PetSmart Charities Veterinary Scholarship

Name: PetSmart Charities Veterinary Scholarship

Award Amount: $25,000 per recipient (up to six scholarships awarded)

Information And Eligibility:
The PetSmart Charities Veterinary Scholarship is a highly competitive national scholarship designed to support veterinary students who are committed to expanding access to veterinary care in under-resourced and underserved communities. Administered by PetSmart Charities, this scholarship reflects the organization’s mission to strengthen the human–animal bond by ensuring pets can remain healthy and stay with the families who love them, regardless of financial or geographic barriers.

Through this program, PetSmart Charities awards up to six scholarships of $25,000 each, with funds paid directly to the recipient’s college of veterinary medicine and applied toward tuition costs. The scholarship covers up to one academic year and is intended to ease the financial burden of veterinary education for students who demonstrate both academic readiness and a deep commitment to service-driven veterinary medicine.

The scholarship prioritizes veterinary students who are on the forefront of improving access to care. Ideal candidates are those who have shown leadership in community-based veterinary services, shelter medicine, nonprofit clinics, mobile veterinary programs, public health initiatives, or other efforts that address gaps in veterinary access. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong alignment with PetSmart Charities’ vision of keeping pets and people together by supporting affordable, accessible, and compassionate veterinary care.

Eligibility is limited to students currently enrolled in a U.S.-based College of Veterinary Medicine who are in their second or third year of study and in good academic standing. Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Selection is based on a holistic review of academic performance, leadership experience, community engagement, and demonstrated commitment to serving pets and people in need.

A distinguishing feature of this scholarship is its emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives. Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation: one from a licensed veterinarian who can speak to the applicant’s clinical aptitude and professionalism, and a second from a social worker, community leader, or individual actively working in an underserved community. This requirement underscores the scholarship’s focus on real-world impact, collaboration, and service beyond traditional clinical settings.

While the application window for the most recent cycle is currently closed, the PetSmart Charities Veterinary Scholarship remains an important opportunity for veterinary students who aspire to integrate clinical excellence with social responsibility. Past recipients exemplify leadership, compassion, and innovation in advancing access to veterinary care nationwide.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a second- or third-year veterinary student.
• Must be enrolled in a College of Veterinary Medicine within the United States.
• Must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Must demonstrate leadership in providing access to veterinary care in under-resourced communities.

Application Requirements:

• Completed scholarship application submitted through the PetSmart Charities grants portal.
• Two letters of recommendation, including one from a licensed veterinarian and one from a community leader or social service professional.
• Most recent unofficial academic transcript.
• Accurate selection of the applicant’s veterinary school using the school’s legal name.

Deadline: April

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