35 GEORGIANVIEW SPRING 2022
BUSINESS
Becky Bartley (class of 2016) is an innovator in the
veterinary field.
After graduating with honours from Georgian's Veterinary
Technician program and securing a full-time job at an
emergency clinic, she discovered a troubling gap in the
industry – flexible care did not exist. To fill the void, she
launched Trooper Pet Veterinary Nursing in January 2020,
a mobile business providing select in-home veterinary and
grooming services.
"I always just wanted to be the voice the animals lacked,"
Becky says.
She became a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in
August 2016, after choosing to study at Georgian's Orillia
Campus for the hands-on experience, small class sizes,
convenient commute, and school spirit.
"Georgian had a community feeling. I loved the clinic that
was on site. I loved the teachers," Becky says, adding, "it
was such an intense program."
Her entrepreneurial endeavour began as a side gig,
offering in-home nail trims to help pay off her student
loans.
"Right away I noticed the difference in the animal's
behaviour in the clinic versus at home," Becky says, noting
anxiety can be high in the clinic setting.
In one pivotal case, a large German shepherd became
too distraught to co-operate for his monthly pain
management needle, prompting Becky to attempt the
injection at his home instead. Her efforts were successful,
preventing unnecessary sedation every 30 days.
"That was my lightbulb moment and I thought, 'I've got
to do something'. I've been working on it ever since. I quit
my job in the clinic and went full force into designing and
building my business."
The pandemic began shortly thereafter, cementing
Trooper Pet Veterinary Nursing as an asset to the industry.
It allowed short-staffed vets to outsource specific services.
Owners could remain with their pets while following
COVID-19 protocols at home. The empathetic care and
convenience made a big impact with clients.
The Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT)
featured her innovative approach to veterinary services in
a May 2020 career spotlight, also awarding her 2021 RVT
of the Year for excelling in every aspect of the field.
"If you show up in a good mood and you're genuinely
happy and love what you do and you love the patients
you're working with, the dogs know, the cats know, the
people know," Becky says.
A dose of
innovation
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Becky takes the time to get to know the animals she'll be working with so they are not stressed. Photo credit: Laura Joy Photography
