This week on the Passionate Pawedcast I’m bringing back the amazing Rachelle Brozek, RVT for one last powerful chat this season! Ever feel like you’re stuck on autopilot at work—just moving by default? 🚀
We discuss Intention by Default where we dive deep into how to flip that switch and show up with intention in everything you do—from your energy to your decisions and even those little details that make all the difference.

Get ready for honest conversation, actionable tips, and the kind of inspiration that’ll have you pressing refresh on how you work and live. Because this finale? It’s all about taking control and making every moment count. 🎯

Let’s close out Season 2 with a BANG! 🎉

This week on the Passionate Pawedcast, we are diving into The Importance of Regulatory Compliance. We’re talking all things rules, responsibility, and real-world impact with Compliance Support Manager Tara Lee! Tara breaks down why compliance isn’t just red tape—it’s a powerful tool for protecting patients, teams, and the integrity of veterinary practice. From medication handling to legal obligations, we explore how understanding and upholding standards can prevent fines, support safety, and build lasting trust. Don’t miss this essential conversation on doing things by the book—and why it matters. 📚✨

This week on The Passionate Pawedcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on Surgery Intern Secrets with Dr. Taylor Massengale and Dr. Navjit Mahal. 🗂️💉 From marathon days in the OR to the emotional weight of the job, these two surgical interns get real about the grit, growth, and grace it takes to survive—and thrive—during one of the most intense years in veterinary medicine.

This week on The Passionate Pawedcast, we’re exploring The Choice of Happiness with Uncredentialed Technician Jocelyn Patino.Listen in as she opens up about what it really means to find and protect your joy in veterinary medicine. From letting go of emotional overload to finding peace in the simple moments (yes, even folding laundry!), Jocelyn shares how small, intentional actions can shift your entire workday.
Whether you’re deep in the trenches or just trying to keep your spark alive, this episode is a reminder that happiness isn’t accidental—it’s a choice.

This week on The Passionate Pawedcast, we’re turning down the lights and dialing up the focus—because it’s all about anesthesia. 🌀 Join us for All About Anesthesia VTS with Meagan Crowley, a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Anesthesia and Analgesia. Meagan walks us through her path to specialization, what it takes to keep patients safe and pain-free, and the critical thinking skills behind every dose and data point.

This week on The Passionate Pawedcast, we’re talking Recognition with Client Care Specialist, Alexandra Hendricks. She opens up about what it truly means to feel seen at work—and how hollow recognition can sometimes do more harm than good. Tune in as Alexandra shares what genuine appreciation looks like, why it matters, and how it can change the culture of a team from the inside out.

This week on The Passionate Pawedcast, we're shining a spotlight on the heartbeat of the hospital—the veterinary assistant!🐾 In “All About AVA,” we’re joined by Approved Veterinary Assistants Lee Lampkin and Maribel Mejia-Duran, who share their unique journeys, the role of AVA accreditation, and the vital work they do every day in patient care. From wrangling patients with care to keeping the clinic running smoothly, Lee and Maribel give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to be a veterinary assistant—and why the title carries so much meaning.

This week on The Passionate Pawedcast, we’re diving into Mentorship with the insightful Dr. Jagdeep Deol! 🌟 From humble beginnings to becoming a Radiology resident, Dr. Deol shares how mentorship shaped his career—and how he’s paying it forward today. Tune in as we explore what it really means to guide, inspire, and uplift others in this field. Whether you're a student seeking direction, a seasoned vet looking to give back, or just curious about the ripple effect of a good mentor, this episode will leave you feeling empowered.

This week on the Passionate Pawedcast, we’re Reigniting Your Passion for Work with Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Dr. Kayla Banks! Tune in as she shares how to rediscover joy in your career, both inside and outside the clinic. Dr. Banks offers practical tips and heartfelt advice for anyone looking to fall back in love with the work they do.

List of Organizations you can volunteer at:

Animal Shelters (such as county or city Humane Society) & Rescue Organizations (general or breed specific)

• Assist with medical care, including vaccinations, wound care, and basic exams.
• Help with spay/neuter clinics.
• Provide emergency care for rescued animals.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

• Care for injured and orphaned wildlife.
• Assist with medical procedures, feeding, and habitat maintenance.

Low-Cost Veterinary Clinics

• Volunteer at nonprofit veterinary clinics that serve low-income pet owners.
• Provide basic medical assistance, client education, and post-surgical care.

Disaster Response & Animal Rescue Teams

• Join emergency response teams to help animals affected by natural disasters.
• Work with organizations like the ASPCA, Humane Society, or FEMA-affiliated animal rescue groups.

Veterinary Outreach Programs

• Provide free or low-cost veterinary care to underserved communities.
• Travel with mobile clinics to rural or homeless pet-owner populations.

Therapy & Service Animal Programs

• Assist in training and caring for therapy or service animals.
• Support veterinary checkups for working animals.

Veterinary Mission Trips & Global Outreach

• Work with organizations like World Vets or Mission Rabies to provide veterinary care in developing countries.
• Help with mass vaccination and spay/neuter efforts.

Zoos & Aquariums

• Volunteer in animal care, medical treatment, or research programs.
• Support veterinary teams in maintaining exotic animal health.

Specific San Diego Opportunities

·         San Diego Humane Society
San Diego, Escondido, Oceanside, and El Cajon

·         Project Street Vet
Seeks volunteer veterinarians and veterinary staff to run pet clinics and provide street veterinary work for pets of individuals experiencing homelessness. They have active teams in San Diego and other locations. Project Street Vet

·         Street dog coalition https://www.thestreetdogcoalition.org/

·         Helen Woodward Animal Center
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, this center offers various volunteer opportunities, including assisting in their Equine Hospital.

·         San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
expected to reopen in late 2025

·         San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife
Project Wildlife focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife. Volunteers assist with daily feeding, medical assessments, and enclosure maintenance.

• Lions Tigers & Bears
  Located in Alpine, this sanctuary provides lifetime care to over 60 rescued exotic animals.
• San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge
  Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this refuge offers volunteer opportunities through the South Bay Volunteers program
• San Diego Bird Alliance
  This organization focuses on bird conservation at  Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve and the Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary
• MARA Rescue
  Based in Escondido, MARA Rescue is a nonprofit sanctuary providing lifetime care to over 60 farm animals and exotics rescued from neglect or abuse.

Before applying, ensure you meet each organization's specific requirements and consider attending their orientations or training sessions. 

This week on The Passionate Pawedcast, we’re diving into Supervising: The Art of Balance with Uncredentialed Technician Nate Vietinghoff. Listen to how he masters the art of supervising with heart, humor, and hustle. From juggling team dynamics to keeping that perfect balance between support and accountability. Whether you’re stepping into leadership or just curious about what it takes to keep a team thriving, this episode is packed with practical tips and real talk that’ll inspire you to lead like a pro!

This week on the Passionate Pawedcast, we dive into the topic of caregiver fatigue with Approved Veterinary Assistant, Cat Strong! Cat shares her personal experiences navigating the emotional toll of veterinary care, offering insight into the challenges and importance of recognizing compassion fatigue. Tune in as we explore the realities of supporting others while remembering to care for ourselves.💕

This week on the Passionate Pawedcast, we’re exploring Misconceptions About Oncology with Veterinary Oncologist Dr. Mairin Miller! Tune in as she unpacks common myths surrounding veterinary cancer care, shares the heart behind her work, and offers insight into the compassionate and hopeful side of oncology.

https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vth/animal-health/considering-your-pets-quality-of-life-in-the-midst-of-disease/

This week on The Passionate Pawedcast, we're diving into Fear Free with Registered Veterinary Technician Rachelle Brozek!
What does "Fear Free" really mean for our patients, and how can your clinic make it more than just a buzzword? Rachelle shares real-life tips, stories from the treatment floor, and why reducing fear, anxiety, and stress is a game-changer for pets, clients, and teams alike.
Whether you're new to Fear Free or looking to level up your approach, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Don’t miss it!

This week on The Passionate Pawedcast, we’re getting to the heart of veterinary medicine—literally! 💓 Join us for a deep dive into the world of Cardiology VTS Life with the incredible Anna Grimes, a Cardiology Veterinary Technician Specialist who’s all heart and hustle. From her inspiring journey to earning her VTS to the pulse-pounding moments that make Cardiology so special, Anna shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of this dynamic specialty. Whether you’re a tech curious about specialization or just love a good success story, this episode will get your heart racing!

This week on the Passionate Pawedcast, we’re diving into Destination Dermatology with Veterinary Dermatologist Dr. Nicole Boynosky! Tune in as she shares her journey and her passion for this incredible specialty.

This week on the Passionate Pawedcast, we discuss Veterinary Pharmacy: Beyond the Rx with Veterinary Pharmacist, Dr. Margo Karriker! Learn about all of the different ways a veterinary pharmacist supports their hospital and community.

This week on the Passionate Pawedcast, we discuss Communication with Dr. Alysia Empert-Gallegos! We discuss communication and how it can impact our day to day (especially non-verbal communication!)

This week on the Passionate Pawedcast, we discuss The Delicate Art of Euthanasia with Registered Veterinary Technician, Adriana Lucha! We discuss the intricacies surrounding euthanasia's and explore how we can improve it as a field.

Instagram: @vet_tech_tails

https://www.instagram.com/vet_tech_tails?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

This week on the Passionate Pawedcast, we discuss Compassion Fatigue with Registered Veterinary Technician Scarlett Stanger! We discuss the signs of compassion fatigue and how to help mitigate it.

This is the Season 2 premiere on the Passionate Pawedcast! This week we discuss The Ultimate Neurology Team with Veterinary Neurologists Dr. Liz Gagnepain and Dr. John Gagnepain! Listen to how they would build their Ultimate Team and how they are inspired by the amazing people within their department.