Distinguished Life Service Award

The highest honor to be conferred upon a member of the NYSVMS.  The award honors an individual of the highest caliber in the profession; one who has been a good and faithful NYSVMS member for a period of 35 years and has actively and fully partaken in society activities.

Veterinarian of the Year Award 

This award is given to a NYSVMS member who, over the course of many years, served his/her regional, state society, and veterinary profession in an exemplary and distinguished manner and who is judged by his/her peers to be the most deserving of the Veterinarian of the Year award.  The first award was presented in 1961 to Dr. William Hagan. 

Outstanding Service to Veterinary Medicine in New York State Award

Honors an individual who through his/her efforts in education, research, practice, or some veterinary-related occupation significantly contributed to the advancement and improvement of veterinary medicine in New York State.  This individual need not have been active in organized veterinary medicine and need not be a veterinarian

Rising Leader Award

The Rising Leader Award recognizes a current NYSVMS member who has graduated from veterinary school within the last 15 years. This outstanding member has made significant professional accomplishments early in his/her career including public service and volunteer activities that serve to positively reflect upon the veterinary profession, as well as an active role on the regional and/or state level of NYSVMS.

NYSVMS Merit Award

Honors a society member for significant contributions to the regional and state society and the advancement of the veterinary profession.

Dr. Steve Kritsick Memorial Award

The Kritsick award was established in 1994 to remember and recognize the contributions to animal welfare of Dr. Steve Kritsick.  Dr. Kritsick was a well-known and popular animal advocate who appeared on several television programs, including “Good Morning America.”

This award recognizes an individual or organization that effectively promotes responsible pet ownership; educates the public about an issue related to animal welfare; or who positively increases the visibility of veterinary medicine as a science whose contributions have helped create a healthier future for animals and people.