Breaking Down Language Barriers
October 1, 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 to October 15, is not only a time of celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the ways we connect with the Spanish-speaking community. At Vetcor, we recognize the importance of providing compassionate and accessible care for pets, regardless of language barriers. Our commitment to inclusivity shines through the efforts of our hospitals, where bilingual team members work tirelessly to ensure every client, especially Spanish speakers, feels informed, respected, and cared for when their pets need us most.
Paulina Rodriguez, a veterinary technician at Animal Hospital of Streamwood, Streamwood, IL, shared, “It feels honorable to be able to translate and communicate with primary Spanish speakers. Being able to translate a client's questions with the doctor in the room is very helpful and informative for the owner. I feel like it makes a huge difference in client education about their pet's overall health and preventative care, and makes the clients feel more comfortable with the practice.”
Emilie Santana, Vet Assistant/CSR at Leland Veterinary Clinic considers her ability to connect with her clients a gift, “Using this gift to help another person is a blessing! It is such a special feeling to be able to help the Spanish-speaking community. We want to let them know that no matter our race, color, or different cultures we are here to help as much as we can! I firmly believe that my ability to speak Spanish has made an impact on many occasions. As we all know the economy that we live in has been very hard on us lately. There have been various times where I have gone over different financial options for clients during these difficult times.”
At Vetcor, we don’t just bridge language gaps; we celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our Spanish-speaking clients. Hospitals like Spring Creek make efforts to connect through language and cultural understanding, offering services that foster trust and inclusivity. “It allows us to connect more deeply with clients, build trust, and provide a sense of comfort and understanding. You can bridge any language barriers that may exist, making clients feel more at ease and confident in the care their pets are receiving. It also fosters a sense of inclusivity and community, knowing that we can help more people access the care and support they need for their pets.” Hospital Manager Anaya Gonzales plans on recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month this year by decorating the clinic and providing a traditional Mexican dish and dessert for the staff. She also added, “I'll be getting help from my mom and grandma for this!”
Vetspacito
Vetcor is committed to creating inclusive environments by providing tools and training that enable our teams to effectively serve clients from different cultural backgrounds. Vetspacito, an online course available through Vetcor University, is designed to equip veterinary professionals with basic Spanish tailored to veterinary care. Created by veterinarians, this tool helps our teams break down language barriers and improve communication with Spanish-speaking clients. From greetings to more complex conversations about treatments, this training ensures that no client is left feeling confused or misunderstood.
Miriah Howard, a licensed veterinary technician in Ohio, recently took the Vetspacito course, “As a veterinary technician, I’ve often encountered Spanish-speaking clients who face challenges understanding the medical care we provide for their pets. This language barrier can be frustrating for both parties, and I was motivated to take Vetspacito to bridge that gap. I wanted to ensure that I could communicate clearly and make my clients feel more comfortable, understood, and confident about their pets' treatment.” She has already had the opportunity to use the Spanish I learned from Vetspacito in a few client interactions, “It felt incredibly rewarding to see the relief and appreciation in the clients' faces when they realized I could communicate with them in Spanish. Even simple greetings or basic explanations about their pet’s health have made a world of difference. It’s empowering to know that I’m making a positive impact on their experience.”
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to serving our diverse communities. At Vetcor, we believe every pet owner deserves to feel understood and confident in their pet’s care. We applaud our teams for embracing this mission and invite everyone to continue breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive environments in veterinary care.
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