The award is open to registered vets in the first eight years of their career that are also BVA members.

Award celebrates early years vets who have shown exceptional dedication. 

Nominations are open for the 2021 BVA Young Vet of the Year Award, with a £1,000 prize and a career-enhancing experience with Zoetis for the winner. 

Open to all early-career vets that are BVA members, the award recognises individuals that have shown outstanding care for their patients or have demonstrated exceptional support to their clients and colleagues. 

It also celebrates young vets that have championed causes in the industry - where their commitment has shown a significant impact and has inspired others in the veterinary community.

The award forms part of a long-term collaboration between BVA and Zoetis to support, recognise and champion the essential work of young vets in the UK. 

“This has been an extremely challenging year for all vets, but for those, at the beginning of their careers it must have been very hard,” commented BVA president James Russell. “We have all heard tales of where the profession has stepped up and met the challenges the pandemic has thrown up.

"Now is the time to recognise those early years vets who have shown exceptional dedication and have inspired others with their hard work. The Award is now seen as a tremendous accolade as the past two winners, Emily Craven and Fabian Rivers have shown. Now it is time to find this year’s exceptional young vet.”

Award organisers are seeking an ‘exceptional young vet’ whose work is recognised within the workplace or has benefited the veterinary community. Nominees can be working within any veterinary sphere, including clinical practice, research, education or veterinary politics. 

“Seeing the impact of this award over the last two years and celebrating the difference talented young veterinary professionals are making in their field was a personal highlight for me and the wider Zoetis team,” said Jamie Brannan, senior vice president Zoetis, UK, IRE & Nordics. 

“Last year, our nominations showed fantastic efforts of young vets in areas of diversity, equality and inclusion, mental health and One Health, all so relevant to today’s challenges. I am looking forward to taking the time this year to continue to help build a habit of recognition, especially now, as young professionals need support to continue to do the right thing during changing times.”

Open to all registered vets in the first eight years of their careers, the deadline for entries is midnight 1 September 2021. The winner will be announced at the London Vet Show BVA Gala dinner in November.