USA TODAY to Publish First-Ever List of America's Best Veterinarians

This spring, USA TODAY will unveil its inaugural ranking of the nation's best veterinarians, and it's inviting veterinary professionals and industry experts to help shape the list. The goal is to recognize veterinarians who make a significant impact on the lives of animals and their communities.

Key Details:

1. Importance of Pets
   According to Pew Research Center data, 97% of pet owners consider their pets to be "part of the family." Pets are also shown to have a positive influence on the mental health of their owners. However, the increasing shortage of veterinarians has made providing quality care more challenging than ever.

2. The Ranking Process
   To create this list, USA TODAY is collaborating with Statista, an independent market research firm. The rankings will reflect the opinions of veterinarians, pet owners, and industry professionals who are invited to participate in the survey. This will help identify the veterinarians and clinics that are highly recommended by both pet owners and their peers in animal medicine.

3. Survey Participation
   Veterinarians are encouraged to participate by evaluating their colleagues and recommending top hospitals or clinics. While veterinarians cannot nominate their own practice, they are welcome to ask others to do so on their behalf. If you're a pet owner or work in the veterinary industry, you can also nominate a veterinarian you think deserves to be on the list.

4. When and Where
   The final list of "Best Veterinarians" will be revealed on May 6, in honor of National Pet Week. Survey responses will remain anonymous, but participating veterinarians can opt to be contacted by USA TODAY’s editorial team for follow-up.

This ranking aims to highlight the best veterinarians across the country—those who are helping animals live better lives while contributing positively to the communities they serve.