As we finalize this year's event, we want to extend a thank you for participating in another successful year of free eye exams for Service and Working Animals! A record-breaking 305 board-certified veterinary ophthalmologists generously donate their time and services for the event. Without you and your hardworking staff, this program would not be possible. This year, over 7,625 animals received complimentary eye exams throughout the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and Spain. Of those 7,625 animals, approximately 52% were made up of active handicap assistance, police/military and search and rescue working animals; 38% therapy animals; and 10% other qualified animals.
As you’ve likely already read, your Service Animal event won the NAVC’s first ‘Veterinary Innovation Award’ for 2017/2018! We will be promoting the program to general practitioners and technicians at the AVMA conference again this year. If you are planning on attending, drop by our booth #1916 to say hi and see what amazing things you are doing for Service and Working Animals across the country. Stay up to date on all things about the program and more the following ways:
Follow the event on Facebook
Follow the event on Instagram
Visit our website
Check out our Public News Blog
Video Contest - Submissions due by July 15th
The PR Committee would like to again extend an invitation to you to submit a video for competition and possibly win a Go Pro. They are seeking one-to-two minute, edited, entertaining, heart-tugging and/or ‘viral-like’, videos of Service Animals and examinations performed by ophthalmologists during the event. Or for a fun twist this year, we would like to encourage videos that are produced from the dog's point of view (perhaps on a GoPro harness or similar), light-hearted and possibly viral-like.
The video could have been captured using any video device and will be judged by the PR Committee, looking for originality and a polished finish. These should include the event logo and URL somewhere in the video (your clinic or facility name/logo should also be included). These may be individual or 'facility' entries.
The winner will be announced at the conference and will receive the newest GoPro HERO 5 camera with a dog harness attachment! In the future, the video(s) could also be shared across our social media platforms to raise awareness for our event and the services we can provide.
Check out last year's winners submitted by Animal Eye Guys of South Florida, Drs. Cherlene Delgado & Robert Swinger and BluePearl Veterinary Partners, Dr. Jessica Stine.
The deadline for submission is July 15, 2018, email your video link to office18@ACVO.org, Subject: ACVO Video Competition. We look forward to seeing your amazing videos, have fun!
Photo Contest - Submissions due by June 30th
Share with your clients to submit their favorite working-animal picture for the annual photo contest the month of June! This should illustrate the Service Animal(s) working and/or demonstrating their special bond; get a chance to earn $250-$500 for their favorite charity. The winning pictures will be put out to an audience vote in July with the winners announced following the close of the vote. Learn more about the contest and how to submit. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more announcements and to follow the voting for the contest!
Here are our winners from last year:
Paris & Austin: Seizure Alter & Mobility Assistance Service Animal. They received $500 to go to their favorite charity, 4 Paws for Ability.
Soleil & Maire: Search & Rescue: Cadaver Recovery. They received $250 to go to their favorite charity, Midwest K9 Emergency Response Team.
Syka: Search & Rescue: Air Scent. They received $250 to go to their favorite charity, Resources in Search and Rescue Inc.
2018 VIC Innovation Award Winner!