August 01, 2021
Zoetis pledges $35M from new foundation toward veterinarians, farmers
A new philanthropic effort directed toward those who care for animals and their communities is building on donations of over $6 million in 2020.
On June 3, Zoetis announced the formation of the Zoetis Foundation—a $35 million dollar commitment over five years to advance opportunities for farmers and veterinarians globally.
Initially, the foundation is focusing on scholarships and diversity initiatives “to help drive a more inclusive veterinary community in the U.S.,” according to the company.
Last year, the foundation’s investments included over $6 million “to support animals and people who care for them,” 9.6% of which supported COVID-19 relief. More than $1.83 million was donated to care for animals impacted by disasters, nearly $1 million in scholarships was given to 400-plus veterinary students, and about $975,000 was given in veterinary training initiatives.
One recent example of Zoetis’ giving was through the American Veterinary Medical Foundation’s COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grant Program, which was originally funded by a $200,000 donation from Zoetis along with the same amount from Hill’s Pet Nutrition and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America.
In addition, Zoetis and the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges have been partnering to provide $2,000 scholarships to second- and third-year veterinary students in the United States and Caribbean. As of 2020, the Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarship program has awarded over 3,600 scholarships totaling more than $7 million.
In 2022, the foundation’s work will expand to support veterinary debt relief, additional diversity and inclusion programming, and mental wellness for farmers and veterinarians in the U.S., as well as support farmer and veterinarian livelihoods in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Brazil, China, and Europe.
“Prior to the Foundation, Zoetis was already making contributions to a number of organizations across the globe and supporting disaster relief efforts,” according to a statement from Zoetis. “The newly created Zoetis Foundation will provide opportunities for amplified impact through strategic and coordinated giving across key markets—including internationally. Creating the Zoetis Foundation also demonstrates Zoetis’ commitment to transparency, as giving through foundations is public information that anyone will be able to see. We are excited to help create positive impact in our communities.”