Veterinary professionals are a special breed, and since 2016, the Petplan Veterinary Awards have recognised the industry’s ‘’best in show’’.

Petplan work closely with the veterinary profession and see firsthand the fantastic work that goes on in veterinary practices all across Australia. This initiative was created by Petplan to allow Australians to recognise and support the hard work of all veterinary professionals. People from all over the country have the opportunity to nominate their veterinary heroes, and it is the job of Petplan’s panel of expert judges to sniff out the top dogs in four categories before a final public vote to announce the winners.

CONGRATULATIONS to our 2018 Veterinary Award Winners

Petplan Australia in partnership with ROYAL CANIN® would like to congratulate all Vets, Vet Nurses and Vet Practices and Support Staff who were nominated for the 2018 Petplan Veterinary Awards, and a huge well done to all of our finalists. We were blown away by the amount of nominations and votes received, which is a credit to the amazing work of each and every person and practice that were nominated.

There could only be one winner from each category, and Petplan Australia is thrilled to introduce you to the 2018 winners!

Vet Nurse of the Year

Helen Gorton

Murwillumbah Vet Clinic, New South Wales

Helen received a great number votes, proving how valued she is in the Murwillumbah community. We saw many comments and well wishes for Helen from clients showing how appreciative they are of her. Love your work Helen!

"I have been working at Murwillumbah Vet Clinic (MVC) for ten years now, and absolutely love my role here as a Veterinary Nurse. Having grown up in Murwillumbah since the age of 7, I love being part of the community - helping clients, some of whom have been coming to this clinic since it commenced serving our community 35 years ago, and welcoming new clients and their pets to our clinic family.

We do consider ourselves a family here at MVC, and treat each other as such, celebrating our successes and supporting each other in tough times.”

Vet of the Year

John Ward

Lakes Veterinary Clinic, Victoria

John saw the most nominations and votes across all categories, our inbox was overflowing! Warm natured and well loved, we think John is a deserving winner for going above and beyond with his patients and owners. Good on you John!

“In 1982 my wife and I moved to East Gippsland and established Lakes Entrance & Metung Veterinary Clinics. We were initially a mobile service until I was able to construct a suitable clinic to operate from. Since then, the practice has grown exponentially. I’m the sole vet in the practice, available 24 hours a day, and treat both large and small animals.

What I love about my role is the variety - vaccinating a dog one minute, examining a snake the next, a stop off to treat a horse with colic, then finishing the day pulling a calf. I never know what to expect when the phone rings!”

Vet Practice of the Year

Australian Veterinary Behaviour Services

The most humbling nominations to read came for the AVBS, they help dogs and cats with behavioural issues to become more sociable and give owners the empowerment to handle these lifelong problems. Nominations were full of gratitude and it was clear that the AVBS were heroes to these owners.

“In 2012, we started Adelaide Veterinary Behaviour Services, with the increase demand of diagnosing and treating dogs and cats with behavioural problems we expanded our services not only to consultations but to seminars and workshops, Australia wide. From this we changed from Adelaide to Australian Veterinary Behaviour Services in 2017.

Backed by an amazing team with vets and trainers including behaviour specialist Dr Kersti Seksel, we are able to provide support to all of our wonderful clients with "special needs" pets. We are so incredibly humbled by the nominations and votes from our clients.”

Vet Practice Support Staff of the Year

Peta McAlpine

Riverport Veterinary Hospital, South Australia

Peta saw nominations come from both clients and colleagues demonstrating how valuable she is to her clinic and their client community. She is incredibly passionate about her role and always goes about her job with a smile. Keep it up Peta!

"It was definitely a dream come true when I started working as a receptionist at the Riverport Veterinary Hospital. Having the opportunity to be surrounded by our beautiful furry patients and their extremely caring pet parents brings fulfilment to my day. I'm so fortunate to be part of an amazing and supportive team of people who are not only my workmates but my work family.

Each day is so varied which keeps me on my toes but I'm always guaranteed cuddles from our patients.”

What are the Petplan Veterinary Awards?