LSU faculty member named 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Veterinarian of the Year

Sara K. Lyle, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT, associate professor of theriogenology at LSU Vet Med, wins fourth annual award from Westminster that celebrates and supports dedicated veterinarians.

Award recipients were recognized at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February 2025.

The Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) has named Sara K. Lyle, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT, associate professor of theriogenology at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, the recipient of its fourth annual Veterinarian of the Year Award (VOTY). With over 300 nominations from all over the U.S., Dr. Lyle was selected by an expert veterinary judging panel for her excellence, dedication, and values in animal care and advocacy. Dr. Lyle was recognized during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan, which took place February 8- 11, 2025 in New York City. Additionally, WKC announced its 2025 Breed Rescue Award winners are the Bull Terrier Club of America, Ibizan Hound Club of the United States, and Tibetan Terrier Club of America.

In 2022, WKC launched the Veterinarian of the Year (VOTY) initiative to celebrate, recognize, and support the dedicated veterinarians who make a difference in our pets’ lives, while shining a light on the mental health challenges faced within the veterinary community.

The annual VOTY and Breed Rescue Awards are initiatives 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. In celebration and recognition of Dr. Lyle’s remarkable academic, clinical, and charitable contributions, WKC will donate $10,000 in her name to Not One More Vet, an organization that supports veterinary professionals facing issues related to mental well-being. WKC also recognizes the American Kennel Club (AKC) Parent Clubs doing commendable and necessary work in their dog rescue efforts. In its continuing effort to assist these organizations, three clubs are annually selected and awarded a Westminster Gives Back grant of $5,000 in support of their dog rescue activities.

About Dr. Lyle:

Sara K. Lyle, DVM, MS, PhD, DACT, is an accomplished theriogenologist, associate professor at LSU Vet Med, published author, and passionate animal advocate. Following 10 years in private practice, Dr. Lyle joined LSU as a clinical instructor in 2002, transitioning into academia to inspire and train the next generation of veterinary professionals. With a dedicated focus on advancing reproductive health in animals, her work explores innovative reproductive management strategies, assisted reproductive technologies, and the immunological aspects of reproductive disorders. At LSU, her vision includes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among veterinarians, clients, and patients to achieve shared goals of improving reproductive health outcomes. Currently, Dr. Lyle is president of the Theriogenology Foundation, the non-profit sister organization of the Society for Theriogenology and the American College of Theriogenologists.
Dr. Lyle’s impact extends beyond the classroom and clinic. She has served as a member of the Louisiana State Animal Response Team, helping to rescue and care for animals following hurricanes impacting south Louisiana. In addition, Dr. Lyle is an active member of professional societies, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Society for Theriogenology, the American College of Theriogenologists, and Phi Zeta, the veterinary honor society.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be recognized as the Westminster Kennel Club’s Veterinarian of the Year,” said Dr. Lyle. “Education and service are at the heart of my work from the cornerstone of canine health to raising research funds through the Theriogenology Foundation. I am thankful to The Westminster Kennel Club for creating this award which shines a light on Not One More Vet and its support of mental well-being within the veterinary community.”

The 2025 regional finalists included Dr. Douglas Tack of Black River Veterinary Hospital of New Jersey, Dr. Daryl Waits of Fayette Veterinary Hospital of Ohio, and Dr. Kyle Schumacher of Schumacher Veterinary Clinic of New Mexico.

The 2025 Veterinarian of the Year judging panel included Dr. Marty Greer of Veterinary Village, Dr. Joseph Rossi of North Penn Animal Hospital, and Dr. Treyton Diggs of AllStar Animal Clinic, Westminster’s 2024 Veterinarian of the Year Award recipient and active WKC Resident Veterinarian.

Learn more about The Westminster Kennel Club and Westminster Cares: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 33 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the only one in Louisiana. LSU Vet Med is dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care. We teach. We heal. We discover. We protect.