FAQs

How do I become a member of the SAVT?
Active Membership may be granted to an individual who: by Bylaw

1. submits proof of graduation from a formal course of study in Animal Health Technology/Veterinary Technology as approved by the Board or if applicable, has obtained a certificate of completion from the NAIT AHT/VT Equivalency Assessment Service; and

2. presently resides in Saskatchewan, or who resides outside the province of Saskatchewan but is employed in the animal health and care industry in the province of Saskatchewan; and

3. submits written acceptance of the Association Code of Ethics; and

4. pays the prescribed fees, and

5. passes the national exam as approved by CAAHTT, and/or at the discretion of the Board of Directors, successfully submits to an evaluation interview.

6. application for membership must be completed within six months of writing the examination.

If not completed after six months, the stages of application for membership must be repeated

 What is the National Registration Exam?

The Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) is the national registration exam administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and used all across North America. It is a prerequisite for working as a Registered Veterinary Technologist in Saskatchewan. More detailed information.

What is Mandatory Continuing Education? 

To maintain active membership, a member must accumulate a minimum of 20 continuing education credits every two (2) years, beginning January 1, of the year following date of registration as per Bylaw

 What if I am a member moving from another province?

Transfer of Professional Status is granted to any Active Member in good standing of any Provincial Association as per the CAAHTT Letter of Undertaking as per Bylaw
If you are a member from another association, you must apply for Active Membership. The registrar/membership director of your association must fill out and sign the transfer form and forward it to the SAVT office.

 I want to join but I haven’t received my diploma. What should I do?

We recommend that once you have completed your program and have written the exam, that you submit your application and fee for membership. The SVMA will be notified of your pending membership status. Then when you submit your diploma within the six-month time limit you will become an Active Member if you have met all the requirements.

 I am a student, can I join the SAVT? 

The SAVT has an Associate Student Membership category in their Bylaws.
Student Membership may be granted to an individual who:

(a) is currently a student in an approved Animal Health Technology/Veterinary Technology program; and
(b) submits written acceptance of the Code of Ethics; and
(c) pays the prescribed fees. (SAVT Policy adopted Nov 2010 - Student fees are free)

 I am working in Saskatchewan for a short term (less than a year). What should I do? 

You must be registered with the SAVT to work in the Province of Saskatchewan.
Contact the SAVT office to determine your eligibility for a temporary or pro rated membership.

 I am going to be working out of the Province but would like to keep in touch, what should I do? 

You must reside in Saskatchewan and/or be working in Saskatchewan in order to be an Active Member. If you are going to be working in another province ask for a transfer of professional status.

If you are going to be out of the province you can keep in touch by becoming an Associate Member. Request an application form for Associate Membership, submit it along with your membership fees, and you will remain on the SAVT mailing list. Please inform SAVT in writing requesting a change in membership status.

 When are my membership fees due? 

Your application for membership will not be processed unless accompanied by your fees. Annual membership fees are due January 1st of each year, regardless of when you paid your initial membership fees. New membership applications processed during the year will be pro-rated.

Memberships are considered late if they are not paid by March 1st and are subject to a late payment fee.

What are my obligations to the Association as a member? 

It is your duty as a member to reply promptly to all correspondence from the Association and to notify the Association of any change in address, phone number, name, etc. You are also to adhere to the Code of Ethics, General Deportment and Professional Deportment as listed in the Bylaws. Active members must maintain the mandatory CE requirements.

I am an Active Member of the SAVT and I am not working in the field. May I drop my membership to Associate? 

The SAVT Bylaws do not support Associate Memberships for those who qualify for an Active membership in our Province. If you live in Saskatchewan, have graduated from an accredited school and have written the national exam, you DO qualify for Active membership and are not eligible for Associate membership.

Even if you no longer work in the field at this time (raising a family, moved, etc), there is always the chance that you may return to work as a veterinary technologist. Letting your membership lapse means you have not maintained your continuing education credits which are very important to keep updated on the industry as it is ever changing. If you let your membership lapse over three years you must write the national registration exam. If you are not an active member, you are no longer eligible to transfer to another province to work.

If you are positive you will never work in the field again, and you wish to resign, but still maintain contact you may subscribe to the newsletter.