Meet Kitty O., CVT, LVT, FFCP, CVBL, Senior Hospital Manager at Vetco Total Care in New York.

Kitty began her career twenty years ago as a receptionist in a veterinary hospital and trained to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician. She spent many years working in emergency and critical care. Kitty is an ALS/BLS Certified Rescuer and is Fear Free Certified.

Along the way, she took on multiple leadership roles and discovered another passion—hospital management and operations.

Today, Kitty leads two busy Vetco Total Care hospitals and a growing team of doctors, vet techs, assistants and concierges. She is also a Veterinary Technology Instructor, Adjunct Professor, at Rowan College of South Jersey.

Kitty, what do you love about working in veterinary medicine?

I love having the opportunity to save lives, problem solve, advocate for those without a voice and support and encourage my teams – we make a meaningful impact every single day.

I also love the veterinary community. It is such a small, but at the same time, large field, and I enjoy networking (check out my LinkedIn!). I’ve met so many incredible people, whom I’ve learned from and who inspire me. It’s amazing how far veterinary medicine has come since I started in the industry almost 20 years ago!

How do you support your hospital teams as a Senior Hospital Manager?

I support my teams by creating a collaborative environment and making sure each team member feels valued, empowered and heard. I believe in open communication, setting clear expectations and being present. Not to mention, jumping in during critical cases, coaching in the moment, and celebrating wins- we love sticker charts in my hospitals!

I’m committed to helping my teams grow both professionally and personally, making sure they feel supported and set up for success to provide exceptional care…all while having fun doing it!

Congratulations on your new role as Veterinary Technology Instructor, Adjunct Professor, at Rowan College of South Jersey! What are you most looking forward to teaching?

Over the years, I have taught many veterinary assistants and technicians on the job. I’m looking forward to teaching in a controlled setting where there is less pressure; a relaxed mind will retain more information vs. a “survival mind” with in-the-moment teaching.

In addition to hands-on skills, I am looking forward to teaching some of my passions in veterinary medicine, such as medical math and emergency medicine. My goal is to help future technicians feel prepared and inspired to grow in this profession, no matter what area of veterinary medicine they choose to practice.

What do you think is most important for students to consider when they start job hunting in the veterinary field?

It’s so important to find a clinic or hospital where the culture feels right, where people feel supported, respected and heard – both within the team and by their leaders. Finding a team that communicates well, lifts each other up, and helps one another through the hard days really matters. I would also encourage students to ask questions. The only “bad” questions are the ones you don’t ask. I strongly recommend asking the hospital team how they feel on their way to work in the morning... Are they happy or do they have a knot in their stomach?

You were recently nominated for Trupanion’s 2025 Veterinary Professional of the Year award – you’re such an inspiration! Who inspires you as a veterinary professional?

Being nominated was a wonderful surprise.

My two daughters Madelyn and Josephine, inspire me to be the best that I can. I want to show them that anything is possible if you work hard. Great things aren’t just handed to you- if you want to see the view, you have to climb the mountain.

I’m also inspired by a doctor I worked with for several years, who had a significant impact on my veterinary career and growth as a person. I still call him to this day if I need advice! I also remain close with a previous technician manager who is now a learning and development specialist. She was – is! – an amazing veterinary role model of mine. Words can’t express how much it means to me to have her not only as a colleague, but as a friend. And I am forever thankful to a former manager who helped open the door to veterinary management for me. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am now—leading two Vetco Total Care hospitals!

We know that vet med isn’t all new puppy and kitten visits! How does Vetco Total Care support teams?

Vet med is hard—we all know that. I really appreciate the opportunities at VTC for growth—whether it’s through paid continued education, on-the-job training, leadership development, or just having support from leaders who want you to succeed.

One thing I see as a benefit, which may sound silly to some, is the fact that we don’t have a manager's office. Being present in the treatment area with the team really helps create a bond. I am there for those in-the-moment coaching opportunities, I can jump into a random dance party if a good song is playing, call a quick team huddle if see a need, or share a dad joke to get the team to crack a smile!

Most people working in the veterinary space are head-over-heels for pets, especially their pets. Can you tell us about yours?

I currently have 3 cats: Shelby, a 2-year-old domestic shorthair; Sally, a 1-year-old domestic longhair; and Franklin, a 1-year-old domestic shorthair. All of them are rescues, each with their own unique story. Sadly, our home feels a little off-balance as we recently lost Susan, a sweet 11-year-old Bombay. Susan came into our lives when she was four weeks old; someone found her outside and brought her to the hospital where I worked.

If you’re looking for a welcome and inclusive environment with a focus on high-quality veterinary medicine, join our team by applying on careers.petco.com.

Who knows, maybe we’ll get to sit down and learn all about you and your career at Vetco Total Care next!

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