Ceva Animal Health has announced that it is now accepting nominations for its annual Animal Welfare Awards.

The awards recognise veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and charity professionals who go the extra mile to prevent and reduce welfare problems for animals.

If you think one of your colleagues, vet or nurse, should be recognised for their work improving animal welfare, you'll need to nominate them before the 15th February 2013 deadline.

The awards include:

  • Chris Laurence Vet of the Year Award: In honour of the Chris - a welfare expert - this award is for a veterinary surgeon working in practice that consistently demonstrates their commitment to the continued improvement of animal welfare.
  • Welfare Nurse of the Year Award: For a veterinary nurse working in practice who has shown dedication to improving and championing excellent animal welfare.
  • Charity Professional of the Year Award: For an individual who works within a charity organisation who is consistently driven to perform to the best of their ability, with the single-minded goal of helping save and improve the lives of animals in need.

Winners of all awards will have a choice of luxury prize - ranging from spa weekends, European city breaks, countryside retreats or an animal experience. All individuals who nominate will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win £250 of high street vouchers.

Ginette Bryant from Ceva, said: "The Ceva Animal Welfare Awards are an opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of individuals in the veterinary and animal charity industry. Our mission 'Together, beyond animal health', recognises that the health of animals, humans and the planet are inextricably linked, these awards are fitting way to work towards improving the health of all.

"Whether it is improving animal welfare through client education in practice, championing good causes or helping specific cases, we know there are many people who share our ambitions in preventing and reducing companion animal welfare issues. It is these passionate individuals who are the unsung heroes of our industry and we're really excited to hear the inspiring stories from each nomination."

There are also three awards for people who work outside the veterinary or animal charity sector.

  • UK Volunteer Animal Welfare Award: For individuals who have demonstrated dedication to helping animals independently or within a charity. Ceva are looking for a person who goes above and beyond the call of duty in their free time.
  • International Volunteer Animal Welfare Award: For those who make changes to the lives of animals around the world. This person must show courage and determination to improve the perception and action of animal welfare in other countries.
  • Young Persons Volunteer Animal Welfare Award: For anyone under the age of 16 who has, in their free time shown compassion in helping aid and bringing joy to animals in need.

Nominations forms are available from www.ceva.com.

The deadline for entries is 15 February 2013.

For further details or additional nomination forms for your practice call Ceva on 01494 781 510 or email welfare.awards@ceva.com

The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 3 April 2013 during the BSAVA conference in Birmingham.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.