This year, Zoetis will partner with the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) to award 452 $2,000 grants to second- and third-year veterinary students. Since its inception 5 years ago, the program has distributed more than $3.6 million to 1,100 veterinary students based upon a spectrum of factors, such as academic merit, financial need, diversity, leadership, and professional interest, among others.

“We think supporting new generations of veterinarians is a strategic way to invest in the future of the profession, and the AAVMC is well-positioned to help us do that,” says Vanessa Mariani, a director with Zoetis’s cattle and equine division.

Previously, Zoetis partnered with American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), but the company chose to partner with the AAVMC this year because of the organization’s existing proximity to students the program is attempting to assist and the administrators involved in the program.

"We welcome this opportunity to work with Zoetis on this remarkable program," said AAVMC Executive Director Dr. Andrew Maccabe. "From resource development to helping prepare our students for success in the modern practice environment, our corporate partners play a significant role in veterinary medical education. We're excited about the opportunity to help our students at the same time we're helping Zoetis realize their philanthropic goals."

The application period for the scholarships runs from Oct. 1 through the Sunday after Thanksgiving every year. Award distributions are made the following April. To learn more or apply for the scholarship, go to zoetisus.com.

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) is a nonprofit membership organization working to protect and improve the health and welfare of animals, people and the environment by advancing academic veterinary medicine. Its members include 35 veterinary medical colleges in the United States and Canada, nine departments of veterinary science, eight departments of comparative medicine, thirteen international colleges of veterinary medicine, and six affiliate colleges of veterinary medicine: www.aavmc.org

Zoetis (zo-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. In 2013, the company generated annual revenue of $4.6 billion. With approximately 9,800 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2014, Zoetis has a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 28 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

Zoetis is the proud sponsor, with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, of the mobile educational exhibit Animal Connections: Our Journey Together. Families visiting the exhibit will explore the vast bonds between people and animals and learn about the important role veterinarians play in protecting animal and human health. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com/animal-connections-tour

For more information, visit the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges at aavmc.org.