The man known as the father of companion animal medicine has been recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Massey University Emeritus Professor Boyd Jones has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to veterinary medicine.

He's taught vet studies for over 22 years and was instrumental in establishing the Companion Animal Health Foundation and the Centre for Service and Working Dog Health.

Boyd Jones says he's pleased with how far small animal vet care has come.

"At the time I started veterinary medicine, we were all focussed on farm animals and horses, and cats and dogs didn't receive much attention at all."