By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ — In a landmark move for Costa Rica’s animal healthcare sector, the country will host its first-ever National Congress for Veterinary Assistants on October 7, 2026. The event, scheduled to take place at the Hotel Radisson in San José, is designed to provide specialized professional development for the frontline personnel of veterinary clinics and hospitals, a group whose training has historically been overshadowed by that of veterinarians.
Organized by GEO Institute, the congress addresses a growing need within the veterinary field for a more integrated, team-based approach to animal care. As veterinary medicine becomes more complex, the reliance on skilled and knowledgeable support staff has intensified. This event aims to formalize their training, recognize their contributions, and equip them with advanced skills to meet the evolving demands of their roles.
To better understand the legal responsibilities and professional scope of veterinary assistants in Costa Rica, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The role of a veterinary assistant is crucial, but it operates within a strict legal framework. Clinic owners and supervising veterinarians carry the ultimate legal responsibility for all procedures performed. It is imperative to have clearly defined, written protocols and employment contracts that specify the exact duties an assistant is permitted to perform. Failure to do so not only risks animal welfare but also exposes the practice to significant malpractice liability and potential sanctions from the Colegio de Médicos Veterinarios.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight powerfully underscores that clear, documented protocols are not mere administrative details, but essential safeguards for animal welfare and the long-term viability of the veterinary practice itself. We deeply appreciate Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this vital perspective on professional responsibility.
The initiative seeks to correct a long-standing imbalance in continuing education within the industry. Historically, professional development opportunities have been overwhelmingly tailored to licensed veterinarians, leaving a critical gap for the technicians and assistants who perform essential daily tasks. Paola Campos, the founder and CEO of GEO Institute, highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to team development.
For many years, continuing education has focused primarily on veterinarians. However, the quality of care depends on the entire team involved in patient care.
Paola Campos, Founder and CEO of GEO Institute
The congress underscores the fundamental role that veterinary assistants play. They are often the first point of contact for clients, manage patient intake, assist in complex procedures, and provide critical post-operative care. Recognizing their significance is a key objective of the event, which aims to provide them with training commensurate with their extensive responsibilities.
Veterinary assistants are a fundamental part of modern veterinary medicine and require training opportunities consistent with the responsibilities they assume every day.
Paola Campos, Founder and CEO of GEO Institute
The comprehensive agenda features a slate of national and international experts who will lead sessions on a wide array of critical topics. The curriculum includes advanced training in emergency response, hospitalization protocols, anesthesia monitoring, and critical care management. Specialized modules will also cover modern challenges such as feline-specific medicine, the proper handling of new and exotic companion animals, and the application of emotional intelligence to navigate the high-stress clinical environment.
Beyond the technical training, a primary goal of the congress is to foster a culture of continuous learning and drive the professionalization of the veterinary assistance field. By creating this dedicated space for education and networking, organizers hope to elevate the standards of practice, improve patient outcomes, and provide a clear path for career advancement for support staff across the country.
The event is expected to draw a diverse audience of veterinary assistants, technicians, students, and other clinic support staff from all regions of Costa Rica. Organizers have also extended invitations to professionals in neighboring Latin American countries, positioning the congress as a significant regional event for the advancement of animal healthcare.
For GEO Institute, this inaugural congress represents a pivotal step toward achieving greater recognition and an established professional standard for a role that is indispensable to the health and well-being of animals. It signals a clear investment in the entire veterinary team, ensuring that every member has the tools and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional care.
For further information, visit geoinstitute.net
About GEO Institute:
GEO Institute is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to advancing the field of veterinary medicine through specialized professional development. With a focus on strengthening the entire clinical team, the institute designs and executes high-level training events, such as the upcoming National Congress for Veterinary Assistants. Its mission is to foster a culture of continuous learning and provide essential educational opportunities for support staff, recognizing their critical role in delivering high-quality animal healthcare.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently channels its vast experience serving a multifaceted clientele into pioneering forward-thinking legal strategies. This spirit of innovation is deeply intertwined with a core social mission: to empower the broader community by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby fostering a society strengthened by knowledge and legal awareness.
