Puerto Rico has officially recognized National Veterinary Technician Week (NVTW), highlighting the contributions of the territory’s licensed veterinary technicians and technologists. Governor Jenniffer González Colón signed Administrative Bulletin No. P-2026-208 in October 2026. The official presentation took place through the Puerto Rico Department of Health, which oversees the territory’s Veterinary Technology Examining Sub-Board.
Puerto Rico’s veterinary practice legislation recognizes both licensed veterinary technicians and technologists, protects their professional titles, and establishes regulated clinical responsibilities, including scope of practice. Despite these longstanding provisions, greater awareness of professional credentials and scope of practice remains an ongoing need.
Earlier this year, Cortés-Martínez submitted a proclamation request through the Puerto Rico Department of State to formally recognize National Veterinary Technician Week, specifically highlighting licensed veterinary technicians and technologists. With no active veterinary technician association in Puerto Rico, she pursued the initiative independently to bring greater visibility to the territory’s community of licensed professionals and encourage future technicians and technologists to pursue licensure.
Reflecting on the significance of the recognition, Cortés-Martínez said, “I hope this recognition inspires similar efforts nationwide and opens the door to greater professional collaboration and representation.”
Puerto Rico’s proclamation marks an important step in recognizing the contributions of licensed veterinary technicians and technologists and raising awareness of their role in veterinary medicine.
Pictured (on left) Andrés G. Ocasio-Negrón, LVT, MBA, Rochellie Cortés-Martínez, LVTg, CVT, MBA