Our Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center of Conroe team is fortunate to have dedicated members with many talents, backgrounds, and experiences who provide our patients with skilled, compassionate care. Our veterinary technicians (i.e., vet techs, veterinary nurses) provide these essential services: 

  • Communicate with and educate pet owners 
  • Provide devoted nursing care to sick and injured pets 
  • Assist our veterinarians in all medical services, from surgery to wellness care

The many roles of a registered veterinary technician

Before we introduce Shonagh Bass, registered veterinary technician (RVT), find out what these incredible veterinary professionals do on a typical day. For example, for your pet’s dental cleaning, Shonagh’s roles include the following:

  • Client communicator — Shonagh greets you in the morning when you drop off your pet, and describes the dental cleaning procedure, especially how your pet may feel and behave when you bring them home. 
  • Health assessor — Before your pet undergoes anesthesia, Shonagh performs a thorough physical exam to determine whether your pet has any health conditions that may be problematic.
  • Phlebotomist — During your pet’s preanesthetic exam, Shonagh draws their blood to determine whether your pet has any hidden health issues.
  • Anesthesiologist — After evaluating your pet’s health status, Shonagh creates their personalized anesthetic protocol to minimize your pet’s potential adverse anesthetic reactions, and to ensure they have a pain- and stress-free experience.
  • Dental hygienist — Shonagh performs your pet’s dental cleaning, noting problem areas, scaling each tooth’s surface above and below the gumline, and polishing the teeth to a smooth shine. 
  • Radiologist — In addition to inspecting your pet’s teeth visually, Shonagh takes their dental X-rays to determine whether they have issues below the gumline.
  • Pharmacist — After she has completed your pet’s dental cleaning, Shonagh consults with one of our veterinarians to determine whether your pet will need pain medication or antibiotics. If your pet has had tooth extractions, Shonagh ensures you bring your pet home with medications to help them heal comfortably.

Shonagh’s story

We want you to feel part of our Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center of Conroe family by introducing you to our team members. Find out how RVT Shonagh landed in veterinary medicine, and learn about her interests away from her RVT role. 

Question: Where are you originally from?

Answer: I’m originally from Los Angeles, California.

Q: How and when did you decide that you wanted to become a veterinary technician?

A: According to my mom, I decided that I wanted to care for animals when I was 4 years old. However, I began my veterinary medicine career when I was 18. 

Q: How did you land at Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center of Conroe?

A: I moved to Texas in September 2021. After interviewing with several veterinary medical centers, I decided Stone Ridge Veterinary Center of Conroe matched the family vibe I wanted. Plus, I was happy to return to general practice after working in veterinary oncology for four years.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a veterinary technician?

A: The best part of a vet tech career is helping animals, and seeing  pet owners’ gratitude when we help their pets. My vet tech passion is dentistry. 

Q: Do you have pets of your own?

A: I have two dachshund mixes: Anya is a 7-year-old long-haired dachshund mix, and Oates—the newest addition—is a 2-year-old dapple.

Q: What would someone find surprising about you?

A: I learned to ski when I was 3 years old.

Q: What’s your favorite food?

A: All Asian cuisine beats other foods.

Q: What is your favorite hobby?

A: Despite living in Texas, my favorite hobby is snowboarding.

Q: Mountains or ocean?

A: I’d choose the ocean over mountains.

Q: Coke or Pepsi products?

A: I can’t have soda.

Q: Spa weekend or camping weekend?

A: This girl would rather have a spa weekend.

Q: What would you like to accomplish in the next 5 years?

A: A couple of things on my dream list include taking a trip to Thailand, and owning one more investment property.

To maintain our strong relationship with you—our pet-loving community in Conroe, Texas—we know the importance of introducing you to our team members. We hope you enjoyed meeting Shonagh, and finding out how this snow-loving woman from LA moved to Texas to care for your pet. The next time your pet has an appointment at Stone Ridge Veterinary Medical Center of Conroe, say, “Hi” to Shonagh.