The program continues after students leave veterinary school. Graduates complete a 6-month mentorship and professional development curriculum and then join the Chewy Veterinary Leaders alumni network.
Emma K. Read, DVM, MVSc, DACVS, CEO, of the AAVMC, tied the program to the profession’s long-term needs. “The future of veterinary medicine depends heavily on the quality of leaders that are developed today,” Read said in a news release.1 She described the program’s combination of funding, mentorship, and a lasting peer network as “an excellent head start for dedicated students.”
Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, said the company views the program as an investment in “the whole journey from student to veterinary professional,” with support aimed at emerging veterinarians at an important time in their careers. She said the program brings together financial support, mentorship, leadership development, and a community that extends well beyond graduation.
How the nomination process works
Participation is by institutional nomination. Each US institutional member of the AAVMC may put forward 1 eligible student, and every nomination must be accompanied by a letter from the dean of the student’s school. Eligibility requirements and nomination details are posted at apply.aavmc.org.
The organizations behind the program
The AAVMC works with member institutions at accredited veterinary colleges and schools worldwide to develop educational standards, facilitate research collaboration, and support curriculum innovation, according to the association. Its stated aim is to prepare veterinarians to address challenges such as emerging zoonotic diseases, food safety and security, antimicrobial resistance, and the changing role of animals in society. Chewy Health, part of Chewy, describes its work as developing digital tools intended to simplify veterinary practice operations and free up more time for hands-on pet care.1
In the release, Read credited Chewy Health’s “continued partnership” and urged students “who are eager to take the next step” to pursue the opportunity. For the 15 students ultimately selected, that opportunity will begin with scholarship funding in the fall 2027 semester and extend, through structured mentorship, into the first months of their careers.
References
1. Nominations open for 2027 Chewy Veterinary Leaders Program. News release. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. October 1, 2026. Accessed October 2, 2026. https://www.aavmc.org/news/nominations-open-for-2027-chewy-veterinary-leaders-program/
