AVMA Humane Award

The AVMA Humane Award recognizes a non-veterinarian for achievements in advancing the welfare of animals through leadership, public service, education, research, product development, or advocacy.

Nomination criteria

• Nominee must be a non-veterinarian
• Nominations may be submitted by any individual (AVMA member or non-member) or organization (governmental and non-governmental)
• Self-nominations will not be considered
• Nominations must reflect specific accomplishments in the field of animal welfare. Support and promotion of the human-animal bond, while laudable, is not the focus of this award
• Nominations may be based on a sustained effort or an extraordinary single achievement in any or all of the following areas:
  • Leadership
  • Public service (e.g., community programs, public policy development)
  • Research and/or product development
  • Education
  • Advocacy

Nomination requirements

• Letter of nomination summarizing the nominee’s professional background including current professional activity, statement of significant achievements, and qualifications for the award
• Interactive PDF nomination form
• Curriculum vitae/resume, including relevant publications (not to exceed four single-sided typed pages)
• Up to three letters of support from veterinarians, colleagues, clients or organizations, (not to exceed three single-sided typed pages each)
• Digital high resolution (300 d.p.i.) colored headshot photograph, suitable for publication
  • 5” x 7”
  • TIF or JPG format
  • See photograph guidelines

Selection process

• The AVMA Animal Welfare Committee selects the recipient
• Preference will be given to nominees who:
  • Recognize and respect the important contribution that science, ethics, and culture bring to solving animal welfare challenges
  • Work with a variety of stakeholders to raise awareness of issues of concern and engage those stakeholders in seeking solutions to challenges
  • Work actively to improve understanding of animal welfare needs and, when necessary, change human attitudes and behavior to ensure proper stewardship
  • Communicate information about, and propose solutions to, animal welfare challenges with courage and integrity
• Recipient may not be selected in a given year if no nominee meets the criteria
• The award recipient will receive one round-trip coach airfare in the name of the recipient, two nights hotel accommodations, and registration (if applicable) to the venue designated by AVMA to accept the physical award
• The award recipient will receive a related speaking engagement at the AVMA Convention

Animal Welfare, Humane and Bustad awards are generously funded by Merck Animal Health