Nominations Open for 2027 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program

Program Offers $20,000 Scholarships to Second-Year Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2026) — AAVMC and Chewy Health are now accepting nominations for the 2027 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program. The program recognizes second-year veterinary students from backgrounds with limited access to veterinary careers and who have shown an interest in developing their leadership skills.

Fifteen students will be selected for the 2027 program. Each will receive a $20,000 scholarship, paid directly to their institution for the Fall 2027 semester.

“The future of veterinary medicine depends heavily on the quality of leaders that are developed today. The Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program is an excellent head start for dedicated students, pairing financial support with mentorship and a peer network that will stay with them throughout their professional lives,” said Emma K. Read, DVM, MVSc, DACVS, Chief Executive Officer of AAVMC. “AAVMC is grateful for Chewy Health’s continued partnership and leadership in our profession, and we encourage students who are eager to take the next step to apply for this important program.”

In addition to financial support, participants receive professional development resources, including monthly conversations facilitated by MentorVet, and an in-person leadership summit at Chewy’s headquarters in Florida. After graduation, participants complete a six-month mentorship and professional development curriculum and join the Chewy Veterinary Leaders alumni network.

“With the Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program, we are investing in the whole journey from student to veterinary professional,” said Mita Malhotra, President of Chewy Health. “By bringing together financial support, mentorship, leadership development and a community that continues far beyond graduation, we are creating a model designed to help emerging veterinarians grow and thrive at a pivotal point in their careers.”

Any U.S. AAVMC Institutional Member may nominate one eligible student. Nominations must include a letter from the dean of the student’s school. Nomination details and eligibility information are available at apply.aavmc.org.

The deadline for nominations is November 4, 2026.
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About AAVMC
The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) advances the health and wellbeing of humans, animals, and the environment by strengthening veterinary medical education. Working with its member institutions at accredited colleges and schools worldwide, AAVMC develops educational standards, facilitates research collaboration, and supports curriculum innovation to prepare veterinarians who can address critical challenges, including emerging zoonotic diseases, food safety and security, antimicrobial resistance, and the changing role of animals in society.

About Chewy Health
Chewy’s mission is to be the most trusted and convenient online destination for pet parents and partners everywhere. Chewy Health embodies this spirit with our unparalleled commitment to pets and the people who tirelessly care for them. In response to veterinary care challenges and evolving pet parent needs, Chewy Health is pioneering digital solutions for simple, efficient operations. This leads to more time for hands-on pet care for healthier and happier pets. It’s all part of the commitment at Chewy Health to improve the health of every pet by helping to make veterinary professionals’ jobs easier.