The dvm360® Veterinary Heroes® Recognition Program is a premier industry honor that celebrates the extraordinary individuals whose dedication, compassion, and innovation elevate the veterinary profession and improve the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

Each year, veterinary professionals from across the country nominate peers who exemplify excellence in patient care, leadership, collaboration, and clinical advancement. These remarkable individuals represent the very best of veterinary medicine—professionals who consistently go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in their practices, communities, and the broader animal health field.

Since its launch in 2021, the Veterinary Heroes program has recognized a growing community of professionals whose work inspires their colleagues and advances the future of veterinary medicine.

Program Mission. To recognize and celebrate veterinary professionals whose dedication, expertise, and leadership create lasting impact for patients, clients, and the veterinary profession.

Program Vision. To elevate the stories and achievements of veterinary professionals who are shaping the future of animal health—honoring those whose work advances clinical care, strengthens veterinary teams, and inspires the next generation of veterinary leaders.

What Defines a Veterinary Hero?

Veterinary heroes come from many roles within the profession, but they share a common commitment: improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.  A Veterinary Hero may be someone who:

Delivers Exceptional Patient Care. An experienced, hands-on veterinary professional with a proven dedication to compassionate, evidence-based medicine and outstanding clinical outcomes.

Leads Through Communication and Compassion. A trusted point of connection for clients and veterinary teams, demonstrating exceptional communication, empathy, and the ability to guide families through complex medical decisions.

Drives Innovation and Progress. A professional who improves veterinary medicine through research, new clinical approaches, improved workflows, or innovative solutions that enhance patient care and team efficiency.

Elevates the Veterinary Community. A mentor, educator, or advocate whose influence extends beyond the clinic, strengthening the profession through leadership and collaboration.

Each year, the newest class of Veterinary Heroes will be honored at Fetch Kansas City, August 28-30, 2026.  The ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 30 during lunch and is open to all registered conference attendees. 

Award Categories

Veterinary Heroes are honored across a wide range of roles that make veterinary medicine possible. Each year, one outstanding professional is recognized in each of the following categories:

1. Behavior
2. Client Service Representative
3. Credentialed Veterinary Technician
4. Dentistry
5. Dermatology
6. Emergency Medicine
7. Feline Medicine
8. General Practitioner
9. Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine, Oncology, and/or Neurology)
10. Lifetime Achievement
11. Nutrition
12. Practice Manger
13. Surgery
14. Veterinary Paraprofessional (noncredentialled support staff)