The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has named Dr. Jeanette O’Quin recipient of its 2016 Animal Welfare Award. O’Quin, who received the award during the 2017 AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference in Chicago, was recognized for her career achievements in advancing the welfare of shelter animals through leadership, public service, education, research and advocacy.
“Dr. O’Quin has devoted her veterinary career to serving as a tireless advocate for improving the welfare of shelter animals, and is a true asset to the profession,” said Dr. Tom Meyer, AVMA president. “Among her most important contributions include co-authoring the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters, which is widely used as a reference tool by shelters across the country. Her work in an academic setting, combined with her experience running a large shelter and as a public health veterinarian, have increased awareness of zoonotic diseases among shelter workers and led to the development of enhanced infection control programs to benefit animals and people. I congratulate Dr. O’Quin on receiving this well-deserved award and thank her for her years of commitment to veterinary medicine, and to helping us carry out our responsibility to work with animals and people to ensure animals' good welfare.”
O’Quin is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine at The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research interests include shelter animal health and wellness, prevention of animal homelessness, zoonotic disease prevention, and occupational health in animal care workers. She has published journal articles and book chapters, and presented at state, regional and national conferences on topics pertaining to infectious and zoonotic disease prevention and management, shelter animal health and welfare, humane euthanasia, animal associated occupational health, animal disaster response and animal cruelty.
O’Quin received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, and her Master of Public Health degree with specialization in veterinary public health from The OSU College of Public Health.