Veterinary nursing in focus: meet the winners of the Acovene Photo Contest 2026

In the Acovene Photo Contest 2026, veterinary nurses and veterinary nursing students across Europe were invited to answer one question: what makes veterinary nursing such a rewarding profession? The result was a collection of inspiring images that captured the compassion, dedication and human-animal connections at the heart of veterinary nursing.

Celebrating the profession through photography

This year’s Acovene Photo Contest invited veterinary nurses and veterinary nursing students to share what they love most about their profession. Whether through patient care, teamwork, client support or clinical expertise, participants were encouraged to capture a moment that reflected their personal experience of veterinary nursing.

The winning entries demonstrate the breadth of the profession and the many ways veterinary nurses make a difference to the lives of animals and their owners every day.

First prize: Supporting recovery, one step at a time

First prize was awarded to Hayley Coley RVN, a registered veterinary nurse and canine hydrotherapist, for a series of photographs highlighting her work in canine rehabilitation and hydrotherapy. For Hayley, veterinary nursing extends far beyond clinical treatment. “Veterinary nursing is about guiding patients through recovery, supporting owners through difficult decisions, and helping animals regain comfort, mobility and quality of life.”

Working with patients recovering from complex orthopaedic and neurological conditions, Hayley witnesses some of the most rewarding moments in veterinary medicine: a patient’s first confident steps, the gradual return of strength, and the joy of renewed mobility.

Her images beautifully capture the role veterinary nurses play throughout the recovery journey and the lasting impact they can have on both patients and owners.

Second prize: Creating comfort and trust

Runner-up Lauren Malley, a veterinary nursing student, chose a photograph of a ferret that had been brought into her practice as a stray animal. Although ferrets are not everyday patients in companion animal practice, Lauren’s image highlights something familiar to every veterinary nurse: the importance of providing comfort and reassurance during an animal’s stay at the clinic. The ferret quickly formed a bond with Lauren and was content to fall asleep in her arms while under her care. “Helping patients find comfort during their time at the practice, whatever the reason or duration, is what I love most about veterinary nursing.”

Her photograph is a touching reminder that compassionate care often begins with simple acts of kindness.

Third prize: A positive first experience

Third prize went to Belgian veterinary nursing student Lotte Van den Bogaart for her photograph “Pip’s First Visit”. The image features Pip, a young Golden Retriever puppy, during one of the most important milestones in a pet’s life: the first visit to the veterinary practice. The photograph captures the positive, welcoming side of veterinary nursing and highlights the role veterinary nurses play in creating a reassuring experience for both animals and their owners from the very beginning.

Showcasing the many faces of veterinary nursing

Together, the winning entries reflect the diversity of veterinary nursing across Europe. From rehabilitation and long-term recovery to patient comfort and preventive healthcare, each image tells a different story while illustrating a common theme: a commitment to improving animal welfare and strengthening the bond between people and their animals.

As the photographs demonstrate, what veterinary nurses love most about their profession is often found in the small moments that make a lasting difference.

Congratulations to all participants and especially to our winners. Hayley Coley received a copy of the latest edition of the BSAVA Veterinary Nursing handbook, while Lauren Malley and Lotte Van den Bogaart were awarded Amazon gift cards, with thanks to the BSAVA for making these awards possible.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that what veterinary nurses can and cannot do legally may differ per country.