Cynda Crawford, M.S., Ph.D., D.V.M., the UF College of Veterinary Medicine’s Fredrica Saltzman Endowed Professor in Shelter Medicine and clinical associate professor in the college’s shelter medicine program, was honored with the 2025 Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Meritorious Service Award, which annually recognizes individuals who have made sustained and meaningful contributions to the field of shelter medicine through their leadership, public service, research, education, advocacy and clinical practice.
Established in 2018, the award recognizes exceptional role models and remarkable members of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, or ASV, who have demonstrated excellence in their role as veterinarians to improve community animal health and wellbeing.
Crawford’s legacy fits the bill. Her storied career has centered on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases in shelter animals, with a particular focus on the diagnosis and management of viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infections in shelter dogs.
Her accomplishments include the discovery of canine influenza virus and the subsequent development of the first canine influenza vaccine, helping to shape disease management protocols that are widely used in shelters today.
Beyond her research, Crawford has contributed significantly to shelter medicine through mentorship, training and collaborative consultation.
At UF, Dr. Crawford has helped build a shelter medicine program that combines academic rigor with practical application. She has worked closely with veterinary students, residents and interns, many of whom have gone on to lead shelter programs and influence the field at large. She partnered with Julie Levy, D.V.M., Ph.D., DACVIM, DABVP, to develop the Professional Certificate in Shelter Medicine for advanced training of veterinary students in the knowledge and skills to serve as veterinarians in shelters.
Recipients of the Meritorious Service Award receive a plaque, a shelter medicine textbook and a $250 donation to an organization of their choice. They’re recognized at the ASV Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners Symposium each spring.