John D. Spurling Scholarship

Name: John D. Spurling Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,000 per recipient (five scholarships awarded annually)

Information And Eligibility:
The John D. Spurling Scholarship is administered by the AKC Humane Fund℠ in celebration of the human–canine bond and is designed to support students whose academic and professional goals contribute to the health, well-being, and responsible care of dogs. Awarded annually, the scholarship provides tuition assistance to full-time students enrolled in accredited programs that promote animal welfare, canine health, and responsible pet ownership.

This scholarship is intended for students pursuing education in fields that directly impact the lives of dogs and the people who care for them. Eligible areas of study include veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, physical therapy, animal care, animal behavior, grooming, and dog training, among other related disciplines. By supporting students across a range of canine-focused professions, the program recognizes that improving canine welfare requires collaboration across multiple specialties and career paths.

Scholarship funds must be used strictly for tuition-related expenses and are paid directly to the recipient’s accredited U.S. institution on the student’s behalf. This structure ensures that the award is applied directly toward educational costs and supports students as they progress through their degree or certification programs. Recipients of the scholarship are also required to comply with a reporting process as outlined by the AKC Humane Fund℠, reinforcing accountability and continued engagement with the mission of the program.

The John D. Spurling Scholarship is competitive, with recipients selected based on their academic commitment, career goals, and alignment with the values of canine welfare and responsible pet ownership. Applications must be fully completed and submitted according to the program’s instructions, as incomplete applications or follow-up inquiries are not accepted.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a full-time student.
• Must be enrolled in a degree or certification program at an accredited U.S. institution.
• Must be pursuing studies that contribute to canine well-being or responsible pet ownership.
• Eligible fields include veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, physical therapy, animal care, animal behavior, grooming, and training.
• Must agree to comply with the AKC Humane Fund℠ reporting requirements if selected.

Application Requirements:

• Completed grant application form, signed and dated, with additional sheets attached if needed.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Most recent academic transcript.
• Completed application must be submitted via email as instructed in the application form.

Deadline: July

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