CANTON -- Two local residents have been inducted into SUNY Canton’s Alpha Chapter of Tau Phi Zeta veterinary honor society.

Sierra Erwin, a veterinary technology major from Lisbon, and Abigail E. Savage, a veterinary technology major from Canton, were among 20 students at the college inducted into the honor society during National Veterinary Technician Week.

SUNY Canton's veterinary technology programs are among the oldest in the state. Graduates become licensed veterinary technicians who work as part of a care team providing medical assistance to all types of animals. Students are trained in anesthesiology, radiology, medical and surgical nursing, laboratory procedures, and pharmacology, among other skills.

The programs work with area animal shelters to provide spaying and neutering services and vaccinations for dogs and cats. During the 2018-2019 academic year, college veterinarians spayed or neutered more than 130 animals.

Tau Phi Zeta was founded at SUNY Canton as the first national veterinary technology honor society. It is designed to provide recognition for high scholarship standards. Membership is offered to those students who exemplify outstanding scholastic achievement, leadership, a demonstrated love of animals, outstanding work ethic, professional behavior, and exemplary character.