Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital nominated as finalist for 2017 Petplan Veterinary Awards

From Petplan pet insurance:

Petplan Reveals a Sneak Peek at Potential Winners of the 2017 Veterinary Awards

6,145 nominations. 15 finalists. 5 winners to be announced on February 4!

Newtown Square, PA (October 17, 2016) – What makes a pet health provider paws down awesome? Petplan pet insurance is sniffing out the answer!

Entries poured in from clients, colleagues and pet parents throughout North America — all barking the praises of exceptional veterinary individuals and teams. Judges reviewed a record 6,145 nominations for the 2017 Petplan Veterinary Awards to pick the final pack, who will attend the annual black-tie awards gala at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando in February as honored guests of Petplan. 

This year’s finalists include a second-generation vet, whose father was a small animal veterinarian in Larchmont, NY; a practice manager whose adoption of a homeless puppy inspired him to create a fund for providing treatment to animals in need; and a practice that works closely with a wild bird center, a wildlife center and a turtle hospital, among others.

“Veterinary Awards season is our favorite time of year, and we’re delighted to see so much enthusiasm for honoring the people who keep pets healthy,” says Natasha Ashton, co-founder and co-CEO of Petplan pet insurance. “Our finalists not only meet the high bar set by past winners, but they continue to elevate and inspire the entire profession with their compassion and dedication.”

Petplan’s 2017 Veterinary Award finalists are:

• Veterinarian of the Year
  • Dr. Sandy Block, DVM, Bollinger Canyon Animal Hospital – San Ramon, CA                               
  • Dr. Hilary Wheeler, CVA, The Whole Pet Vet Hospital – Los Gatos, CA
  • Dr. Steve Winokur, DVM, CVA, Pharr Road Animal Hospital – Atlanta, GA

• Practice of the Year
  • Marathon Veterinary Hospital – Marathon, FL       
  • Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center – Levittown, PA
  • Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital & Veterinary Emergency Hospital – Flat Rock, NC

• Veterinary Technician of the Year
  • Ramona Crane, LVT, CVT, APEX-College of Vet Tech – Colorado Springs, CO            
  • Purvi Patel, RVT, Laurelwood Veterinary Hospital – Waterloo, ON
  • Kimberly Ramirez, RVT, The Sams Clinic Veterinary Specialists – Mill Valley, CA

• Practice Manager of the Year
  • Kristi Kruger, San Tan Animal Hospital Animal – Queen Creek, AZ
  • Bonita Masters, RVT, Paradise Animal Hospital and Wellness Centre – Paradise, NL
  • Andy Pertuset, CVPM, Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital & Veterinary Emergency Hospital – Flat Rock NC

• Receptionist of the Year
  • Danielle Lawrence, Alicia Pet Care Center – Mission Viejo, CA        
  • Jennifer Thompson, Best Friends Animal Hospital & Pet Resort – Swansea, IL        
  • Amie Zimmerman, Deer Grove Veterinary Clinic – Cottage Grove, WI

• Pet Parent of the Year – 2017 Winner!
  • Melody Fox, Cause4Paws Pet Food Bank – Phoenix, AZ

“The Petplan Veterinary Awards is one of the best nights in the veterinary profession,” says Dr. Andy Roark, veterinarian, media personality and emcee of this year’s event. “To see our industry come together to cheer one another and inspire each other makes the heartbreak and sacrifice it often takes to practice veterinary medicine feel all the more worth it. And of course, anytime you get hundreds of animal lovers together for a party — especially when it’s hosted by Petplan — you know you’re in for a good time.”

For more info about the 2017 Veterinary Awards, point your paws to http://www.gopetplan.com/vet-awards/veterinary-awards-dinner .