Veterinarian Galia Shalev Wins 2026 WSAVA Animal Welfare

Dr. Galia Melman Shalev has been named the recipient of the 2026 World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Companion Animal Welfare Award. The small animal veterinarian was honored for her leadership in rescuing and caring for hundreds of pets abandoned or injured during the community evacuations that began on October 7, 2023.

A graduate of the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Dr. Shalev runs the NegeVet clinics in the Western Negev. She returned to her community on October 8 and immediately recognized a large-scale animal welfare crisis. With families evacuated, many animals were left behind in homes and yards, while others were injured, frightened, or separated from their owners.

Emergency Rescue Operations

Dr. Shalev and her husband began entering affected areas to rescue animals. They first brought them to her veterinary clinic. As numbers grew, they converted an abandoned horse stable into a temporary shelter. A volunteer network was mobilized to rescue, identify, and care for the animals. The effort focused on arranging transport and reuniting pets with displaced families whenever possible.

Their work ultimately helped rescue hundreds of pets and other animals. For three months in Eilat, Dr. Shalev provided essential veterinary care to pets of evacuated families. This care included vaccinations and preventive treatments.

Professional Recognition

Fellow veterinarians praised Dr. Shalev's actions. Dr. Anat Lichter-Peled, Chairwoman of the Israel Companion Animal Veterinary Association (ICAVA), stated her work "reflects the highest values of the veterinary profession: compassion, service, responsibility, and courage."

Dr. Segev Dishon, an ICAVA Board Member, described her response as combining "compassion, courage, practical leadership, and personal responsibility." He highlighted her work to locate, rescue, and stabilize animals and reunite them with their families.

The Veterinarian's Perspective

In a statement, Dr. Shalev reflected on the experience. "Caring for and rescuing animals from evacuated communities was simply something that had to be done," she said. She noted that for displaced families, knowing a beloved pet was safe could mean a great deal.

She credited many volunteers, her husband, and their daughters for the effort's success. "This award may carry my name, but it represents the extraordinary compassion, courage, and commitment of everyone who helped us care for animals during such a difficult time," Dr. Shalev stated. For her, the award is a reminder of the responsibility veterinarians have to be there for animals and the people who love them, especially in crisis.

Her story demonstrates the critical role veterinarians can play during emergencies. This role extends beyond protecting animal welfare to supporting families, preserving the human-animal bond, and strengthening communities.