What I learned and witnessed in those months would have taken years in “normal” times.
One evening, a Chihuahua came to us in dystocia. We rushed her into the surgical suite for an emergency C-section, but she was already in terrible shape. As soon as we induced her, we began losing her. We did everything we could, and she died.
As our doctor stripped off his gloves and started to walk away, I said, “Wait, what about the puppies?” He said they were already gone. I asked, “Shouldn’t we at least check?” He rolled his eyes, looked at me, and said, “Hand me the blade.”
That evening, we handed three living puppies to their crying owner. She was grieving her beloved dog and overwhelmed at the thought of caring for newborns, but she was also crying with relief. It was a magical night for all of us.
It reminded me that no question is stupid, and “we’ve never done it that way before” doesn’t mean it won’t work. Sometimes pausing, asking one more question, and trying can make all the difference. 🐾

10/22/2026

Courtney Hershey, LVT
First State Urgent Vet/ Premier Paws LLC

During a demanding shift at an urgent care animal hospital, I served as a steady presence who helped keep our team connected and focused. With a busy caseload, unexpected emergencies, and the emotional stress that comes with caring for critically ill animals, I made an effort to communicate clearly, support my coworkers, and step in wherever I was needed. I helped maintain a positive attitude, encouraged teamwork, and stayed calm when the pace became overwhelming. By being dependable and willing to help wherever needed, I helped keep the team working efficiently and made sure we continued providing compassionate care to our patients and their families throughout the entire shift.

10/21/2026

Brianna Robinson, LVT
Twin Tales Veterinary Hospital

Recently we have seen an uproar in malignant growths in young dogs at our facility. Especially with an adopted pitbull that the family obtained 6 months ago. I have seen this puppy almost every visit and she is the sweetest little girl. She had a wound on her hind end since she was adopted and we biopsied recently and she was diagnosed with low grade MCT. She is 8 months old. Still with all this going on she wags her tail, gives me her belly, and all the kisses. In this sense she gives me strength and allows me to put in a brave face to talk about this with her family. I hope she knows how much I love her, and how much we all love her! Patients like her make me a stronger veterinary technician.

10/20/2026

Melissa Eierman, LVT
Governors Avenue Animal Hospital

When Knox was diagnosed with CKD and started SQ fluids several times a week, he hated needles. He’d urinate every time and had to be muzzled. With lots of patience (and peanut butter), he slowly came out of his shell until one day he stopped urinating beforehand and no longer needed the muzzle.
For about 6 months he got fluids 2-3 times a week. I adored his mom, who did everything for her baby. On days he stayed with us, I sent her photos of us playing and spent my breaks beside his kennel reading books.
In the end, he was hospitalized with us and I knew it was time. I ate my lunch lying next to him before his mom came back to say goodbye. I was heartbroken.
The doctor told me I was instrumental in his care. Even with a poor CKD prognosis, I got to give him a great quality of life in his final months. I’ll always remember Knox, “my best friend.”

10/19/2026

Jill Chapin, LVT
Twin Tales Veterinary Hospital

Years ago, I met a tiny rottie pup named Bella in the weekly puppy socialization class I led. I saw her through her puppy visits and every wellness appointment after. She didn’t love being examined, but she was brave, sweet, and trusting, and her owners were thoughtful and gave her excellent care.
Bella grew into her senior years with the quiet dignity of a rottie who’s “seen it all.” Then she started limping and was diagnosed with bone cancer. Her pain was well controlled for months, until the day it was time to say goodbye. I felt so lucky to be there for her peaceful final moments with the doctor, both of us having cared for her her whole life, supporting her owners as we said goodbye on a Friday afternoon.
After more than 15 years in practice, I’ve known many unforgettable patients, from rambunctious puppies and kittens to sweet, stiff seniors. Bella is one of them. Maybe it’s our bond from those early puppy classes, or her kind owners. Either way, I won’t forget her. 🐾

10/18/2026

National Veterinary Technician Week starts today! We asked our LVT members to:
*tell us about a patient (or client) that stuck with them— what happened, and why they still think about it
*describe a moment when they had to be the calm, steady presence for a scared animal or a grieving client
*share a time their care made a difference beyond the medical treatment itself
*tell us about a moment they felt proud of their technical expertise, or
*describe a time they were the glue that held a tough case (or a tough day) together

Follow along as we share stories from our member LVTs throughout the week.

10/16/2026

National Veterinary Technician Week begins on Sunday!

This year’s theme, “Credentialed Veterinary Technicians: Endless Compassion, Expert Care; Celebrating the Soul of Veterinary Medicine,” honors the essential role Credentialed Veterinary Technicians play in delivering skilled, compassionate care to animals, supporting clients, and strengthening the veterinary healthcare team.

DVMA invites its member LVTs to join the celebration by sharing one of the following:

Tell us about a patient (or client) that stuck with you — what happened, and why you still think about it.

Describe a moment when you had to be the calm, steady presence for a scared animal or a grieving client.

Share a time your care made a difference beyond the medical treatment itself.

Tell us about a moment you felt proud of your technical expertise.

Describe a time you were the glue that held a tough case (or a tough day) together.

Four $25 Amazon gift cards will be randomly awarded for submissions received by 8:00 am on Monday, October 19. Everyone who submits their story will receive a DVMA notepad and sticker.

To enter, visit: https://link.journeycare.app/widget/form/NgsnHCdBBRm2PMnhy9Tf

07/27/2026

Being a part of a veterinary team means wearing many hats all at once — and something often slips. Beyond Medicine gives veterinary team members practical, same-day-usable tools to strengthen operations, culture, and ethics in one CE-packed day.

📍 Lighthouse Cove Event Center, Dewey Beach | Sept 18, 2026

Learn more and register now at discounted pricing =>
https://www.devma.org/practice-management-symposium

07/23/2026

Delaware OAW is proud to sponsor an ASAR (Animal Search and Rescue) Training on Friday, August 14 at the Delaware State Fire School in Dover!

This FREE 8-hour course covers companion animal and large animal behavior, handling, and triage during disasters — both in the field and in shelter settings.

🙌 Highlight of the day: hands-on, live animal handling exercises in the afternoon! You'll practice real-world scenarios with both companion and large animals — invaluable experience to build your confidence for actual disaster deployments.

Whether you've already completed American Humane training or you're just starting your disaster response journey, we encourage you to sign up. The more trained responders we have, the better prepared Delaware is to help animals when disaster strikes.

📅 Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Delaware State Fire School, 1461 Chestnut Grove Road, Dover

To register, email Deanna Nash at [email protected].

Address

Newark, DE
19711

Telephone

+13024558387

Website

http://www.devma.org/

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