Born with a passion for animals, Kathy Johnson, RVT, wanted to be a veterinarian, but life had other plans. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, she worked not with animals but in the corporate world as a buyer. She spent 17 years supporting herself and, eventually, her family. But when the company moved overseas, she was inspired to make a huge change. So in 2013, she returned to school to become a registered veterinary technician. She enrolled at San Diego Mesa College and majored in animal health technology.
“I knew it would be a major cut in earnings, but I wanted to work in the animal field for the rest of my life,” Johnson said. “It’s the greatest thing I did. It’s never too late.”
EDITOR’S NOTE
This article is the fifth in a series on veterinary nurse empowerment and the people accomplishing great things in the field.
After passing the California and national veterinary technician examinations, Johnson worked at a few general practices but found her stride in emergency medicine at a VCA hospital.
“I loved the high-volume, very busy environment,” she said. “It keeps me going. You always use the skills you learned, and you’re able to help everybody; I like to help. Having experiences at different clinics and being proactive about learning helps me work efficiently.”
Another Move
Johnson found her ultimate helper role when she transitioned to shelter medicine. In 2018, she joined the team at the San Diego Humane Society, where she is the lead RVT. The job is fast-paced, and the ability to multitask is essential. She also does relief work once a week at another shelter, PAWS of Coronado.
“Shelter medicine is different from private practice in many ways,” Johnson said. “The number of animals you care for in a day is way more than in private practice. Due to the number of animals we treat, we need to work quickly, efficiently and with quality care. We also consider cost efficiency due to the budget we have to follow.”
At San Diego Humane, the team saves lives and helps displaced animals go on to happy lives in forever homes.
“Every staff member works here for the same reason, and it’s to care for the animals,” Johnson said. “Having the same goal creates a mutual understanding, and every department works well together.”
To ensure a smooth and efficient work environment, all staff members constantly strive to improve procedures and protocols and review matters that are or aren’t working well.
“Everyone has the opportunity to suggest better ways of doing things, and opinions are always heard and considered,” Johnson said.
Better Than Average Pay
The inclusive and innovative culture at the San Diego Humane Society draws in people and keeps them there.
“Upper management and my immediate supervisors are great mentors and support us in many ways,” Johnson said. “We have many resources for the employees, and we’re always learning something. They keep us up to date with everything.”
One factor that drew in Johnson was San Diego Humane’s better than average pay.
“It [reflects] how they appreciate their employees, because we do a lot,” she said. “It’s a busy environment.”
After compensation, Johnson identified training and continuing education as keys to encouraging personal satisfaction and professional growth in veterinary technicians.
“Provide proper training and allow them to use their skills to the fullest without micromanaging,” she said. “But at the same time, vet techs have to not be afraid or ashamed to ask for help and guidance when needed. A CE allowance helps tremendously.”
Not Enough Help at Times
Shelter medicine presents unique challenges, especially for people who care so deeply about the health and well-being of animals.
“It’s hard to ignore and not show emotions with some protected custody cases, some relinquishments and some humane euthanasia,” Johnson said.
Operationally, getting staff coverage in all working areas, especially in a large establishment like an animal shelter, can be difficult.
“We have surgery, hospital, emergency, nursery, behavior center, foster appointments and adoptable animals in four different buildings,” Johnson said. “Depending on how busy we get throughout the day, we always look for people to help. Volunteers play a big role, and we cannot operate without them. We don’t always have volunteers available, so it sometimes becomes very challenging.”
San Diego Humane prides itself on never euthanizing healthy or treatable shelter animals. Helping the helpless is something Johnson finds the most rewarding, especially when seriously ill or injured patients make full recoveries.
She recalled a hit-by-car patient with a pelvic fracture and a femoral fracture of a hind limb. The dog couldn’t walk or try to stand for several days but was otherwise healthy and sweet despite the pain. The patient was matched with a rescue group that asked that the dog at least be able to use wheels.
“We fixed the wheels to fit him, and one of the interns made a pants sling he was able to walk in,” Johnson said. “The rescue raised funds for him to get a fracture repair instead of amputation. He fully recovered, got adopted and is living a good life with his new family. It was so amazing to see.”
At the San Diego Humane Society, every team member, from the veterinarians and technicians to the support staff and volunteers, plays a vital role.
“We’re all in this together,” Johnson said. “Every animal that comes through, we love them, we take of them, and when they go off to get adopted, we cheer them.”
MEET KATHY JOHNSON
- Age: 54
- Home: San Diego
- Employed: San Diego Humane Society
- Credentials: Registered veterinary technician
- Years active: 7
- Pets: Cairn-terrier mix, Scrappy; Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix, Mochi; pug, Ponyo; tortie cat, Melody; calico cat, Dilly; 11 fish
BY THE NUMBERS
The San Diego Humane Society serves 14 cities from campuses in San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido and Oceanside. During the 2020-2021 fiscal year, it:
- Cared for 40,093 animals.
- Admitted 13,378 stray animals.
- Took in 7,293 animals from people who could no longer care for them.
- Adopted out 13,213 pets.
- Spayed or neutered 13,034 animals.
- Answered 21,020 calls for help.
- Addressed 3,432 cruelty complaints.
- Distributed 2,699,064 free pet meals to families in need.
- Euthanized no healthy or treatable shelter animals.