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Awards & Nomination Information

Call for 2026 CVMA Award Nominations!

It is the CVMA’s honor and pleasure to recognize significant contributions to the veterinary profession! We invite all readers to take a moment and ask, “Who has stood out in the crowd?” Who has made a difference?” Send your nomination packet to the CVMA at staff@cvma.net. In June of 2026, you can join your colleagues in Sacramento, CA at the Pacific Veterinary Conference in applauding the recipients of these prestigious awards!

CVMA Awards Descriptions with Nomination Criteria and Timeline

  • Nominees are reviewed by appropriate committee or task force between January and February, of that membership year.
  • Board of Governors reviews and selects recipient(s) at the March/April meeting.
  • Award recipients and their nominating body shall be notified within two (2) weeks following the March/April Board Meeting.
  • Letters are sent to the nominator of those not receiving awards within 30 days after March/April Board meeting.
  • All awards are presented at the CVMA’s Awards Ceremony at the annual Pacific Veterinary Conference held in June (with the exception of the Outstanding Service Award, which is presented at the local VMA meeting).
  • The deadline to nominate someone to be recognized at the 2026 Pacific Veterinary Conference is February 6, 2026.
Nominate for CVMA Award

Nominations are open! This is the highest CVMA award to recognize a member of the Association who has contributed to the advancement of veterinary medicine and organized veterinary medicine. Click here to view a list of previous Dr. George Bishop Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

Nomination criteria:

  • Candidate(s) may be nominated by any individual, committee or organization.
  • Nominee must be a Distinguished Life Member. Click here to view a list of previous Distinguished Life Members.
  • The nominee must be, or have been, active in all levels of organized veterinary medicine, exhibited leadership in the building of a strong local and/or state association and contributed significantly to veterinary medicine in California and to the CVMA.

Nominations must include the following:

  • A completed nomination form
  • A written, detailed biography on this individual stating:
    • How this individual has contributed to outstanding leadership in the building of a strong local and/or state association.
    • How this individual has contributed significantly to veterinary medicine in California and to the California Veterinary Medical Association.
  • Three letters of recommendation in support of the nomination

Nominations will remain in effect for a period of three years.

All submitted material becomes the property of the CVMA and will not be returned.

Presentation of the award shall be made during the CVMA’s Awards Ceremony at the annual Pacific Veterinary Conference in June. The recipient will be recognized in the California Veterinarian magazine.

Nominate Someone

Nominations are open! The Distinguished Life Membership is the CVMA’s highest membership category. It is awarded to an individual of the highest caliber in the profession, one who not only has been a good and faithful member for a period of 25 years, but also one who has gone above and beyond the ordinary dues-paying obligations and has actively participated in the CVMA’s responsibilities. Click here to view a list of previous recipients of the Distinguished Life Membership Award. 

Nomination criteria:

  • Nominee must be a member for at least 25 years, including the preceding five years
  • Nominee must have actively participated in CVMA responsibilities

Nominations must include the following:

  • A completed nomination petition
  • A synopsis of the individual’s active role(s) in CVMA membership and their responsibilities/positions held.
  • Signatures of five colleagues of the nominee who have been members in good standing of the Association for the preceding ten or more years
  • Three letters supporting the nomination.
  • A digital photo of the nominee (minimum 300 dpi)

All submitted material becomes the property of the CVMA and will not be returned.

Presentation of the award shall be made during the CVMA’s Awards Ceremony at the annual Pacific Veterinary Conference in June. The recipient will be recognized in the California Veterinarian magazine.

Nominate Someone

Nominations are open! The CVMA Animal Hall of Fame celebrates the companion and working animals of California and the veterinarians who care for them. The winning animal will be inducted into the Hall of Fame and the care provider will receive a plaque. The living animal must reside in California. The nomination must be made with the owner’s permission by a Constituent VMA, a veterinary professional, a humane society, SPCA, or other animal care agency. Click here to view a list of previous recipients of the California Animal Hall of Fame.

Nomination criteria:

  • The nominee must either be (a) living and reside in California, or (b) have resided in California and deceased no more than 6 months preceding the date of nomination.
  • Nominations must be made by a veterinarian (veterinarian need not be a member of the CVMA), by a humane society, SPCA, or other animal care agency in California, or by a constituent veterinary medical association. The owner of the animal has given permission for the nomination. If the nomination was not made by a veterinarian, it must include a veterinarian’s endorsement.
  • Nominee must be a living animal of any domesticated species, which through unselfish and courageous accomplishments exemplifies the affection, loyalty, security, and value of the human animal bond.

Nominations must include the following:

  • A completed nomination form
  • A digital photo (minimum 300 dpi) of the nominated animal.
  • Minimum of two or more letters supporting the nomination, not to exceed five letters, including one letter from a veterinarian.
  • Relevant published material about the nominee, not to exceed five pages. Internet hyperlinks, digital video/audio are acceptable.
  • The winning animal, if living, and its owner must be able to attend the Awards Ceremony at the annual Pacific Veterinary Conference, typically held in June, where they will be hosted by the CVMA. The animal recipient will be recognized in the California Veterinarian magazine.

All submitted material becomes the property of the CVMA and will not be returned.

Nominate the Animal

Nominations are open! The CVMA recognizes the significant role of Registered Veterinary Technicians in the veterinary profession through the presentation of this award. Nominees shall possess outstanding professional ability including educational achievements, individual contributions, professional affiliations, and special experience that sets them apart from others. Click here to view a list of previous recipients of the Outstanding RVT of the Year Award in Private Practice.

Nomination criteria:

  • The nominee must be a CVMA member (membership application may accompany this packet.)

Nominations must include the following:

  • A completed nomination form
  • Letters of recommendation (one from the nominator, and up to three from co-workers, clients, allied health professionals) which include an evaluation of the candidate’s commitment to the profession and to a cooperative work environment.
  • A personal narrative from the nominee (not to exceed 500 words) which detail’s the nominee’s:
    • Individual contributions to the community, non-profit affiliations, and involvement in animal-related activities or organizations, i.e. wildlife care, humane societies, etc.
    • Special achievements not covered above, particularly those that are above and beyond the candidate’s job duties. CVMA applauds Registered Veterinary Technicians that expand or advance the role of the RVT in the veterinary profession.
  • A current CV of the candidate that includes:
    • Experience, including time in the profession and level of responsibility.
    • List of formal education and continuing education attended (including dates of attendance).
    • Degrees, specialties, and certificates.
    • Professional association membership and involvement.

Candidates for this award can be nominated up to three times successively, providing that an updated CV is submitted annually.

All submitted material becomes the property of the CVMA and will not be returned.

Presentation of the award shall be made during the CVMA’s Awards Ceremony at the annual Pacific Veterinary Conference in June. The recipient will be recognized in the California Veterinarian magazine.

Nominate Someone

Nominations are open! The CVMA recognizes the significant role of Registered Veterinary Technicians in non-private practice in the veterinary profession through the presentation of this award. Nominee shall possess outstanding professional ability including educational achievements, individual contributions, professional affiliations, and special experience that sets them apart from others. Click here to view a list of previous recipients of the Linda Markland Outstanding RVT of the Year (Non-Private Practice).

Nomination criteria:

  • Nominee must be a CVMA member (membership application may accompany this packet.)

Nominations must include the following:

  • A completed nomination form
  • Letters of recommendation (one from the nominator, and up to three from co-workers, clients, allied health professionals) that includes an evaluation of the candidate’s commitment to the profession and to a cooperative work environment.
  • A personal narrative from the nominee (not to exceed 500 words) which details the nominee’s:
    • Individual contributions to community, non-profit affiliations and involvement in animal-related activities or organizations, i.e. wildlife care, humane societies, etc.
    • Special achievements not covered above, particularly those that are above and beyond the candidate’s job duties. CVMA applauds Registered Veterinary Technicians that expand or advance the role of the RVT in the veterinary profession.
  • A current CV of candidate that includes:
    • Experience, including time in the profession and level of responsibility
    • List of formal education and continuing education attended (including dates of attendance)
    • Degrees, specialties, and certificates
    • Professional association membership and involvement

Candidates for this award can be nominated up to three times successively, providing that an updated CV is submitted annually.

All submitted material becomes the property of the CVMA and will not be returned.

Presentation of the award shall be made during the CVMA’s Awards Ceremony at the annual Pacific Veterinary Conference in June. The recipient will be recognized in the California Veterinarian magazine.

Nominate Someone

Nominations are open! The recipient of this award shall possess qualities that exemplify a progressive veterinarian that utilizes their RVTs and staff to their fullest potential and distinguishes the importance of an educated, certified professional technical staff. Encouragement and support of certified RVTs, teaching, work environment, and high-quality veterinary medicine will be weighed heavily. Click here to view a list of previous recipients of the RVT’s Outstanding DVM of the Year Award.

Nomination criteria:

  • An RVT must make the nomination for this award.
  • The recipient must be a CVMA member.

Nominations must include the following:

  • A completed nomination form
  • Letters of recommendation:
    • One from the nominator (must be an RVT).
    • Up to three additional letters of support which include an evaluation of the candidate’s commitment to the veterinary technician profession. At least one must be from an RVT. Additional letters may be from veterinarians, co-workers, or allied health professionals
  • A personal narrative by the nominee is required, describing how registered veterinary technicians are involved in, and benefit, the animal health care profession (not to exceed 500 words). The narrative should also describe the nominee’s:
    • Professional contributions to the development of RVTs and staff, including mentoring and teaching activities, full utilization of RVTs, commitment to continuing education for RVTs, commitment to the team approach to health care, and commitment to the practice of high-quality medicine.
    • Contributions to the community, professional associations, and the promotion of the RVT profession and career path.
    • Special achievements not covered above, particularly those that are above and beyond the candidate’s job duties
  • A current CV of the candidate.

Candidates for this award can be nominated up to three times successively, providing that an updated CV is submitted annually.

All submitted material becomes the property of the CVMA and will not be returned.

Presentation of the award shall be made during the CVMA’s Awards Ceremony at the annual Pacific Veterinary Conference in June. The recipient will be recognized in the California Veterinarian magazine.

Nominate Someone

Nominations are open! The Meritorious Service Award is designed to honor service on behalf of animals, the veterinary profession, or people who celebrate and promote the human-animal bond in California. Click here to view a list of previous recipients of the Meritorious Service Award. Nominations for this award should be from one of the following groups:

  • Media demonstrating a commitment to coverage of veterinary or human/animal bond-related stories.
  • A special program or service offered by a veterinary group or clinic that received media attention.
  • A group, organization, or individual that led an activity to improve the bond between humans and animals in California.

 

Nomination criteria for one of the types of service listed above is as follows:

  • Nominated media group, veterinary group, organization, or individual must be based in California.
  • Nominations will be accepted from CVMA committees, veterinarians, humane societies, SPCA’s, or other animal care agencies in California, or by constituent veterinary associations.

 

Nominations must include the following:

  • A completed nomination form with a description of the program or event being recognized.
  • Minimum of two letters of recommendation, not to exceed five letters.
  • Relevant published material about the nominee, such as articles or interviews featuring nominee, not to exceed five pages. May include newspapers, magazines, audio/video recordings, hyperlinks, and digital files.

 

All submitted material becomes the property of the CVMA and will not be returned.

Presentation of the award shall be made during the CVMA’s Awards Ceremony at the annual Pacific Veterinary Conference in June. The recipient will be recognized in the California Veterinarian magazine.

Nominate Someone

Nominations are open! The Outstanding Service Award is designed to honor those that have been an excellent representative of the profession through active community involvement and/or veterinary service. This includes involvement in veterinary and/or non-veterinary groups and associations. Click here to view a list of previous recipients of the Outstanding Service Award.

Nomination criteria:

  • Nominee must be a member of CVMA for the past 10 years or more
  • Nominators must be CVMA members

Nominations must include the following:

  • A completed nomination form accompanied by a petition signed by five colleagues of the nominee who have been members in good standing of the Association for the preceding ten or more years.
  • A synopsis of nominee’s qualifications
  • A minimum of three letters of recommendation detailing this individual’s community involvement and service, not to exceed five letters.
  • Relevant published material (newspaper or magazine articles—internet hyperlinks, video/audio acceptable) not to exceed five pages.

All submitted material becomes the property of the CVMA and will not be returned.

Presentation of the award shall be made during the CVMA’s Awards Ceremony at the annual Pacific Veterinary Conference in June. The recipient will be recognized in the California Veterinarian magazine.

Nominate Someone
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