Your nominations help us reward excellence. Review descriptions of the individual awards, and consider which of your colleagues deserve to be nominated.
The AVMA Animal Welfare Award recognizes an AVMA member veterinarian for achievements in advancing the welfare of animals via leadership, public service, education, research, product development, or advocacy. By doing so, the AVMA raises public awareness of the important role veterinarians play in:
Improving understanding of animal welfare-related science and ethics
Ensuring that animal use for human purposes is conducted responsibly
Attending to and promoting animal welfare within the context of responsible animal use
Nomination criteria
Nominee must be an AVMA member 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. Examples of quality veterinary practice or promotion of the human-animal bond, while laudable, are not the focus of this award.
Nominations may be based on a sustained effort or an extraordinary single achievement in any or all 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 how the nominee meets 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 two single-sided pages each)
Digital high resolution (300 d.p.i.) colored headshot photograph, suitable for publication
The Animal Welfare Committee selects the recipient, with confirmation by the AVMA Board of Directors
Preference is given to nominees who:
Recognize that science, ethics, and culture all contribute to how animals are used and cared for by people, and respect those contributions in arriving at solutions to 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
A 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 event designated by the AVMA where the physical award will be presented
The award recipient will receive a related speaking engagement at the AVMA Convention
The Animal Welfare, Humane and Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year. Awards are generously funded by Merck Animal Health
