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

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 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 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, one awards ceremony has honored the tremendous achievements of America's veterinarians and veterinary nurses.

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 fifth annual American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awardstm, sponsored by Zoetis. Pet owners and animal lovers alike are invited to visit www.herovetawards.org between now and February 8, 2018 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 nurse will be flown to Los Angeles to be honored as part of the eighth annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards® on September 29, 2018, which will air nationwide as a two-hour special on Hallmark Channel next 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 Nurse categories will be selected by a special blue-ribbon 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.

"Zoetis is proud and honored to support America's veterinary community, and the American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards are our way of saying 'thank you' to these tireless individuals," said J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP, Executive Director, U.S. Companion Animal Marketing at Zoetis. "They are at 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 nurses, and we thank Zoetis, the exclusive sponsor of the Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards and official Corporate Presenting Sponsor of the 2018 Hero Dog Awards, 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 nurses are heroes and these awards help us shine a bright spotlight on the best of the best."

Key dates for the 2018 American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards contest include:

• Nominations Period: December 7, 2017 - February 8, 2018
• Voting Round 1 (judges' panel): March 1 - April 12, 2018
• Voting Round 2 (public): May 3 - August 2, 2018
• September 29: Winning Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse announced at 2018 Hero Dog Awards in Los Angeles

*All rounds open and close at 12pm Pacific Time

To nominate a veterinarian or veterinary nurse between now and February 8, and for complete contest rules, please visit www.herovetawards.org. To nominate a Hero Dog in your life for the 2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®, please visit www.herodogawards.org between now and February 7.

About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization. For more information please visit www.americanhumane.org today.

About Zoetis
Zoetis 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, genetic tests, biodevices and 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 2016, the company generated annual revenue of $4.9 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

SOURCE American Humane