ASV made a commitment to drive the advancement of shelter medicine in an inclusive way, giving our members the opportunity to be leaders in shelter medicine best practices. The three awards described below recognize those members who are dedicated to pushing our mission forward.

Meritorious Service Award (MSA)

Established in 2010, this award recognizes remarkable members of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians who have made significant contributions to the advancement of shelter veterinary medicine via leadership, public service, research, education, advocacy, and/or clinical practice. The ASV's intent in conferring this award is to bring attention to excellence in shelter medicine by recognizing those who serve as exceptional ambassadors of the profession. Current and past veterinarians, veterinary students, and affiliate ASV members are eligible; current ASV Board Members are ineligible. Anyone may nominate qualified individuals who are members of the ASV for this award. Recipients receive a plaque, a shelter medicine textbook of their choice, a $250 donation to a non-profit organization of their choice, and are recognized at the ASV Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Symposium in the Spring. Funding is available to help cover the recipient’s travel expenses. Nomination packages for the MSA are to be submitted by email to info@sheltervet.org and must consist of a nomination form and nomination letter. The nominee's resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is highly recommended but not required. A professional summary can be used in place of a CV. Deadline for submission is February 1. Additional letters seconding, endorsing, or supporting nominations for awards will not be used in evaluating candidates, nor will self-nominations be accepted. The nominations committee will review the nominations and recommend a recipient to the ASV Board, and the ASV Board will vote on the recipient.

We are honored to present the Meritorious Service Award to Dr. Cynda Crawford, whose pioneering work has transformed the field of shelter medicine. As the Fredrica Saltzman Endowed Chair in Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Crawford has dedicated her career to improving the health and welfare of shelter animals. Her instrumental role in identifying canine influenza and developing its vaccine has significantly reduced respiratory disease outbreaks in shelters nationwide. Beyond her groundbreaking research, Dr. Crawford is a tireless mentor and educator, shaping the next generation of veterinarians with compassion and scientific rigor. Her unwavering commitment to vulnerable animals and the professionals who care for them exemplifies the spirit of this award.

Pictured left to right, Drs. Staci Kehir, president; Cynda Crawford, award recipient; Elizabeth Berliner, award nominator; Brendan Bergquist, chair selection committee

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Veterinarian of the Year Award (VYA)

Established in 2018, this award recognizes remarkable members of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians who have been outstanding in their role as a veterinarian to improve community animal health and wellbeing. The ASV's intent in conferring this award is to bring attention to excellence in shelter medicine by recognizing those who serve as exceptional role models of the profession. Veterinarians serving in municipal, private, and/or non-profit shelters and other community animal endeavors are eligible; current ASV Board Members are ineligible. Anyone may nominate qualified eligible individuals who are members of the ASV for this award. Recipients receive a plaque, a shelter medicine textbook, and a $250 donation to an organization of their choice, and are recognized at the ASV Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Symposium in the Spring. Nomination packages for the VYA are to be submitted by email to info@sheltervet.org and must consist of a nomination form and nomination letter. The nominee's resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is highly recommended but not required. A professional summary can be used in place of a CV. Deadline for submission is February 1. Additional letters seconding, endorsing, or supporting nominations for awards will not be used in evaluating candidates, nor will self-nominations be accepted. The nominations committee will review the nominations and recommend a recipient to the ASV Board, and the ASV Board will vote on the recipient.

Previous Veterinarian of the Year Recipients