Vet Nurse Day is celebrated every second Friday in October to recognize and celebrate junior medical professionals who specialize in veterinary medicine. These professionals provide essential care to pets, as well as support farming and forestry, zoos, and nature reserves.
History
Treating animals has a long history, with evidence of such practices going back to Mesopotamia around 3,000 BC. In France in 1761, Claude Bourgela opened the first school of veterinary medicine and in 1791, the first official college of veterinary medicine was established in Britain. The American Veterinary Medical Association was founded in the United States in 1863. Vet Nurse Day was officially founded by the New Zealand Association of Veterinary Nurses.
Interesting facts
On the occasion of the holiday, here are a few facts related to both veterinary medicine and animals:
- Since 1930, the life expectancy of cats has doubled. Wild cats can live up to 5 years, while domestic cats have an average life span of 15 years.
- In 2010, the humorous Ig Nobel Prize was awarded to veterinarians who discovered that a cow’s name can affect the amount of milk it gives.
- 80% of the employees at veterinary clinics are women.
How to take part
On the occasion of the holiday, you can congratulate all veterinary nurses on social media. You can also learn more about the accomplishments of veterinary medicine and the activities of employees at veterinary clinics. If you know any veterinary nurses, you can personally congratulate them on the holiday and give them a nice gift.
When is Vet Nurse Day celebrated in 2023?
Vet Nurse Day is observed on the second Friday of October each year.
Observations
| Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
| Friday | October | 13 | 2023 |
| Friday | October | 11 | 2024 |
| Friday | October | 10 | 2025 |
| Friday | October | 9 | 2026 |
