Veterinary teams across Nevada are receiving national recognition as voting opens for the 2026 Veterinary Appreciation Day Awards presented by Trupanion, with 13 local veterinary professionals and 3 hospital teams among this year’s nominees.
For many pet owners, veterinary clinics are where some of life’s most meaningful, stressful, and emotional moments unfold — from first puppy visits to emergency care and end-of-life decisions. The awards aim to recognize the professionals who show up for all of it with skill, patience, and compassion.
Voting is open through May 26, with winners announced June 18 on Veterinary Appreciation Day.
What Is Veterinary Appreciation Day?
Created by Trupanion in 2015, Veterinary Appreciation Day was established to recognize the veterinary professionals and teams who play a critical role in animal health and family support.
Trupanion, a provider of medical insurance for cats and dogs, uses the annual awards to highlight not only clinical excellence, but also leadership, teamwork, communication, and compassion across veterinary medicine.
This year’s awards include three categories:
- Veterinarian of the Year
- Veterinary Professional of the Year
- Veterinary Team of the Year
Pet parents and veterinary professionals can both nominate and vote, whether or not they are Trupanion members.
Nevada Nominees for Veterinarian of the Year
Centennial Hills Animal Hospital – Las Vegas
- Dr. Tien Hoang
- Dr. Meghan O’Donahue
- Dr. Zachary Perkins
- Dr. Kyle Pinney
- Dr. Kelsey Bailey
- Dr. Kyndra Reed
- Dr. Jonathan Amger
- Dr. Logan Curtis
At Centennial Hills Animal Hospital, multiple veterinarians are recognized this year, with nominations highlighting everything from emergency calm under pressure to long-term client relationships built on trust.
One nomination for Dr. Tien Hoang describes a veterinarian who treats every case with care and clarity, taking time to explain diagnostics and support families through difficult decisions.
Durango Animal Hospital – Las Vegas
- Dr. Kris Vine
Dr. Kris Vine’s nomination reflects moments many pet owners will recognize — the sitting down, the slow explanations, the reassurance when everything feels uncertain. One supporter described him as someone who treats every pet “as if it were his own.”
Majestic Park Animal Hospital – Las Vegas
- Dr. David Espinosa
Dr. David Espinosa was recognized for both expertise and empathy, particularly in oncology care. One nomination highlighted his willingness to take time with families, answer questions thoroughly, and bring calm to difficult conversations.
Creature Comforts Animal Hospital – Las Vegas
- Dr. Kimberly Franco
Dr. Kimberly Franco’s nomination focused on more than medical skill, highlighting her consistency, leadership, and the way she builds trust with both clients and her team. One supporter noted she “never hesitates to help with any task” while creating an environment where people feel supported.
The Pet Oasis – Boulder City
- Dr. Sharon Brown
Dr. Sharon Brown was described simply but meaningfully as “intelligent, compassionate, and hardworking,” with a level of care that inspires deep client trust.
Nevada Nominees for Veterinary Professional of the Year
EVS Pet Urgent Care of Reno – Reno
- Taylin T.
Taylin’s nomination highlights dedication to both patient care and education, with supporters describing her as a strong, positive presence who consistently prioritizes animal safety and team support in urgent care situations.
Nevada Nominees for Veterinary Team of the Year
- Centennial Hills Animal Hospital – Las Vegas
- Majestic Park Animal Hospital – Las Vegas
- All Creatures Veterinary Services – Carson City
These team nominations reflect the collaborative nature of veterinary medicine — where doctors, technicians, assistants, and support staff all work together to keep clinics running and patients cared for, often under high-pressure conditions.
Why These Nominations Matter
Veterinary work is often unseen until it’s urgently needed. Behind every appointment is a team managing medical care, emotional conversations, diagnostics, and the reality that not every outcome is easy.
Recognition programs like Veterinary Appreciation Day create space to acknowledge that work publicly — not just for individual achievement, but for the collective effort that keeps pets healthy and families supported.
How to Vote
Voting is open now through May 26, 2026, with supporters able to vote once per day for as many nominees as they choose. Visit the Veterinary Appreciation Day voting page and enter the name of the nominee you wish to vote for, from there, simply follow the few steps to log your vote.
Winners will be announced June 18 as part of Veterinary Appreciation Day celebrations hosted by Trupanion.
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