The Westminster Kennel Club Announces 2025 Veterinarian Of The Year And Breed Rescue Award Recipients

The annual VOTY and Breed Rescue Awards are initiatives of Westminster Cares, the Club’s charitable program that supports breed education, canine health, breed rescue, canine companionship, and dog sports participation. These activities help fulfill Westminster’s core mission to celebrate the companionship of dogs while promoting responsible dog ownership, health, and breed preservation. In celebration and recognition of Dr. Lyle’s remarkable academic, clinical, and charitable contributions, WKC will donate $10,000 in her name to Not One More Vet, an organization that supports veterinary professionals facing issues related to mental well-being. WKC also recognizes the American Kennel Club (AKC) Parent Clubs doing commendable and necessary work in their dog rescue efforts. In its continuing effort to assist these organizations, three clubs are annually selected and awarded a Westminster Gives Back grant of $5,000 in support of their dog rescue activities.

About Dr. Lyle:
Sara K. Lyle, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT, is an accomplished theriogenologist, Associate Professor at Louisiana State University’s (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine, published author, and passionate animal advocate. Following 10 years in private practice, Dr. Lyle joined LSU as a Clinical Instructor in 2002, transitioning into academia to inspire and train the next generation of veterinary professionals. With a dedicated focus on advancing reproductive health in animals, her work explores innovative reproductive management strategies, assisted reproductive technologies, and the immunological aspects of reproductive disorders. At LSU, her vision includes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among veterinarians, clients, and patients to achieve shared goals of improving reproductive health outcomes. Currently, Dr. Lyle is President of the Theriogenology Foundation, the non-profit sister organization of the Society for Theriogenology and the American College of Theriogenologists.

Dr. Lyle’s impact extends beyond the classroom and clinic. She has served as a member of the Louisiana State Animal Response Team, helping to rescue and care for animals following hurricanes impacting south Louisiana. In addition, Dr. Lyle is an active member of professional societies, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Society for Theriogenology, the American College of Theriogenologists, and Phi Zeta, the veterinary honor society.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be recognized as the Westminster Kennel Club’s Veterinarian of the Year,” said Dr. Lyle. “Education and service are at the heart of my work from the cornerstone of canine health to raising research funds through the Theriogenology Foundation. I am thankful to The Westminster Kennel Club for creating this award which shines a light on Not One More Vet and its support of mental well-being within the veterinary community.”

In 2022, WKC launched the Veterinarian of the Year (VOTY) initiative to celebrate, recognize, and support the dedicated veterinarians who make a difference in our pets’ lives, while shining a light on the mental health challenges faced within the veterinary community.

Posted by Liz on Jan 15 2025. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.