Dr. Emily Felker (DVM ’84) is the recipient of the 2026 Dean’s Distinguished Service Award. This award is given to alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in and made significant contributions to the field of veterinary medicine. Selected by the dean, the award also honors those who have maintained a strong connection with the college and continue to give back to their communities.
Originally from Monroe, Felker now resides in Dalton where she has built a career dedicated to rural veterinary care.
From an early age, Felker was called to animal care. After attending a Montessori high school, she entered college early and pursued pre-med studies at Georgia State University. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 1984.
While still a student, Felker set a clear intention to serve a rural mountain community. Upon graduation, she declined opportunities in equine practices in Virginia, New York, and Kentucky, choosing to join a mixed animal practice in the North Georgia Mountains, where she continues to serve today.
Felker has long adapted her approach to meet the needs of her clients. She pioneered innovative solutions such as a mobile spay and neuter unit and early integration of shelter medicine into her work—efforts that helped make veterinary care more accessible and affordable. Her dedication ensured that many pet owners could provide essential care, including heartworm prevention, to their animals for the first time.
For the past 16 years, Felker has focused on shelter medicine to further expand her impact on animal welfare. Her work has not only improved the lives of countless animals but has also strengthened the bond between communities and their pets. Today, she supports the shelter medicine program of the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, advocating for its critical role in increasing access to care and improving adoption outcomes.
Felker will be formally recognized at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Annual Conference & Alumni Weekend, taking place April 17–18, 2026.
