AVMA names inaugural Excellence in Media Award winner

Steve Dale, CABC, was tapped as the first winner of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Excellence in Media Award. Sponsored by Fear Free Pets, LLC, this award will pay homage to Dale by being subsequently named the AVMA Steve Dale Excellence in Media Award.

Dale is a long-time certified animal behaviorist consultant and a host of 2 national radio shows, Steve Dale’s Pet World and The Pet Minute. For the past 10 plus years, Dale hosted Steve Dale’s Pet World on WGN Radio in Chicago, Illinois. Dale is also a contributor to multiple news publications, his own blog, and our own dvm360® website and print publications. In 2012, he earned his spot as the youngest person to be inducted into the Dog Writers Association of American Hall of Fame.¹

“I never ever would have dreamed of such an honor, celebrated for what I love to do. Though I am a bit concerned, the Award is forever being named for me. I am worried the AMVA might have talked to my doctor, and maybe they know something I don’t,” Dale told exclusively to dvm360®.

“I truly believe veterinary medicine is the best profession on the planet – not only do veterinarians help animals, they help entire families as pets are members of the family. And when I speak at conferences, such as those of Fetch [dvm360®], the warmth I feel from the audience is palpable; every single day I am grateful for what I do, and even more grateful if I’ve made a difference,” he expressed.

This award was established by the AVMA to honor the achievements of anyone who has made positive contributions to the veterinary profession by raising public awareness of diversity and roles within the veterinary industry. The award recipient helps teach others the role that veterinarians play in the health and welfare of animals, people and the environment.

"I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award than Steve. His knowledge, passion, good humor, and dedication to the wellbeing of animals have made him not just a great source for animal and veterinary news, but also a pleasure to work with," said Jose Arce, DVM, AVMA president.

"For more than 30 years, Steve has been a true champion of our profession and the animals we treat. We are indebted to him for all of his contributions and his service," he continued.

Dale helped lead efforts to create the country's first fire protection law for pets in kennels that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed in 2019. He also advised the former Governor of Illinois Patrick Quinn on several issues like creating an enhanced felony for dogfighting near schools or playgrounds.¹ According to the release, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot declared December 9, 2021, Steve Dale Day in honor of all advocacy.

"What I love about Steve is that while he isn't a veterinarian he champions animals as if he were one," said Marty Becker, DVM, founder of Fear Free Pets.

"He exemplifies all we work for on behalf of animals and the people who care for them and this award is one small way to honor his contributions."

Reference

Steve Dale receives inaugural AVMA Excellence in Media Award. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. May 23, 2022. Accessed May 24, 2022. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/steve-dale-receives-inaugural-avma-excellence-media-award