Somerset vet named BVA Young Vet of the Year 2026

Farm vet Dr Anna Hewison BVM BVS MRCVS has been named the winner of the prestigious BVA Young Vet of the Year 2026.

Now in its ninth year, the BVA Young Vet of the Year award, which is supported by Zoetis, celebrates inspirational vets in the first stages of their professional career. The award was presented at last night’s BVA Awards Dinner 2026 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole alongside the winners of twelve other awards.

Dr Hewison , who works in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, qualified from the University of Nottingham in 2022 and joined Shepton Vets, Somerset. She demonstrates consistently high standards of care, clinical excellence and genuine commitment to her development, collaboration between farmers, vet techs and her colleagues. Anna runs the practice’s Youngstock Club and has developed it into a more collaborative and effective programme, restructuring the scheme to encourage closer working relationships between vets, technicians, and farmers, ensuring a joined-up approach to youngstock management.

On being named the winner, Anna said:

“I cannot believe that I have won this award and feel incredibly honoured. It is especially meaningful given the high standard of nominees. I genuinely love being a farm vet and find it hugely rewarding. I’m extremely grateful to my colleagues at Shepton Vets for their support, encouragement and the knowledge they have shared with me throughout my career so far. They have provided me with fantastic opportunities to learn and develop, and this award is very much a reflection of that. I would also like to congratulate the other finalists for this award, as well as the finalists and award winner's from the other categories. It is a privilege to be part of such a committed and passionate profession, and I look forward to continuing to learn and make a positive difference for the farmers and animals I work with every day.”

British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said:

“Anna is an outstanding veterinary surgeon, and her clinical excellence and leadership is impressive at such a young age and so early in her career. It’s inspiring how dedicated she is to developing her skills and strengthening relationships and collaboration with farmers, other veterinary professionals and her team. She should be exceptionally proud of her achievements so far and we’re delighted to award her this prestigious title – it’s very well deserved. Well done, Anna.”

Sarah Dyke MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, Anna’s local constituency, said:

"Anna's BVA Young Vet of the Year award is thoroughly deserved and a testament to her dedication, expertise and commitment to animal welfare. As a farm vet serving our rural communities, she plays a vital role in supporting both livestock health and the farmers who work tirelessly to produce our food. I am delighted to see her hard work recognised at a national level."

Luis Gomez, General Manager UK at sponsor Zoetis, said:

“This year’s Young Vet of the Year Award winner, Anna, and each of the finalists, demonstrate how with passion and commitment they make a difference for the animals in their care, whilst navigating the dynamics of the veterinary profession. Zoetis is proud to, together with BVA, shine a light on the outstanding contributions of rising talent within our industry.” 

BVA Awards

The BVA Awards recognise inspirational vets from across the profession who: go above and beyond for their patients and clients; support wellbeing and positive workplace culture; drive positive change across sustainability; deliver inspirational leadership and mentoring; and push the boundaries of veterinary science.

This year's award winners are:

• BVA Young Vet of the Year, supported by Zoetis - Dr. Anna Hewison
• BVA Wellbeing Awards, supported by ManyPets:
• Small medium practice category – Vets for Pets Kirkcaldy
• Large practice category - Chapelfield Vets
• Non-clinical category – Sonopath
• BVA Veterinary Mentor Award, supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition: Sharon Ann King
• BVA Veterinary Leader Award, supported by Vetnique - YuMOVE Veterinary: Paul Horwood
• BVA One Health and Sustainability Award: Dr Laura Higham
• BVA Outstanding Service Award: Cat Henstridge
• BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award: Professor Tom McNeilly
• BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award (J. Trevor Blackburn Award): Dr Romain Pizzi
• Vet Record Impact Award: Rosemary Perkins, Gaëtan Glauser and Dave Goulson
• WVS Global Veterinary Challenge, in association with BVA: Shreya Patel, Rudi Bruijn-Yard and Francesca Haldane

On the awards, BVA President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said:

“The BVA Awards shine a light on the vital contribution vets and vet teams make in their communities and society at large; celebrating those who go the extra mile, who are outstanding in their fields; who show compassion and support for their colleagues; and make significant contributions to the health of both animals and people. We're so proud to be able to recognise their achievements and dedication and wish sincere congratulations to all our 2026 award winners.”