The prestigious International Canine Health Awards, the world’s foremost recognition for excellence in canine research, health, and welfare, have commenced the call for nominations for their 12th annual event.
Organised by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust and generously supported by the Vernon and Shirley Hill Foundation, these awards celebrate outstanding contributions in the realm of canine health and welfare.
Open to leading veterinary professionals, scientists, students, and researchers committed to enhancing dogs’ lives, the awards span five categories. With over $180,000 in prize money, these accolades aim to encourage scientific innovation that advances understanding as well as improving canine health and welfare worldwide.
Rewarding Excellence and Dedication
The awards seek nominations that exhibit a commitment to the unifying One-Health approach, benefitting both humans and dogs. The panel of judges, comprising independent experts from diverse research sectors, will scrutinise applications to identify individuals demonstrating exceptional dedication as well as innovation in their work towards canine health.
Entries for the five award categories must be submitted by January 31, 2024, through The Kennel Club Charitable Trust’s website. The categories include:
- The Alan Kelly International Award: Recognising outstanding contributions in canine health and welfare, with a $100,000 prize aimed at individuals involved in cutting-edge innovation.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: A $50,000 prize honouring a veterinarian or scientist who has made substantial lifelong contributions to canine health and welfare.
- Two Student Inspiration Awards: Supporting postgraduate and undergraduate students with prizes of $20,000 and $10,000 respectively, to aid further education or project development.
- UK Breed Health Co-ordinator Award: With a £5,000 prize, acknowledging individuals from UK Kennel Club breed clubs or councils demonstrating dedication to breed health and welfare.
Testimonials and Support
Dr Andrew Higgins, Chairman of the International Canine Health Awards panel and trustee of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, expressed pride in opening nominations. He highlighted the awards’ profound impact on pioneering changes in canine health and research globally, thanks to the generous support of the Vernon and Shirley Hill Foundation.
Renowned international banker Vernon Hill and his wife Shirley, whose foundation underwrites the awards, reiterated their commitment to supporting initiatives that significantly contribute to improving dogs’ lives worldwide. Their foundation’s focus on the One Health concept also underscores the awards’ aim to benefit both human and canine health concurrently.
Nominations for these globally esteemed awards are now open, celebrating excellence and dedication in canine health and welfare. For further information and nominations, visit The Kennel Club Charitable Trust’s website before the deadline on January 31, 2024.
