PetSmart Charities commits up to $50,000 to veterinary student scholarship

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According to the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition (AVCC), 1 in 4 pet owners experience barriers to accessing veterinary care, a key factor being finances—most likely heightened due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

To help make veterinary care more affordable and accessible to communities in need, PetSmart Charities^® recently announced the second year of its Steve Marton Veterinary Student Scholarship, which awards up to $50,000 for one year’s tuition to a student in the US who exhibits a strong interest in pursuing a career in accessible veterinary care.

"At PetSmart Charities we believe all pet parents want to provide the best care for their pets, and we want to help them access that care in the face of challenges," says Aimee Gilbreath, MBA, president of PetSmart Charities, in an organizational release.

"At the same time, we know students pursue a career in veterinary medicine because they want to help all pets in need, but often struggle financially to realize their dream. This scholarship enables us to bring those 2 principles together by funding future veterinarians who are committed to community accessible programs."

The award, named after the former chairman of PetSmart's Charities’ board of directors Steve Marton, is open to first-and second-year veterinary students who demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving the human-animal bond by keeping pets and their families together.

To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Submit 2 letters of recommendation (1 from a licensed veterinarian and another from a social worker, community leader, or individual working in a low-income neighborhood)
• Have a 2.5 GPA or greater
• Provide a recent unofficial transcript

"For me, a career in veterinary medicine has always meant a dedication to both animals and humans in need," says current third-year veterinary student and inaugural scholarship winner, Devon Mims. "PetSmart Charities' support allows me to champion the mission of accessible veterinary care while continuing to engage and uplift individuals from marginalized communities.”

Interested students can apply now through April 28, 2021. To learn more about this scholarship, go here.