The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine Partners with PetSmart Charities to Prepare Future Veterinarians for Community Care

The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine today announced its participation in a new fellowship program in partnership with PetSmart Charities®.

Access to veterinary care remains a growing challenge across the United States. PetSmart Charities estimates 50 million pets in the U.S. lack access to veterinary care, forcing many families to make difficult decisions. At the same time, the veterinary profession is facing increasing workforce shortages, compounded by a gap between how vets are trained and the real-world needs of pet families, who struggle to afford the full cost of care. A 2025 PetSmart Charities-Gallup State of Pet Care Study revealed 52 percent of pet parents declined or skipped recommended veterinary care due to financial concerns. 

In 2023, PetSmart Charities announced a $100 million commitment to improve access to accessible veterinary care. The PetSmart Charities Veterinary Fellowship is part of that strategy. The new fellowship program aims to identify veterinary students who demonstrate commitment to pursuing careers in community medicine and supporting them as students and early career veterinarians with training, mentorship and financial assistance. By providing a viable pathway to excel in community medicine, this program helps prepare students to deliver high-quality, accessible care to pet families and communities who need it most.

Through this fellowship, participants receive:

• $10,000 per year in tuition support while completing their veterinary education

• Training in leadership, communication, and Spectrum of Care to better align care with client needs

• Dedicated hands-on mentorship in community medicine

• Continued professional development and networking opportunities

• Continued financial support during the first four years post-graduation when working in approved community medicine clinics

“Community medicine veterinarians are deeply committed to providing high-quality care, while navigating the barriers often faced by pet parents in need,” said Dr. Robyn Jaynes, director of veterinary affairs at PetSmart Charities. “This fellowship program is designed to better prepare future veterinarians with the skills and support they need to deliver compassionate, flexible care, which includes consideration of the financial barriers of families along with pets’ needs. This program also serves to elevate community medicine as a rewarding, long-term career option.” 

The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine was selected as a partner institution for its commitment to accessible veterinary care and to preparing students to meet the evolving needs of their communities.

As Arizona’s only public accredited college of veterinary medicine, the Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is shaping the future of veterinary professionals by preparing graduates to tackle today’s challenges. By emphasizing competency-based, hands-on, student-centered learning, students gain experience across diverse settings in preparation for real-world practice. 

The Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine is proud to partner with PetSmart Charities as part of this innovative fellowship program. As a leader in accessible veterinary care, the University of Arizona is committed to equipping students with both clinical excellence and the practical skills needed to serve diverse pet populations. By actively engaging students in their learning journey and providing individualized support, the Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine ensures that students graduate career-ready and prepared to serve their communities with care and expertise from day one.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to preparing practice-ready graduates in community medicine, focused on expanding access to care for underserved communities and pet families who might not otherwise receive it,” said Julie Funk, dean of the Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. “By combining financial support with training in communication, leadership, and community-based care, this program helps ensure our students are equipped to meet the needs of both pets and the families who love them.”

By investing in veterinary students earlier and more comprehensively, the fellowship program helps build a stronger pipeline of professionals prepared to serve in community medicine settings—where they are needed most. The program also supports long-term retention in the field by fostering mentorship, professional development, and a sense of community among participants.

Together, PetSmart Charities and its university partners are expanding access to veterinary care, strengthening pathways to affordable treatment, and ensuring that pet parenthood remains within reach for families who love and depend on their pets.

About the University of Arizona

Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.

About PetSmart Charities®

PetSmart Charities is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 11 million pets find loving homes.  PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Its efforts connect pets with loving homes, improve access to affordable veterinary care, and support families in times of crises with access to food, shelter, and disaster response. Each year, millions of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities directly at PetSmartCharities.org, while shopping at PetSmart.com, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart® stores. PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its mission, granting more than $600 million since its inception in 1994. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has received a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator each year consecutively since 2003 — placing it among the top one percent of rated charities.