The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) is honoring horse doctors this summer who perform “good works” to benefit horses and the equine community.

The Good Works for Horses campaign – sponsored by AAEP Educational Partner Zoetis – will recognize AAEP-member veterinarians whose volunteer efforts are having a positive effect on the equine community. Industry data show that equine veterinarians frequently volunteer, donate goods or services, make monetary contributions, or assist the equine community beyond their daily work responsibilities.
 
Horse owners and organizations are invited to nominate AAEP-member veterinarians who have contributed veterinary services or resources to benefit horses and the local equine community. Nominations can be made online beginning June 1 at aaep.org/horse-owners/good-works-horses. The last day to submit an entry is August 31. 

Three veterinarians will be selected for recognition each month, June through August, in a Win-Place-Show order. Monthly honorees and their nominators will be acknowledged across AAEP’s media platforms and each month’s winner will receive a prize package from AAEP and Zoetis. A grand prize winner will be selected from among the three monthly “Win” honorees and honored Nov. 19 during the AAEP’s 68th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. 
 
The AAEP defines “good works” as selfless acts of giving back to the horse, for the sake of the horse and people they serve. Examples may include: 
 

• Offering free or low-cost vaccinations or veterinary services to a community 

• Volunteering services or resources at an equine rescue/retirement facility or therapeutic riding center

• Responding to a natural disaster that imperils horses

• Participating in educational programs for youth equine organizations 

• Serving the welfare of working equids domestically or internationally

• Assisting local law enforcement and animal welfare groups

“The Good Works for Horses campaign most recently was held in 2019, and we know many, many equine veterinarians have been serving the horse and their communities in critically needed ways during the last three years,” said Dr. Emma Read 2022 AAEP President. “It is an honor for us to spotlight those who are making a difference.”

“I’m extremely proud that our division is partnering with AAEP for the Good Works for Horses initiative,” said Dr. Nathan Voris, Associate Director of Equine Technical Services for Zoetis Equine. “We’ve always known that equine veterinarians are incredibly generous with their time and expertise, and supporting this program is a chance for us to help the AAEP to recognize those who truly go above and beyond by volunteering in ways that help horses and horse people.”

For more information about the Good Works for Horses campaign, contact Sally Baker, AAEP director of marketing and public relations, at sbaker@aaep.org. 

About AAEP
The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

About Zoetis
As the world's leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After 70 years of innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect and treat animal illness, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide, from livestock farmers to veterinarians and pet owners. The company's leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $7.8 billion in 2021 with approximately 12,100 employees. 

The Zoetis Equine division is committed to providing horse care you can count on. Our team includes numerous equine veterinarians and other experts who are inspired daily by the opportunity and profound responsibility to support horses, the owners who love them and the equine veterinarians and other care team members who safeguard their well-being every day. Whether at the clinic or in the field, Zoetis is always by your side with a comprehensive, innovative portfolio of equine products and services at every step of a horse’s care and throughout the journey of a horse’s life. Visit zoetisequine.com to learn more.

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