Veterinary outreach nails $100,000

The AKC's Veterinary Outreach Program has received $100,000 for their2002 scholarships, awarded to students in veterinary schools who are pursuingcanine-related studies. AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC-CAR) has donatedthe funds for the program this year.

"We are thrilled to be able to increase AKC's financial supportof future veterinarians," states Linda More, AKC assistant vice-presidentof special programs. "We know that the debt burden carried by newlygraduating veterinarians is a major concern to both the schools and thestudents and we're pleased that AKC-CAR has made it possible to offer moreassistance."

Each January scholarship materials are sent to the 27 accredited veterinaryschools in the United States. Each school is invited to submit applicationsfor up to four of its students. Recipients are chosen based upon financialneed, academic excellence and a demonstrated interest in canine biologyor in purebred dogs.

In 2001, 30 students representing 22 veterinary schools across the countryreceived scholarship awards from AKC totaling $60,000. The 2002 award recipientswill be announced in July.

The Veterinary Outreach program was created to support positive relationshipsbetween AKC and universities, practitioners and related professional organizations.

Among other activities, the program presents seminars at veterinary schools,spotlights recipients of AKC Canine Health Foundation research grants, andprovides AKC educational materials to veterinary students and to veterinariansfor use with their clients.