Now in its fourth year, the Ceva Awards for Animal Welfare recognise volunteers, charity workers, veterinary professionals and anyone else who works with, or on behalf of, animals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting and improving animal welfare around the world.

The two main veterinary categories are the Chris Laurence Vet of the Year and Welfare Nurse of the Year. Whilst both of these categories are open to large animal veterinary professionals, last year’s addition of the Farm Animal Welfare Award allows specific recognition for people that work within the farming industry and strive to encourage high standards of ethical and compassionate farm animal welfare.

Anyone who knows of a veterinary professional who goes that extra mile for animals, is encouraged to nominate at www.cevawelfareawards.com.

An impressive list of organisations have once again lent their support to the awards as official partners, reflecting the importance of recognising outstanding commitment to welfare within the animal health industry. These individual category partnerships include repeat charity supporters Blue Cross, PDSA and International Cat Care and media titles, such as Your Dog, Your Cat, Veterinary Times and VN Times.

Ceva are also delighted to welcome the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I) as joint sponsor with NADIS for the Farm Animal Welfare Award.

Ceva Managing Director, Alan Doyle said: “The ever increasing number and quality of nominations that we receive year on year just goes to show the number of people that share our vision to improve the welfare of animals.

“It is so important to honour and champion these inspirational people that have gone beyond the call of duty to really make a difference and also use this event to highlight important issues within animal welfare to the wider animal community”.

The full list of award categories is:

· Chris Laurence Vet of the Year Award - in association with the Veterinary Times
This award is to recognise a veterinary surgeon working in practice that emulates Chris’ dedication to animal welfare by educating pet owners and consistently demonstrating a commitment to the continued improvement of animal welfare standards.
· The VN Times Welfare Nurse of the Year Award
This award is to give recognition to a veterinary nurse working in practice who has shown real commitment to improving and championing excellent animal welfare within their practice.
· Charity Professional of the Year Award (UK & International) – in association with PDSA
This award is for an individual who works within a charity organisation who consistently performs to the best of their ability, with the single minded goal of helping save and improve the lives of animals in need.

· Charity Team of the Year Award (UK & International) - in association with Your Cat and Your Dog magazine
This Award is for an awe inspiring team whose drive and passionate dedication has changed the lives of animals for the better, by tirelessly promoting and championing their cause.

· Volunteer of the Year Welfare Award (UK & International) – in association with Blue Cross
This Award is for someone who through their amazing dedication and tenacity has helped improve animal welfare and who in their own free time goes above and beyond the call of duty to improve the lives of animals either in the UK or Internationally.
· Farm Animal Welfare Award (UK & International) – in association with RABI and NADIS
This award is for someone who works within the farming industry and who strives to provide or encourage high standards of ethical and compassionate farm animal welfare. We want to award someone who has made a tangible difference to the welfare of farm animals through direct action or through education and/or awareness.
· International Cat Care Welfare Award
This honorary award is for people who have provided voluntary help with a feline welfare project, contributing to making a sustainable local change through either re-homing, public education, veterinary education, provision of veterinary services or TNR work. iCatCare will choose the winner of this award from their extensive member base and therefore no general nominations are required.

These awards will be judged by a panel of esteemed industry professionals including Christopher Laurence MBE BVSc. The 2015 ceremony will once again be taking place at BSAVA.

To find out more about the awards, and to nominate, visit www.cevawelfareawards.com.

Notes
Ceva Santé Animale is one of the fastest growing purely Animal Health companies in the UK & globally. Focused on the research, development, production and marketing of pharmaceutical products and vaccines for companion animals, ruminants, horses, pigs and poultry.

For more information, visit www.ceva.co.uk, call 01494 781510, or contact your local Ceva territory manager.