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BVA Outstanding Service Award
Our most prestigious accolade, the BVA Outstanding Service Award recognises an individual who has given exceptional service to the veterinary profession or animal welfare, earning international or inter-professional recognition.
They are well-known for leading important projects or contributing to key initiatives that have made a meaningful, and lasting impact.
Who can enter
BVA’s Outstanding Achievement Award is open to all vets registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Anyone can nominate but self-nominations are not considered.
How to nominate
It’s easy to apply by completing our online form.
To complete your nomination, you will need:
- Your nominees full name, email, RCVS number (find a vet).
Nominations are now open. Please submit by 23 November.
What the judges are looking for
The judges are looking for a single statement (maximum 400 words) which outlines and evidences:
- Noteworthy contributions
Illustrates how candidates have made outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession or animal welfare. Evidence should include specific projects, roles and/or initiatives undertaken.
- Widespread impact
Shows clear evidence of the difference their contribution or service has made to the veterinary profession or animal welfare. For example, specific project successes, examples of inter-professional collaboration, or efforts to improve recognition of the value of veterinary science among wider stakeholders.
- Professional respect and recognition
Evidences that their work is judged as being of a calibre commanding international or inter-professional recognition.
Judges will score nominations based on the entry criteria. It is not necessary to evidence all criteria, however this will enable a higher score at judging.
BVA Outstanding Service Award 2026
Dronfield, North-East Derbyshire
Cat Henstridge BVSc MRCVS, a small animal vet and social media influencer also known as “Cat the Vet” by her thousands of followers, has been awarded the prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to advancing public understanding of veterinary science and animal welfare. Through her widely recognised social media platform “Cat The Vet,” she communicates evidence-based veterinary science to a wide audience, translating complex veterinary topics into accessible information that empowers pet owners to make informed decisions about their animals’ health and welfare. By actively tackling misinformation online, Cat has provided outstanding service to the profession.
You can learn more about our previous winners here: