The bond between a horse owner and their veterinarian is rarely limited to clinical appointments and routine health checks. It is a profound, often lifelong partnership defined by trust, late-night emergencies, and the shared, quiet mission of ensuring the welfare of an animal that is as much a companion as it is a partner. Recognizing the depth of this professional relationship, the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), in collaboration with long-time educational partner Zoetis, has officially announced the return of the celebrated “My Vet Rocks” campaign.
This initiative provides a national platform for horse owners to publicly honor the equine practitioners who go above and beyond the call of duty. By shifting the spotlight from the science of medicine to the humanity of the practitioner, the campaign aims to foster greater appreciation for the often-taxing, always-dedicated work of those who care for the equine athlete and companion.
Main Facts: The Mission and Mechanism
The “My Vet Rocks” campaign is a high-visibility initiative designed to spotlight excellence in veterinary medicine. Between July 1 and July 31, 2026, horse owners across the globe are invited to submit short videos—capped at one minute—that detail why their specific equine veterinarian is exceptional.
To be eligible for the grand prize, the nominated veterinarian must be a current member of the AAEP, ensuring that the honor remains grounded in the association’s standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence. The submissions are not restricted by style; owners are encouraged to be as creative, heartfelt, or imaginative as they wish, provided they capture the essence of their veterinarian’s dedication.
As an incentive for participation, every owner who submits a valid entry will receive a $10 digital Starbucks gift card. While participants may submit multiple videos to highlight different aspects of their veterinarian’s work, the reward structure is limited to one gift card per individual to ensure widespread participation.
A Chronology of the Campaign
The timeline for this year’s initiative is tightly structured to facilitate a robust review process and culminate in a major industry event:
- July 1, 2026: Official launch of the submission window. Horse owners can begin sending their video testimonials via direct message (DM) to the AAEP’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
- July 31, 2026: The submission portal closes. All videos must be received by this date to be considered for the awards.
- August–October 2026: The judging panel—comprised of industry leaders and representatives from the AAEP and Zoetis—reviews the submissions based on criteria such as the depth of partnership, the practitioner’s dedication, and the quality of care provided.
- December 7–11, 2026: The culmination of the campaign. The grand prize-winning veterinarian will be formally honored during the Opening Session of the AAEP’s 2026 Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Supporting Data and the Human Element
The significance of this campaign is rooted in the reality of the veterinary profession. Equine medicine is notoriously demanding. It requires practitioners to work in unpredictable environments, endure harsh weather, and often sacrifice personal time to provide emergency care.
Dr. Nathan Voris, DVM, MBA, director of Equine Technical Services at Zoetis, emphasizes that the “My Vet Rocks” campaign is a necessary corrective to the invisibility of these sacrifices. “Equine veterinarians are there for horses and the people who love them, after hours, in every kind of weather, and sometimes at real personal sacrifice,” says Dr. Voris. “Their dedication to the health and welfare of horses is extraordinary, and it deserves to be celebrated. Through ‘My Vet Rocks,’ we invite horse owners to share a short video about what their equine veterinarian means to them and their horse, and to help us shine a light on the professionals who show up every day when it matters most.”
The data behind the profession suggests that such recognition is vital for professional retention. The modern veterinary landscape is increasingly challenging, with high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue. By creating a culture of appreciation, the AAEP and Zoetis are reinforcing the value of the veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which is the cornerstone of effective veterinary practice.
Official Responses and Industry Impact
The collaboration between the AAEP and Zoetis represents a synergistic effort between a professional non-profit organization and a global leader in animal health.
The AAEP, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, has long served as the voice of the equine veterinary profession. With a membership of over 9,000, the association provides a regulatory and educational framework that protects the welfare of the horse. By hosting the “My Vet Rocks” awards at its annual convention, the AAEP ensures that the winning veterinarians are recognized by their peers on the largest stage in the industry.
For Zoetis, the campaign aligns with its broader mission to “nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals.” With a legacy spanning nearly 75 years, the company has positioned itself as more than just a manufacturer of pharmaceuticals; it is a partner in the ecosystem of animal health. Their support for this campaign underscores a commitment to the people behind the medicine—the veterinarians who apply these innovations in the field.
Implications for the Future of Equine Care
The implications of the “My Vet Rocks” campaign extend far beyond a series of short videos. It serves as a symbolic bridge between the clinical world of medicine and the emotional world of horse ownership.
Strengthening the Veterinarian-Client Relationship
Clear communication and trust are the primary predictors of positive health outcomes in equine care. When an owner feels a deep connection to their veterinarian, they are more likely to comply with preventative health programs, seek early intervention for health issues, and maintain a consistent standard of care. This campaign encourages owners to reflect on their relationship, which often leads to more proactive communication between the stable and the clinic.
Promoting Professional Wellness
By providing a venue for public gratitude, the campaign offers a form of "emotional currency" to veterinarians. The knowledge that their efforts are observed and valued by their community can act as a powerful antidote to the isolation often felt by practitioners working in rural or high-pressure environments. The acknowledgment of these winners—not just in the grand prize category, but across the various special recognition categories—signals to the entire industry that the profession is seen and respected.
Setting Standards for the Future
The AAEP’s involvement ensures that the campaign promotes the highest standards of veterinary care. To be eligible for the award, a veterinarian must be an AAEP member, which inherently means they are held to a code of ethics and professional conduct. By celebrating these individuals, the campaign effectively advertises the value of choosing an AAEP-certified practitioner, thereby raising the bar for the entire industry.
How to Participate: A Guide for Owners
For horse owners looking to participate, the process is designed to be accessible. The requirement is a video of up to one minute in length, sent via DM to the AAEP social media pages.
Key Submission Criteria:
- Content: The video should highlight the partnership, dedication, and care that goes beyond the expected.
- Required Information: Submissions must include the owner’s full name and the veterinarian’s full name.
- Eligibility: The veterinarian must be an active AAEP member.
- Creative Freedom: Owners are encouraged to share their stories in their own voice. Whether it is a heartfelt testimonial about a life-saving surgery or a simple video demonstrating the trust the horse has in the vet, the goal is authenticity.
For those with specific questions regarding the submission process or eligibility, inquiries can be directed to Giulia Garcia, Marketing and Communications Strategist for the AAEP, via the contact information provided on their official website.
Conclusion
As the 2026 “My Vet Rocks” campaign gets underway, the equine community has a rare opportunity to pause and express gratitude. In a world where the speed of industry often outpaces the time for reflection, this initiative serves as a vital reminder of the human connections that sustain animal welfare.
Whether it is a veterinarian providing care in the dead of winter or a practitioner offering a steady hand during a horse’s final moments, their contribution is the heartbeat of the horse industry. Through this collaboration between the AAEP and Zoetis, those contributions will be recognized, celebrated, and enshrined in the history of the profession. Horse owners are encouraged to pick up their phones, record their stories, and ensure that their "rock" receives the recognition they so richly deserve.
