OVMA Awards Program

This award is presented to an associate veterinarian who has demonstrated superior customer service and has proven to be an asset to their practice as well as their community.  

Eligibility/Requirements: All associate veterinarians who are OVMA members and who graduated more than five years ago are eligible for nomination. Nominees should demonstrate a suitable background of demonstrated client and patient service and should be recognized as a leader in their clinic, community, or in organizations at local or provincial levels. A minimum of two supporting letters are required: one from a staff member and one from an OVMA clinic owner at their place of employment. The nomination should also include one letter from a client that can be requested by the clinic staff in support of the nomination. 

This award recognizes individuals for their practice of, or help to, veterinary medicine. It is awarded for distinguished public service to the veterinary profession in any form.  

Eligibility/Requirements: All veterinarians who are members of OVMA are eligible for nomination. Candidates may be nominated by the general public or by members of the veterinary profession. Supporting letters from members of the animal health sector, veterinarians or the general public must accompany each nomination. 

This award recognizes OVMA members who are retired from full-time career pursuits of veterinary medicine or who have been a veterinarian for a minimum of 30 years and have served the profession in an extraordinary manner. Recipients receive an honorary lifetime OVMA membership.  

Eligibility/Requirements: OVMA member veterinarians who are either retired or have been a veterinarian for a minimum of 30 years. A minimum of two supporting letters, both from OVMA member veterinarians, must accompany each nomination.

This award is presented to someone who is not a veterinarian but has contributed to animal welfare and/or the veterinary profession.  

Eligibility/Requirements: Any person, other than a veterinarian, who has served the interests of the veterinary profession through various endeavours. A minimum of two supporting letters, both from OVMA member veterinarians, must accompany each nomination. 

This award is presented to a veterinarian for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.  

Eligibility/Requirements: All veterinarians who are members of OVMA are eligible. Nominees should demonstrate a suitable background of leadership in professional associations at the regional, provincial and/or national levels, plus involvement in the community leading to an enhanced image of veterinarians and/or the profession. A minimum of two letters of recommendation from two veterinarians – one of whom is an OVMA member – must accompany each nomination.

This award is presented to an associate veterinarian who has demonstrated superior leadership in their place of employment and their community for the betterment of animal welfare and/or their clients and/or their colleagues in the veterinary profession.  

Eligibility/Requirements: All associate veterinarians who are OVMA members and who graduated five years ago or less are eligible for nomination. Nominees should demonstrate a suitable background of client and patient service, and should be recognized as a leader in their clinic, community, or in organizations at the local or provincial level. Their exceptional conduct should reflect an overall positive image of the veterinary profession. A minimum of two supporting letters are required: one from a staff member and one from an OVMA clinic member at their place of employment. The nomination should also include one letter from a client that can be requested by the clinic staff in support of the nomination. 

Approach colleagues, clinic staff or clients to see if they would be willing to write a letter in support of your nominee. Look for newspaper or magazine clippings that demonstrate the work the nominee does for the local community. The more information that you provide about your nominee, the better.

Award winners receive an engraved OVMA Award, free registration to the OVMA Conference and Trade Show, accommodation for one night (if needed) at the conference venue, and travel expenses to/from the conference. Winners also receive recognition in OVMA’s member magazine, Focus, and on social media.

Awards are presented during the annual OVMA Conference and Trade Show. Awards are not automatically presented on an annual basis, but are awarded when at least one nominee meets the award criteria as determined by the OVMA Awards Committee and Board of Directors. 

All nominations must be submitted to OVMA by Oct. 1 of each year. Nominations will be accepted after Oct. 1, but may not be considered until the following year’s awards program.