About the Kelly Clay Innovation Award
Remembering Kelly Clay (1975–2024)
Kelly Clay was a passionate advocate for veterinary innovation and a beloved member of the veterinary hospital management community. Throughout her career, Kelly championed the idea that better practice management leads to better patient care — and that innovation should be accessible to practices of every size.
Kelly was known for her warmth, her generosity with her time, and her relentless belief that the veterinary profession could do more for its people and patients through thoughtful innovation. She was an active supporter of veterinary practice management and a generous mentor, always encouraging others to think creatively about the challenges facing veterinary practices.
The Kelly Clay Innovation Award was established in 2025 to honor her legacy and continue her mission of driving meaningful change in veterinary practice management.
Made Possible by Kelly's Community
This award was funded by the generosity of Kelly's friends, family, and collaborators through a GoFundMe campaign organized in her memory. The people whose lives Kelly touched came together to ensure her passion for veterinary innovation would continue making a difference.
This $2,500 annual prize, presented by the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA), recognizes the most impactful innovation in veterinary practice management.
Cash Prize
$2,500
VHMA Membership
1 Year ($265 value)
Conference Registration
2026 VHMA Annual Meeting ($655 value). Non-transferable, does not include travel.
Professional Network
5,000+ members
- Submissions are open to anyone working in veterinary practice management — VHMA membership is not required to submit
- Submissions for the 2026 award closed May 14, 2026
- Innovations must have been implemented in a veterinary practice within the last year
- Submissions should include measurable outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, revenue impact, patient outcomes, client satisfaction)
- A short video demo (under 3 minutes) is required and must be submitted via a public YouTube or Vimeo link
- Both individual and team innovations are welcome
- Voting closed May 31, 2026 and was limited to current VHMA members
Submissions closed May 14, 2026
The VHMA Innovation Award Committee reviews all entries for completeness and eligibility
Qualified submissions are posted to the public gallery for member review
VHMA member voting closed May 31, 2026
A small review committee, together with VHMA, selects the final winner from the leading finalists. The winner receives the $2,500 Kelly Clay Innovation Award, is announced in June, and is highlighted at the VHMA Annual Meeting in September
Submissions closed
Member voting closed
Winner announced
Winner highlighted at the VHMA Annual Meeting & Conference in Reno, NV
Contact the VHMA Innovation Award Committee for questions about the award, eligibility, or the submission process.
VHMA Innovation Award Committee
Email: admin@vhma.org
Website: www.vhma.org
Visit vhma.org for more information about VHMA membership and programs.