Dr Galia Melman Shalev is a small animal veterinarian and founder of NegeVet veterinary clinics in the Western Negev. A graduate with honors from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, she has practiced veterinary medicine since 1997 and today runs two community-based veterinary clinics.
Her animal welfare work began in the immediate aftermath of October 7, 2023. Dr Shalev returned to her community the following day and quickly recognized the scale of the animal welfare emergency unfolding around her. As families were evacuated, many animals had been left behind in homes, yards and communities, while others were injured, frightened or separated from their owners.
Together with her husband, Dr Shalev began entering affected communities to rescue animals, initially bringing them back to her clinic. As their numbers grew, they transformed an abandoned horse stable into a temporary shelter and mobilized a volunteer network to rescue, identify and care for animals, arrange transport and reunite pets with displaced families whenever possible. Their efforts ultimately helped rescue hundreds of pets and other animals.
During three months in Eilat, she provided veterinary care to the pets of evacuated families, including vaccinations, preventive treatments and other essential care.
Reflecting on Dr Shalev’s contribution, Dr Anat Lichter-Peled, Chairwoman of the Israel Companion Animal Veterinary Association (ICAVA), said: “Her work reflects the highest values of the veterinary profession: compassion, service, responsibility, and courage.”
Dr Segev Dishon, Board Member of ICAVA, described Dr Shalev’s response as combining “compassion, courage, practical leadership, and personal responsibility,” highlighting her work to locate, rescue and stabilize animals and, wherever possible, reunite them with their families.
Commenting on the award, Dr Galia Shalev said: “Unlike anything I had experienced in my many years as a veterinarian. Caring for and rescuing animals from evacuated communities was simply something that had to be done. For families who had lost their homes and their sense of safety, knowing that their beloved animal had been found, cared for, and was waiting for them could mean so much. Many people joined and helped along the way; I am especially grateful to my husband, our daughters, and all the volunteers. This award may carry my name, but it represents the extraordinary compassion, courage, and commitment of everyone who helped us care for animals during such a difficult time. For me, it is a powerful reminder of the responsibility we have as veterinarians — to be there for animals and for the people who love them, especially when they need us most.”
Dr Shalev’s story is a powerful example of the role veterinarians can play in times of crisis—not only in protecting animal welfare, but also in supporting families, preserving the human–animal bond, and strengthening the communities they serve.