Association of Shelter Veterinarians Honors 2024 Award Winners for Outstanding Contributions
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV), the leading professional organization for veterinarians dedicated to animal sheltering, is thrilled to announce the winners of its 2024 awards. These awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals to the field of shelter veterinary medicine, aligning with ASV’s mission to enhance the health and welfare of sheltered animals.
This year’s ASV Meritorious Service Award recipient is Dr. Karla Brestle, DVM, a renowned veterinarian recognized for her pioneering efforts and steadfast dedication to high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) initiatives. A graduate of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Brestle has made significant strides in shaping spay/neuter practices worldwide through her role as Senior Director of Training & Programs at the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance. Her leadership and educational efforts have not only improved procedures but have also inspired a new generation of veterinarians and students in shelter medicine.
Dr. Rebecca Fellman, DVM, is honored with the 2024 ASV Veterinarian of the Year Award. Since joining MSPCA-Angell in 2018, Dr. Fellman has implemented transformative initiatives that have expanded access to essential veterinary services, significantly impacting animal health and welfare in underserved communities. Her innovative approaches to medical barriers and community outreach have revolutionized shelter medicine, enhancing the lives of thousands of animals each year.
Both awards highlight the recipients' enduring impact on shelter veterinary medicine through leadership, education, advocacy, and clinical practice. Established in 2010 and 2018 respectively, the ASV Meritorious Service Award and Veterinarian of the Year Award recognize individuals who have made sustained contributions to advancing the field.
For more information on the Association of Shelter Veterinarians and to explore its resources, visit sheltervet.org. Since its inception in 2001, ASV has been at the forefront of developing educational resources, including spearheading the first shelter medicine residency at UC Davis and establishing a board-recognized specialty in shelter medicine. Today, ASV continues to be a pivotal voice in veterinary shelter medicine globally, supporting over 2,000 members and numerous international student chapters.
