About the Awards:
We are truly grateful for the contributions of all people and organizations who support IPFDogs and our mission. These awards give our community an opportunity to single out those who exemplify the core values of IPFDogs and demonstrate exceptional commitment to the health and well-being of all dogs.
The Dr. Brenda N. Bonnett Canine Excellence Award acknowledges the contributions of individuals.
The Dog Wellness Award (New in 2026!) acknowledges the contributions of organizations.
Below, we provide background information, Terms of Reference, and submission guidelines for nominations for each award.
The Dr. Brenda N. Bonnett Canine Excellence Award
The Dr. Brenda N. Bonnett Canine Excellence Award was established in 2024 to honor the legacy and contributions of Brenda Bonnett, DVM PhD, the Founding CEO of the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFDogs). Dr. Bonnett is enjoying her retirement, but she continues to share her expertise for various projects in the veterinary field.
The first two recipients (announced at the 5th International Dog Health Workshop in Helsinki, in June 2024) included the award's namesake, Dr. Brenda Bonnett, and Åke Hedhammar, a longtime champion of canine health and international collaboration and an instrumental figure in the development of the IDHWs a decade ago. You can watch the presentations below.
Please scroll down to view the Award Terms of Reference and submission information.
Terms of Reference: The Dr. Brenda N. Bonnett Canine Excellence Award
1. Introduction:
The Dr. Brenda N. Bonnett Canine Excellence Award is established to honor the legacy and contributions of Brenda Bonnett, DVM PhD, the Founding CEO of the International Partnership for Dogs (IPFDogs).
This award aims to recognize individuals in the canine world who exemplify the core values of IPFDogs.
2. Purpose:
The award acknowledges and celebrates individuals demonstrating an exceptional commitment to the health and well-being of all dogs.
It highlights those who embody the people-driven ethos of IPFDogs and contribute significantly to the well-being of dogs and the canine community.
3. Core Values:
Candidates eligible for the award should showcase dedication to the values upheld by IPFDogs, including a people-driven approach, transparency, and an integrated perspective on the challenges faced by dogs and their caretakers.
4. Eligibility Criteria:
Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the health and well-being of all dogs.
Nominees should align with the people-driven service philosophy of IPFDogs.
Eligible candidates may include breeders, kennel and breed club health committee members, breeding advisors, veterinarians, researchers, and other stakeholders in the canine world.
5. Selection Process:
A selection committee, comprising members from IPFDogs (i.e., Board Chair, CEO, and 2 other Board Members, plus up to 3 other lay members), will review nominations and select the awardee.
Nominations may be submitted by individuals or organizations within the canine community.
The committee will consider the nominee's impact, dedication, and alignment with IPFDogs values.
IPFDogs may choose to appoint this award without notice or a call for nominations in a special circumstance, if approved by a majority vote by the sitting IPFDogs Board of Directors.
6. Award Presentation:
The award will be presented bi-annually at a prominent canine-related event, such as the IPFDogs International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs) or other suitable occasions as decided by the IPFDogs Board of Directors
The recipient will receive a commemorative plaque and recognition for their exemplary contributions to the well-being of dogs.
7. Promotion and Publicity:
Award eligibility criteria and details of the nomination process will be widely disseminated within the global dog community. IPFDogs will actively promote the award through its online platform, DogWellNet.com, social media channels, and direct correspondence.
The recipient will be notified in advance, and photos/videos of the presentation (along with details of their nomination) will be widely disseminated within the global dog community.
8. Collaboration and Networking:
The award aims to foster collaboration and networking within the canine community by recognizing individuals who share the IPFDogs vision.
The recipient will be encouraged to engage with the community, sharing their expertise and passion for dogs.
9. Conclusion:
The Dr. Brenda N. Bonnett Canine Excellence Award serves as a testament to the commitment of individuals making a significant impact on the well-being of dogs.
Through this award, IPFDogs continues to promote a people-driven, collaborative approach to address the complex challenges faced by dogs and their caretakers.
Download the Terms of Reference (PDF)
BB Canine Excellence Award Terms of Reference 13 March 2026.pdf
Please submit your nomination to marc.ralsky@ipfdogs.com by Monday, 30 March 2026.
Thank you for acknowledging your colleagues' contributions to dog health and well-being!
The Dog Wellness Award
Inspired by the Dr. Brenda N. Bonnett Canine Excellence Award – established to honor the legacy and contributions of Brenda Bonnett, DVM PhD – The Dog Wellness Award was created in 2026 to honor organizations that exemplify the core values of IPFDogs. Eligible candidates may include kennel and breed clubs, health committees, educational/research institutions, veterinary organizations, pet industry services/manufacturers and other key stakeholders within the dog community.
Terms of Reference: The Dog Wellness Award
1. Introduction:
The Dog Wellness Award was established in 2026 to recognize organizations in the canine world that exemplify the core values of IPFDogs.
2. Purpose:
The award acknowledges and celebrates organizations demonstrating an exceptional commitment to the health and well-being of all dogs.
It highlights those organizations embodying the collaborative ethos of IPFDogs and contribute significantly to the well-being of dogs and the canine community.
3. Core Values:
Candidates eligible for the award should showcase dedication to the values upheld by IPFDogs, including a collaborative approach, transparency, and an integrated perspective on the challenges faced by dogs and their caretakers.
4. Eligibility Criteria:
Nominees must have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the health and well-being of all dogs.
Nominees should align with the collaborative philosophy of IPFDogs.
Eligible candidates may include kennel and breed clubs, health committees, educational/research institutions, veterinary organizations, pet industry services/ manufacturers (e.g., genetic test providers, food manufacturers, insurers), and non-profit dog health and welfare associations/organizations.
5. Selection Process:
A selection committee, comprising members from IPFDogs (i.e., Board Chair, CEO, and 2 other Board Members, plus up to 3 other lay members), will review nominations and select the awardee.
Nominations may be submitted by individuals or organizations within the canine community.
The committee will consider the nominee's impact, dedication, and alignment with IPFDogs values.
IPFDogs may choose to appoint this award without notice or a call for nominations in a special circumstance, if approved by a majority vote by the sitting IPFDogs Board of Directors.
6. Award Presentation:
The award will be presented bi-annually at a prominent canine-related event, such as the IPFDogs International Dog Health Workshops (IDHWs) or other suitable occasions as decided by the IPFDogs Board of Directors
The recipient will receive a commemorative plaque and recognition for their exemplary contributions to the well-being of dogs.
7. Promotion and Publicity:
Award eligibility criteria and details of the nomination process will be widely disseminated within the global dog community. IPFDogs will actively promote the award through its online platform, DogWellNet.com, social media channels, and direct correspondence.
The recipient will be notified in advance, and photos/videos of the presentation (along with details of their nomination) will be widely disseminated within the global dog community.
8. Collaboration and Networking:
The award aims to foster collaboration and networking within the canine community by recognizing organizations that share the IPFDogs vision.
The recipient will be encouraged to engage with the community, sharing their expertise and passion for dogs.
9. Conclusion:
The Dog Wellness Award serves as a testament to the commitment of organizations making a significant impact on the well-being of dogs.
Through this award, IPFDogs continues to promote a collaborative approach to address the complex challenges faced by dogs and their caretakers.
Download the Terms of Reference (PDF)
IPFDogs Dog Wellness Award Terms of Reference.pdf
Please submit your nomination to marc.ralsky@ipfdogs.com by Monday, 30 March 2026.
Thank you for acknowledging the contributions outstanding of stakeholder organizations within the global dog community!
Quick Links
- Updated