Hartz seeks nominees for 2007 veterinarian of the year

SECAUCUS, N.J. — Hartz Mountain Corp. is seeking nominations for its annual Veterinarian of the Year contest.

Created in 2001, the award honors veterinarians who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to patients, owners and communities. Each year, the company selects a grand-prize winner for a $5,000 award and two runner-ups, each receiving $2,500. Individuals who nominated this year's winners will receive $1,500 and $750, respectively.

"There are many truly extraordinary veterinarians who not only provide care for our pets but also make significant contributions to their communities, says Dr. Jill Richardson, director of Consumer Relations and Technical Services. "Hartz is proud to honor them for their tireless and selfless work to elevate the human-animal bond and help their communities in the process."

Entry forms to nominate a veterinarian are available at www.hartz.com. Applicants must write a brief essay describing their reasons for nominating the veterinarians, including details about their professional work, community outreach and commitment to elevating the human-animal bond. Finalists must fill out a questionnaire, and a Hartz-selected panel of judges makes selections.