Veterinarians from across Australia were recognised for leadership, mentorship and clinical excellence at the 2026 GapOnly Veterinary Awards, held in Sydney on the eve of International Women’s Day.
The awards, presented at Doltone House on March 6, highlighted the contribution of a profession in which women now comprise around 70 per cent of the workforce, according to the Australian Veterinary Association.
The 2026 Woman Veterinarian of the Year award went to Alison Taylor from Kippax Vet Clinic.
Organisers said the awards were intended to recognise the work of veterinary professionals operating under increasing pressure, including workforce shortages, high caseloads and expanding demand for after-hours and emergency services.
Maria Neale, General Manager of GapOnly, said recognising excellence in the profession should be matched with efforts to support the sustainability of the veterinary workforce.
“Veterinarians care deeply not just for animals, but for the people who love them, and that responsibility often comes with long hours and a significant emotional load,” Neale said.
“Supporting a predominantly female workforce means acknowledging these pressures and improving access to care through practical solutions such as pet insurance, telehealth and innovative service models.”
The ceremony also recognised welfare initiatives supporting pet owners experiencing financial hardship. The PetSafetyNet Welfare and Wellbeing Champion award was presented to Alicia Kennedy of Cherished Pets for work assisting vulnerable pet owners to access veterinary care.
The welfare program PetSafetyNet, funded through the use of GapOnly claims, combines telehealth services with financial support for urgent veterinary treatment. Organisers say the initiative has supported more than 1,000 pet owners across Australia facing financial hardship.
The awards recognised veterinary professionals across six categories in 2026:
- Woman Veterinarian of the Year: Alison Taylor, Kippax Vet Clinic (ACT)
- Excellence in Metropolitan Veterinary Services: Fiona Scholz and Samantha Crothers, Veterinary Dermatology Specialists (WA)
- Excellence in Rural and Regional Veterinary Services: Michael Woodham, Sugarland Animal Hospital (Qld)
- Veterinary Mentor or Educator of the Year: Asha Yeoman, Greencross Vet Hospital Werribee (Vic)
- PetSafetyNet Welfare and Wellbeing Champion: Alicia Kennedy, Cherished Pets (Vic)
- Team Member of the Year (non-veterinarian): Brooke McIntosh, Sugarland Animal Hospital (Qld)
Organisers said the awards aim to recognise the diverse roles within veterinary teams, from clinicians and educators to support staff working on the frontline of animal care.
