World Veterinary Day: Theme, Award, Eligibility

World Veterinary Day is an important event observed every April 29. It is a day dedicated to honouring and celebrating the achievements of veterinary professionals. They are an important part of the healthcare system, who ensure the well-being of our loving pets. Since 2000, this day has been celebrated on the fourth Saturday of April. It was first observed by the World Veterinary Association (WVA). Another prominent stakeholder engaged in the observance of this day is the Global Animal Health Association. Both these organisations promote the veterinary community and impart awareness about animal health and welfare among the general public. To encourage members of WVA to promote the achievements and concerns of veterinary doctors, the association awards the WVD Award to an eminent member each year. 

Name of the day	World Veterinary Day
Observed on	April 29
Reason	To honour veterinary professionals and celebrate their achievements.
Theme 2024	Veterinarians are essential health workers

History of World Veterinary Day

• World Veterinary Day is observed on the fourth Saturday of each year since 2000.
• This day is celebrated to increase awareness about animal welfare and health.
• This day was institutionalised by the World Veterinary Association in 2000 to highlight and acknowledge the role of veterinarians at the domestic and international levels.
• On this international day, the association also imparts awareness about the challenges veterinary professionals face daily.
• On this occasion, the global veterinary community aims to promote the veterinary profession as a medical science profession. 

Also Read: Doctor’s Day

What is the Significance of the World Veterinary Day?

The WVA celebrates Global Veterinary Day to realise its ideology of the hormonal co-existence of animals and human beings. Here are some of the primary reasons for celebrating this day:

• To bring together the international veterinary community.
• To acknowledge the contribution of veterinary professionals.
• To impart knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of veterinarians.
• To spread awareness about the hindrances in the veterinary profession.
• To promote the significance of animal welfare and health.
• To reframe the global veterinary profession and build a solid and resourceful community of veterinary professionals.

What is the Theme of World Veterinary Day 2024?

The theme of World Veterinary Day 2024 is ‘Veterinarians are essential health workers’. It highlights the important role of veterinary doctors in ensuring animal health and wellbeing. The theme also acknowledges their dedication to promoting animal welfare through proper medical care.

Also Read: World Social Work Day

World Veterinary Day (WVD) Award

On World Veterinary Day, the WVA awards the “WVD Award” to a member of the association who is engaged in activities related to the theme of the year. Even though the list of theme-oriented activities is very exhaustive, here are some of the examples of such activities on which the award will be given:

• Organising theme-based webinars/seminars/workshops for physicians, medical social workers, veterinarians, doctors, and public health workers.
• Recognise and implement practices to promote animal health and welfare.
•  Distribute theme-based materials to raise awareness about the community.
• Take an active part and organise online seminars, public performances, and concerts that promote the theme.
• Use social media to promote the ideals of International Veterinary Day.
• Use information platforms like TV, radio, and newspapers to discuss the theme.
• Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of a pronounced veterinarian and eminent researcher in realising the theme. 

Eligibility Criteria

All the members of the World Veterinary Association are eligible for the WVD Award. Any member who has engaged in any activity that promotes the 2024 theme can apply for this award.

Selection Criteria

The WVA and Global Animal Health Association select the WVD awardee on the below-listed evaluation/selection criteria:

• Contribution toward the International Veterinary Day 2024 theme.
• Achievements in her/their/his projects/activities.
• Inclusion of the general public and related stakeholders in the initiatives.
• Electronic and print media coverage.
• Initiatives to follow up on the initial activity

Also Read: World Homoeopathy Day

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