2017 Petplan Veterinary Awards nominees announced

Petplan has announced the 15 finalists in the 2017 Veterinary Awards from a total of 6,145 nominations. The winners will be announced February 4, 2017, at a dinner held in conjunction with the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando, Florida. Now in its sixth year, the annual awards recognize recipients in five veterinary categories-practice of the year, veterinarian of the year, veterinary technician of the year, practice manager of the year and receptionist of the year-plus a pet parent of the year.

According to a company release, this year's finalists for the Petplan awards include a second-generation veterinarian whose father was a small animal veterinarian in Larchmont, New York, a practice manager whose adoption of a homeless puppy inspired him to create a fund for providing treatment to animals in need, and a practice that works closely with a wild bird center, a wildlife center and a turtle hospital, among others.

“Veterinary awards season is our favorite time of year, and we're delighted to see so much enthusiasm for honoring the people who keep pets healthy,” says Natasha Ashton, co-founder and co-CEO of Petplan pet insurance in the release. “Our finalists not only meet the high bar set by past winners, but they continue to elevate and inspire the entire profession with their compassion and dedication.”

Practice of the Year

Marathon Veterinary Hospital, Marathon, Florida

Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center, Levittown, Pennsylvania-One of this practice's docs: Dr. Garret Pachtinger.

Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital & Veterinary Emergency Hospital, Flat Rock, North Carolina-This practice was recognized in the 2009 Veterinary Economics Hospital Design competition.

Veterinarian of the Year

Sandy Block, DVM, Bollinger Canyon Animal Hospital, San Ramon, California

Hilary Wheeler, DVM, CVA, The Whole Pet Vet Hospital, Los Gatos, California

Steve Winokur, DVM, CVA, Pharr Road Animal Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia

Veterinary Technician of the Year

Ramona Crane, LVT, CVT, APEX-College of Vet Tech, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Purvi Patel, RVT, Laurelwood Veterinary Hospital, Waterloo, Ontario

Kimberly Ramirez, RVT, The Sams Clinic Veterinary Specialists, Mill Valley, California

Practice Manager of the Year

Kristi Kruger, San Tan Animal Hospital Animal, Queen Creek, Arizona

Bonita Masters, RVT, Paradise Animal Hospital and Wellness Centre, Paradise, Newfoundland

Andy Pertuset, CVPM, Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital & Veterinary Emergency Hospital, Flat Rock, North Carolina-Also nominated as Practice of the Year!

Receptionist of the Year

Danielle Lawrence, Alicia Pet Care Center, Mission Viejo, California

Jennifer Thompson, Best Friends Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, Swansea, Illinois

Amie Zimmerman, Deer Grove Veterinary Clinic, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin

Pet Parent of the Year–2017 winner already announced

Melody Fox, Cause4Paws Pet Food Bank, Phoenix, Arizona