New York, NY (June 15, 2026) — The Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) has named Dr. Wayne Boillat of Pacific, MO the recipient of its fifth annual Veterinarian of the Year Award (VOTY), presented by Purina Pro Plan Veterinary. With more nominations than ever from all over the U.S., Dr. Boillat was selected as the 2026 Westminster Veterinarian of the Year by both experts and fans for his excellence, dedication, and values in animal care and advocacy.
Public nominations opened on World Veterinary Day, with four regional finalists selected by an esteemed committee of WKC and veterinary experts. New this year, fans were invited to vote for their favorite hometown veterinarian hero, ultimately determining Dr. Boillat as the winner. The 2026 Westminster Veterinarian of the Year will be honored throughout the year and have a $10,000 donation made in his name to the non-profit partners in the Pro Plan Veterinary Support Mission which helps support veterinarians through mental health resources, financial aid programs, and expanded access to expert behavioral care.
“Five years ago, The Westminster Kennel Club created the Veterinarian of the Year Award to honor the dedicated veterinarians who share our mission in creating a better world for dogs and making a difference in all pets’ lives,” said Dr. Donald Sturz, President of The Westminster Kennel Club. “Shining a light on Dr. Boillat’s unwavering commitment and esteemed accomplishments serves as a catalyst to offer essential support and build awareness for the challenges faced by veterinary professionals.”
“Thank you to The Westminster Kennel Club for this incredible honor, and to everyone who took time to share their kind words, stories, and support on my behalf,” expressed Dr. Boillat. “The wonderful people and pets I have had the privilege of knowing and caring for over the years will remain my ‘why’ every day. The trust this award has placed in me is a gift I will never take for granted and I share it with so many talented professionals, mentors, and colleagues.”
With over 1,200 testimonials, Dr. Boillat has been called by fans and friends “the most dedicated and compassionate of vets!”
Dr. Wayne Boillat grew up in west St. Louis County and graduated from Lafayette High School in 1983 before attending the University of Missouri Columbia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1987. Determined to turn his passion into a career, he continued his education at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1990. With decades of experience and dedication behind him, Dr. Boillat joined the team at Pacific Animal Hospital in September 2024, bringing with him not only extensive knowledge, but also a genuine passion for helping animals and the families that love them. Although he loves all aspects of his career, he has a particular interest in reproductive health and takes pride in providing compassionate, high-quality care for every patient he sees.
For many years, Dr. Boillat has been involved with Duo Dogs, a national nonprofit organization that raises, trains, and provides service dogs for a variety of needs, assisting with various veterinary matters. He is a lover of Golden Retrievers, and has six of his own (Ahsoka, Bo Katan, Fennec, Rey, Rouge, and Satine), having trained and competed with them in agility, obedience, tracking, and hunt work.
The annual VOTY Award is an initiative 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.
The 2026 regional finalists included Dr. Ellen Leonhardt of New York (Northeast region), Dr. Wayne Boillat of Missouri (Midwest region), Dr. Jonathan Adcock (Southern region), and Dr. Dana Bleifer of California (Western region).
Learn more about The Westminster Kennel Club and Westminster Cares: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
###
Established in 1877, the Westminster Kennel Club is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of dogs. It hosts the iconic, all-breed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show — the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the United States, following the Kentucky Derby, and the longest nationally televised live dog show since 1948.
The Club’s mission is to enhance the lives of all dogs by celebrating the human-canine bond and promoting responsible dog ownership and breed preservation. Westminster advocates for purpose-bred dogs, recognizing that each breed carries a unique legacy that deserves to be taught, honored, and preserved.
Westminster Week centers around the prestigious conformation competition, open exclusively to elite dogs with Champion status, competing for the coveted Best in Show title. Westminster’s Masters Agility Championship, alongside other canine skills competitions, welcomes dogs of all backgrounds — including mixed breeds — to showcase their speed, precision, and teamwork. Drawing top dogs, handlers, and judges from across the globe, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an international celebration of canine excellence.
Learn more at westminsterkennelclub.org. WESTMINSTER. There’s only one.®
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets and Supplements are manufactured or distributed by Nestlé Purina PetCare, a global leader in the pet care industry. Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world’s most trusted and popular pet care products, including Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 10,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that support 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. Nearly 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
