AVMA Humane Award
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The AVMA Humane Award recognizes a non-veterinarian for achievements in advancing the welfare of animals through leadership, public service, education, research, product development, or advocacy.
Nomination criteria
- Nominee must be a non-veterinarian
- Nominations may be submitted by any individual (AVMA member or non-member) or organization (governmental and non-governmental)
- Self-nominations will not be considered
- Nominations must reflect specific accomplishments in the field of animal welfare. Support and promotion of the human-animal bond, while laudable, is not the focus of this award
- Nominations may be based on a sustained effort or an extraordinary single achievement in any or all of the following areas:
- Leadership
- Public service (e.g., community programs, public policy development)
- Research and/or product development
- Education
- Advocacy
Nomination requirements
- Letter of nomination summarizing the nominee’s professional background including current professional activity, statement of significant achievements, and qualifications for the award
- Interactive PDF nomination form
- Curriculum vitae/resume, including relevant publications (not to exceed four single-sided typed pages)
- Up to three letters of support from veterinarians, colleagues, clients or organizations, (not to exceed three single-sided typed pages each)
- Digital high resolution (300 d.p.i.) colored headshot photograph, suitable for publication
- 5” x 7”
- TIF or JPG format
- See photograph guidelines
Selection process
- The AVMA Animal Welfare Committee selects the recipient
- Preference will be given to nominees who:
- Recognize and respect the important contribution that science, ethics, and culture bring to solving animal welfare challenges
- Work with a variety of stakeholders to raise awareness of issues of concern and engage those stakeholders in seeking solutions to challenges
- Work actively to improve understanding of animal welfare needs and, when necessary, change human attitudes and behavior to ensure proper stewardship
- Communicate information about, and propose solutions to, animal welfare challenges with courage and integrity
- Recipient may not be selected in a given year if no nominee meets the criteria
- The award recipient will receive one round-trip coach airfare in the name of the recipient, two nights hotel accommodations, and registration (if applicable) to the venue designated by AVMA to accept the physical award
- The award recipient will receive a related speaking engagement at the AVMA Convention