Honor The Hero Veterinarian Or Hero Veterinary Technician In Your Animal's Life!

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2017 /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 four years, one awards ceremony has honored the tremendous achievements of America's veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

American Humane, 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 fourth annual American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards™, presented by Zoetis Inc.  Pet owners and animal lovers alike are invited to visit www.herovetawards.org between now and April 6 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 seventh annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards® on September 16, which will air nationwide as a two-hour special on Hallmark Channel this fall.

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 25, 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 Hero Veterinarian and 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 from a grateful nation."

"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'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 2017 American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards™ contest include:

• Nominations Period: February 2 – April 6
• Voting Round 1 (judge's panel): April 6 – May 4
• Voting Round 2 (public): May 25 – July 27
• September 16: Winning Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician announced at 2017 Hero Dog Awards in Los Angeles

All rounds open and close at 12pm Pacific Time.

To nominate a veterinarian or veterinary technician between now and April 6, and for complete contest rules, please visit www.herovetawards.org. To nominate a Hero Dog in your life for the 2017 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®, please visit www.herodogawards.org between now and March 8.

About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org. To inquire about Hero Dog Awards sponsorship opportunities, please email Mari Harner at [email protected].

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 89 million homes.  As 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 new, original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other new, original content, including scripted primetime series, such as "Good Witch," "When Calls the Heart" and "Chesapeake Shores"; annual specials including "Kitten Bowl" and "Hero Dog Awards"; and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show, "Home & Family."  Additionally, Hallmark Channel is 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 annual holiday programming franchises, including "Countdown to Christmas," "Countdown to Valentine's Day," "Summer Nights," "Fall Harvest" and "Winterfest."  Rounding out the network's diverse slate are some of television's most beloved comedies and series, including "The Golden Girls," "The Middle," "Last Man Standing," and "Frasier."

Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks.

For more information, please visit www.crownmediapress.com 
Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube

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. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2015, the company generated annual revenue of $4.8 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

SOURCE American Humane

Related Links

http://www.americanhumane.org