- Ethos Veterinary Health received 65 nominations for its 2026 Veterinary Assistant Champion Awards.
- Emma Bill, AVA, of Small Animal Veterinary Emergency Services (SAVES) was named Grand Champion.
- Three additional champions were recognized from hospitals in Washington and California.
- Winners were selected for excellence in patient care, teamwork, leadership, and professional development.
- Ethos highlighted its continued investment in veterinary assistant education through VetBloom’s NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Program.
Ethos Veterinary Health has announced the recipients of its 2026 Veterinary Assistant Champion Awards, recognizing veterinary assistants whose dedication and professionalism help support patient care and hospital teams across the organization’s network of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals.
The awards were presented during Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week, with 65 nominations submitted from hospitals throughout the Ethos network.
Grand Champion
Emma Bill, AVA
Small Animal Veterinary Emergency Services (SAVES), Lebanon, New Hampshire
Bill was recognized for her calm leadership during emergency cases, commitment to patient care, and dedication to supporting both clients and colleagues in high-pressure clinical environments.
2026 Champions
Alexandra Alvarez
Mid-Columbia Pet Emergency, Pasco, Washington
Alvarez was honored for her decade of service, leadership, mentorship of team members, and ability to help maintain exceptional patient care during challenging situations.
Crystal Lopez
Veterinary Specialty Hospital – North County, San Marcos, California
Lopez was recognized for her compassion, emotional support of colleagues and clients, and positive influence on hospital culture and team wellbeing.
Laura Medina, AVA
Veterinary Specialty Hospital – North County, San Marcos, California
Medina was honored for her role in helping build and expand the hospital’s surgery program while serving as a trusted mentor and technical resource for colleagues.
Supporting Career Growth
Ethos Veterinary Health said the awards reflect its broader commitment to supporting veterinary assistants through professional development, continuing education, and career advancement opportunities.
The organization highlighted VetBloom’s Veterinary Assistant Program, a NAVTA-approved educational pathway that helps participants strengthen clinical skills and qualify for the Approved Veterinary Assistant (AVA) credential.
The company said this year’s recipients exemplify the impact veterinary assistants have on patient outcomes, hospital operations, and the overall veterinary profession.
Information sourced from Ethos Veterinary Health.
For more about the 2026 Veterinary Assistant Champion Award winners, visit Ethos Veterinary Health: https://www.ethosvet.com
