American Humane has announced that nominations are open for the fifth annual American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards, sponsored by Zoetis. For millions of Americans, animals are not just their best friends, but also their heroes. Whether they are lending eyes to the blind or ears to the deaf, protecting the sleeping family or the soldier, or providing a welcoming kiss at the end of a hard day, animals affect us in many ways. Behind almost every hero pet (and millions more animals) is a hero veterinarian or hero veterinary nurse or technician. These benefactors save and improve the lives of our two- and four-legged best friends in many ways, and for the past four years, American Humane’s awards ceremony has honored their tremendous achievements. Pet owners and animal lovers alike are invited to visit herovetawards.org between now and Feb. 8 to nominate their favorite veterinary professionals. The awards are not limited to companion animal veterinarians. Professionals from all fields of veterinary medicine are eligible for entry including, but not limited to, those who work in research, emergency services, shelters, and those who work with large and exotic animals. The winning veterinarian and veterinary nurse will be flown to Los Angeles to be honored as part of the eighth annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards on Sept. 29, which will air nationwide as a two-hour special on Hallmark Channel next fall. The five finalists in the American Hero Veterinarian and American Hero Veterinary Nurse categories will be selected by a panel of judges consisting of celebrities, veterinary professionals, and animal care professionals. Beginning May 3, the American public will be invited to vote online for their favorite veterinarian and veterinary nurse. Key dates and information Nominations period: Dec. 7, 2017 – Feb. 8 Voting Round 1 (judges’ panel): March 1 – April 12 Voting Round 2 (public): May 3 – Aug. 2 Winners announced at 2018 Hero Dog Awards in Los Angeles: Sept. 29 *All rounds open and close at 12pm Pacific Time. Nominate a veterinarian or veterinary nurse between now and Feb. 8 and view complete contest rules at herovetawards.org.
