David Haworth, DVM, PhD, has a history of working to help pets live better lives. Now, he has another opportunity to do just that.

On April 28, the Board of Directors of PetSmart Charities appointed Haworth as its new president, effective May 2.

A veterinarian by training, Haworth has more than 15 years of experience in the animal health industry, including a long-time relationship with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

“I have known Dr. Haworth for many years, and PetSmart Charities made an excellent choice in selecting him as their new president,” said Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP (C/F), chief executive officer of AAHA.

“David knows the industry well and is definitely a friend of AAHA as evidenced by numerous collaborations with him over the years. I very much look forward to working with David in his new role and we both agree there should be very interesting opportunities for AAHA and PetSmart Charities to collaborate for the betterment of pets and their people.”

Haworth joins PetSmart Charities from the Morris Animal Foundation in Denver, Colo., where he most recently served as the president and CEO. He has been Chair of the Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative’s (HABRI) Research Working Group since 2010, and will continue in that role with PetSmart Charities. Previously, Haworth spent 11 years with Pfizer’s Animal Health business.

“I am thrilled to join an organization with the prominence and heft of PetSmart Charities,” said Haworth. “ There is so much good to be done on behalf of homeless pets, and I believe that PetSmart Charities along with our program partners is positioned to make a real impact.”

Haworth earned his veterinary degree as well as PhD in reproductive physiology from Colorado State University. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Animal Cancer Center, also at Colorado State University.