Associations are perfectly primed to help generate  a little publicity for their members.

The latest group to do so is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, which is sponsoring a contest to identify “America’s Favorite Veterinarian.”

This is the second year for the contest, which called on the public to nominate their favorite vet. (He or she needs to be a member of AVMA.)

More than 700 nominees were submitted online and then narrowed down by a panel of animal health industry leaders and bloggers, as well as AVMF board members. The 20 finalists were selected based on criteria such as the vet’s community involvement, ethical behavior, passion for the profession, and connections to pets and pet owners.

Those 20 finalists are now featured on a website where the public can go to vote for their favorite between now and September 1.

“We believed that it was a fun thing to do to highlight the relationship between a veterinarian, their clients, and animals,” AVMF Executive Director Michael Cathey said of the contest. “It’s a very special relationship, and we pulled this contest together to honor that relationship.”

The 2014 winner, who will be announced in September, will receive a $500 cash prize, a community celebration at his or her clinic, a trip to the 2015 AVMA convention, and a featured spot on the AVMF website for a year.

For the association, the contest provides a chance to highlight the work and social good its members contribute, and for the winner, it offers the chance to serve as an ambassador for the profession. The winner’s 15 minutes of fame can also bring financial benefits. Just ask last year’s favorite vet, Carlos Campos, who saw big results from his selection.

“The hospital grew from a three-doctor practice to a five-doctor practice in a short period of time,” Campos said in a statement. “Our growth has exceeded our expectations. I hope that my role as ‘America’s Favorite Veterinarian’ motivates those who want to become veterinarians to follow their dreams.”

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to clarify that the “America’s Favorite Veterinarian” contest is open to AVMA members only.

Dr. Carlos Campos, last year's winning vet, says his business has seen quick growth since his win. (American Veterinary Medical Foundation)