University of Minnesota partners with PetSmart Charities to prepare future veterinarians for community care

(ST. PAUL, Minn.; Sept. 9, 2026) — The University of Minnesota 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 support 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 Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) was selected as a partner institution based on its commitment to accessible veterinary care to prepare students to meet the evolving needs of their communities. Three third-year students in the college’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program have been selected for the fellowship's first cohort:

• Snow Li
• Andrea Pacheco
• Macy Shaul

The 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, CVM is committed to equipping students with both clinical excellence and the practical skills needed to serve diverse pet populations. 

The college’s Community Medicine Initiative focuses on providing preventive and early intervention veterinary services and training future veterinarians to be effective advocates and practitioners in this field. Through student-led community clinics providing free health services, specialized curriculum and impactful partnerships with community organizations, this initiative is breaking down barriers to veterinary care and working alongside pet owners to maintain health and wellness for their animals. 

“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 Dr. Lauren Bernstein, associate professor of community 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 College of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine is a global leader in education, research, and healthcare at the intersection of animal, human, and environmental health. Home to the Veterinary Medical Center, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and The Raptor Center, the college plays a critical role in advancing veterinary medicine and One Health initiatives. Established in 1947, it remains Minnesota’s only veterinary college, fully accredited and highly ranked. With nearly 4,000 veterinarians and hundreds of biomedical scientists among its graduates, the college is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community dedicated to improving the well-being of animals, people, and the environment. Learn more at vetmed.umn.edu.

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.