Adore Your Veterinarian, Seminole Heights? Nominate Him Or Her For National Hero Award

Have nothing but great things to say about your pet’s veterinarian or vet tech?

The American Humane Association, the country’s first animal advocacy organization, is accepting nominations for the nationwide American Humane Association Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards.

Pet owners and animal lovers are invited to visit www.herovetawards.org through 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, organizers said.

Last year’s top vet was from Florida.

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, was named 2015’s American Hero Veterinarian. Julie Carlson of Pima Medical Institute in Phoenix was declared 2015’s American Hero Veterinary Technician.

This year’s winning veterinarian and veterinary technician will be flown to Los Angeles to be honored at the sixth annual American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards on Sept. 10, which will air nationwide as a two-hour special on Hallmark Channel this fall.

And take note: 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 panel of judges consisting of celebrities, veterinary and animal care professionals. Beginning May 12, the American public will be invited to vote online for their favorite veterinarian and veterinary technician.

Key dates for the 2016 American Humane Association Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician Awards contest include:

• Through March 31: Nominations period
• April 7-April 28: First round voting by judging panel
• May 12-July 12: Second round public voting
• September 10: Winning Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Technician announced at 2016 Hero Dog Awards in Los Angeles

To nominate a veterinarian or veterinary technician by March 31, and for complete contest rules, visit www.herovetawards.org.

About American Humane Association: American Humane Association is the country’s first national humane organization founded in 1877. For more information: www.americanhumane.org.