Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine today announced its participation in a new fellowship program in collaboration 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.” 

Cornell was selected as a participating institution based on its commitment to accessible veterinary care and to preparing students to meet the evolving needs of their communities. As a leader in accessible veterinary care, Cornell is committed to equipping students with both clinical excellence and the practical skills needed to serve diverse pet populations.

“This collaboration embodies our commitment to educating practice‑ready veterinarians who lead with compassion and service, expanding access to care for underserved communities and ensuring that more pets and the people who love them receive the care they deserve,” said Jessica Reed, D.V.M.'12, the Janet L. Swanson Director of Maddie’s® Shelter and Community Medicine Program at Cornell. “By combining financial support with hands-on mentoring in communication, leadership, and community-based care, this program will help ensure our students are not only well prepared, but genuinely supported as they learn to care for 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.