Veterinary Technician of the Year Award

Nominate an exceptional technician for AAHA’s Veterinary Technician of the Year Award

Veterinary technicians are at the heart of any veterinary practice and deserve recognition and celebration! The American Animal Hospital Association Veterinary Technician of the Year award recognizes the outstanding achievements of accredited, experienced veterinary technicians.

This award was made possible by the generous support of Zoetis.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be credentialed or actively pursuing credentialing
• Must have worked at their current practice for at least 90 days
• Must be currently employed in a veterinary hospital

Criteria

• Part 1: Nomination by a coworker or supervisor
  • The nominator (veterinary technicians may also nominate themselves) will fill out this form.
• Part 2: Candidate statements (to be completed by the candidate if selected to be a finalist)
  • Nominees selected from submissions in part one will be contacted via email to provide statements on culture, work life, community service, on culture, work life, community service and pets.

Deadline and Process

• Part one materials by nominator due: August 14
• Part two materials by finalist due: September 30

Application fee: None

Prizes and Recognition

• Finalists
  • Cash prize of $250
  • Commemorative plaque announcing your achievement
  • Discount on attendee registration to AAHA CON in National Harbor, MD (September 2027)
  • Individual AAHA membership (if the finalist is not from an AAHA-accredited practice) for one year
  • 15% discount on any merchandise or publication in the AAHA publications store for 12 months following designation as a finalist
  • An article in an AAHA publication mentioned on the AAHA website, and social media
• Winner
  • Total cash prize of $750
  • A trophy will be awarded in lieu of a plaque
  • A complimentary registration to AAHA CON in National Harbor, MD (September 2027)
  • Individual AAHA membership (if the winner is not from an AAHA-accredited practice) for one year
  • 15% discount on any merchandise or publication in the AAHA publications store for 12 months following designation as a winner
  • An article in an AAHA publication mentioned on the AAHA website, and social media
  • Special lapel pin to wear at your veterinary practice

Questions? 
Contact AAHA at 800-252-2242 or [email protected]

2025 Finalists

Allison Huettner, CVT
Country Hills Pet Hospital

Heather Schroeder, CVT
Mesquite Veterinary Hospital

Laura Gervasio, RVT
Everhart Veterinary Hospital

2024 Finalists

Leslie Krohn, CVT
Grove Veterinary Clinic

Rebecca Bartley, RVT, CCMT
Trooper Pet Veterinary Nursing

Ryanne Heiny, CVT, VTS
BluePearl NE Portland

2023 AAHA Veterinary Technician of the Year Award Winner

Susan Herbert, RVT
Chestermere Veterinary Clinic

Eligibility

Open to credentialed veterinary technicians from any veterinary practice who have worked at least ninety (90) days with the veterinary practice submitting the nomination and who are currently working for that practice. Veterinary technicians who receive an award are not eligible in the following year.

Criteria

• Part 1: Nomination by a coworker or supervisor
  • The nominator (veterinary technicians may also nominate themselves) will fill out this form.
• Part 2: Candidate statements (to be completed by the candidate if selected to be a finalist)
  • Nominees selected from submissions in part one will be contacted via email to provide statements on culture, work life, community service, on culture, work life, community service and pets.

Deadline and Process

Part one materials by nominator due: September 1
Part two materials by finalist due: September 27
Application fee: None

Prizes and Recognition

Finalists

• Cash prize of $250
• Commemorative plaque announcing your achievement
• Discount on attendee registration to AAHA Con in Chicago (September 2025)
• Individual AAHA membership (if the finalist is not from an AAHA-accredited practice) for one year
• 15% discount on any merchandise or publication in the AAHA publications store for 12 months following designation as a finalist
• An article in an AAHA publication and mentions on the AAHA website and social media

Winner

• Total cash prize of $750
• A trophy will be awarded in lieu of a plaque
• A complimentary registration to AAHA Con in Chicago (September 2025)
• Individual AAHA membership (if the winner is not from an AAHA-accredited practice) for one year
• 15% discount on any merchandise or publication in the AAHA publications store for 12 months following designation as a winner
• An article in an AAHA publication and mentions on the AAHA website and social media
• Special lapel pin to wear at your veterinary practice

Questions?

Contact AAHA at 800-252-2242 or [email protected]

Finalist and Award Announcements
Finalists will be notified (without indication of award placement) by mid-September. Finalists and winners will be featured on the AAHA website and social media.

Copyright Release

NOTE: AAHA plans to showcase the winning technicians’ applications (confidential information excluded). In addition, AAHA would be proud to include some of the ideas, quotes, pictures, etc. that were provided with your application in future promotional materials. However, we must have your permission before displaying or using anything belonging to you.

I grant to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), its representatives, and employees the right to use materials from our submission for the AAHA Veterinary Technician of the Year Awards. I authorize AAHA, its assigns, and transferees to copyright and publish the materials in print and/or electronically. This includes pictures and information submitted for the award. It does not include any confidential information, such as nominee contact information or continuing education.

I agree that AAHA may use such materials for any lawful purpose, including, for example, in social media, member communications, advertising, or on the AAHA website.

I hereby certify that all information contained in this Application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I further certify that as of the date hereof, all veterinarians in the practice have a license in good standing with the applicable state/provincial veterinary licensing board. I hereby certify that no state, provincial, or other applicable governmental agency, or client, has taken any adverse action against the Practice or any employee employed by the Practice in the 10 years preceding the date hereof. I have read and understand the above and have the authority to sign on behalf of my practice.