Burgess Pet Care is calling on the UK’s veterinary community to put forward nominations for this year’s Burgess Excel Vet Awards, which celebrate the hard work of veterinary practices and professionals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of the UK’s pet rabbits.
The closing date for nominations is 1 October 2021, with a cash prize of £250 and trophy for each category winner.
Held in conjunction with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), the awards are free to enter and are open to practising veterinary professionals in the UK, who are able to demonstrate the exceptional levels of care and professionaladvice they provide to pet rabbits and their owners.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural awards, which received hundreds of entries, several new categories have been added for 2021, including Guinea Pig Friendly Practice of the Year and Rabbit Support Staff of the Year.
Dr Sophie Jenkins, winner of Rabbit Vet of the Year in 2020, said: – “I was absolutely delighted to be recognised as winner of my category. It has really helped to raise awareness of our practice and the services we provide for rabbits. I have always seen rabbits in practice, however over the last 18 months the numbers of clients with rabbits has hugely increased. The demand is there for excellence in rabbit veterinary care, and I am proud of my company in being able to provide such a quality service.
“Being a vet is not just about the cases, diagnostics and surgeries; it is also about promoting animal welfare to maintain a good standard of care at home, as well as in the veterinary setting. Rabbit welfare has greatly improved in recent years, but we should do everything we can do to keep it high on the agenda.”
Nicky Leech, winner of Rabbit Nurse of the Year 2020, added: – “I have loved rabbits before I became a veterinary nurse, and was absolutely thrilled to be recognised in last year’s vet nurse category. The awards play an important role in championing rabbit veterinary care, and I would strongly encourage other professionals to enter the awards, as it really helps to raise the profile of the important work that we do.”
Award nominations are encouraged via the nomination form on the dedicated Excel Awards website, or by completing a nomination form and returning it via post. Self-nominations may also be made.
The judging panel, which will feature a selection of industry experts, veterinary professionals and rabbit specialists, will be announced w/c 20 September.
