Nominations now open for 2016 American Humane Association Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards™ sponsored by Zoetis; Winners to be featured in national television broadcast
WASHINGTON, Jan. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For millions of Americans, animals are not just their best friends, but their heroes. Whether they are lending eyes to the unsighted, ears to the deaf, protection to the sleeping family and the soldier, or providing a welcoming kiss at the end of a hard day, animals affect us in so many different ways. And behind almost every hero pet (and millions more animals) is a hero veterinarian or hero veterinary technician. These benefactors save and improve the lives of our two- and four-legged best friends in many ways, and for the past two years, one awards ceremony has honored the tremendous achievements of America's veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
American Humane Association, the country's first national humane organization, recognizes the hard work these professionals put in day-in and day-out in the name of helping animals, and is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the third annual American Humane Association Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards™, presented by Zoetis. Pet owners and animal lovers alike are invited to visit www.herovetawards.org between now and March 31 to nominate their favorite veterinary professionals who are dedicated to the betterment of the health and welfare of animals and the promotion of the human-animal bond. The winning veterinarian and veterinary technician will be flown to Los Angeles to be honored as part of the sixth annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards® on September 10, which will air nationwide as a two-hour special on Hallmark Channel this fall.
Last year, after a nationwide search and tens of thousands of public votes, Annette Sysel, DVM, MS, the president of the Bauer Research Foundation in Vero Beach, Florida, was named 2015's American Hero Veterinarian, and Julie Carlson of Pima Medical Institute in Phoenix, Arizona was declared 2015's American Hero Veterinary Technician.
These 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 five finalists in the American Hero Veterinarian and American Hero Veterinary Technician categories will be selected by a special blue-ribbon panel of judges consisting of celebrities, veterinary professionals, and animal care professionals. Beginning May 12, the American public will be invited to vote online for their favorite veterinarian and veterinary technician.
"Zoetis is proud and honored to support America's veterinary community, and the American Humane Association Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards are our way of saying 'thank you' to these tireless individuals," said J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP, group director of Companion Animal Marketing at Zoetis. "They are the ones in the forefront of the effort to keep America's animals happy and healthy, and they deserve recognition."
"The world's animals depend on veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and we thank Zoetis for helping recognize their achievements in saving lives, conducting groundbreaking research, and working on the front lines of animal welfare," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association's president and CEO. "To us, all vets and vet techs are heroes and these awards help us shine a bright spotlight on the best of the best."
Key dates for the 2016 American Humane Association Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards™ contest include:
To nominate a veterinarian or veterinary technician between now and March 31, and for complete contest rules, please visit www.herovetawards.org. To nominate a Hero Dog in your life for the 2016 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards®, please visit www.herodogawards.org between now and March 2.
About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.
About Zoetis
Zoetis (zô-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. In 2014, the company generated annual revenues of $4.8 billion. With approximately 10,000 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2015, Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in 120 countries. For more information, visit www.zoetisUS.com.
About Hallmark Channel
Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks' flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 90 million homes. The country's leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. In addition to its signature original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other original content, including scripted primetime series, such as Good Witch and When Calls the Heart; annual specials like Kitten Bowl and Hero Dog Awards and; a daily 2-hour lifestyle show, Home & Family. Additionally, in November 2014, Hallmark Channel became the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life's special moments, Hallmark Channel also offers such annual holiday programming events as Countdown to Christmas and Countdown to Valentine's Day. Rounding out the network's diverse slate are television's most beloved sitcoms and series, including The Golden Girls, The Middle, Little House on the Prairie, and Frasier.
Crown Media Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRWN), owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks.
For more information, please visit www.crownmediapress.com
Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/DC97343LOGO
SOURCE American Humane Association
Share this article