Blue Cross has opened nominations for its annual search for the UK‘s ‘Veterinary Nurse of the year’ and is calling on pet owners and veterinary practices to put forward their star vet nurses. The charity’s award recognises the dedication of the country’s vet nurses and their invaluable support to their veterinary teams, the nation’s pets and pet owners. The award is given to a vet nurse who not only cares for sick and injured pets but goes the extra mile to encourage responsible pet ownership and improve pet welfare in their community.

The awards will be presented at the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Annual Congress which takes place from 7 – 9 October 2022 at Telford International Centre in Shropshire.

Last year’s Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award was presented to Rachel Bourne of the Broughton Veterinary Group in Broughton Astley, Leicestershire who was nominated as “a true animal advocate and challenges the veterinary team to consistently improve standards of care, through Cat friendly clinics, improved pain management, post operative care and monitoring to name just a few”.

Kelly Grellier, Chief Operating Officer at Blue Cross said: “Blue Cross is proud to offer this reward in appreciation of the commitment of vet nurses across the UK who work tirelessly to improve the lives of our pets, other animals and their owners. We are looking for vet nurses who really go that extra mile to support pet owners in their communities who have a significant impact in improving the nation’s animal welfare”.

To nominate a vet nurse who has gone the extra mile and made a significant contribution to animal welfare, complete the nomination form on the Blue Cross website www.bluecross.org.uk/bvna. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday 31 August 2022.

2022 is the 125^th anniversary of Blue Cross, originally ‘Our Dumb Friends League’. The charity formed to help vulnerable pets and their owners and we continue this work today across our rehoming, clinical, animal behaviour, pet bereavement support and educational work. We are striving to be able to help even more pets in the future live healthy lives in happy homes. Blue Cross relies on the support and donations of pet lovers to continue our vital work, to find out more and make a donation visit; www.bluecross.org.uk/125-years-of-blue-cross