The Zoetis Industry Support Program is returning for its eighth year and providing around $1.5 million in donations to selected FFA chapters and veterinary student scholarships. This annual program not only represents an important investment for these organizations but also the future of these students.
Supporting future vets, horse and animal care givers
Future leaders in agriculture have received $1.5 million-plus in support thanks to Zoetis customers through the Zoetis Industry Support Program which donates to selected FFA chapters and gives veterinary student scholarships.
Since 2008, thousands of FFA chapters and several deserving veterinary students have been selected to receive support from the program.
âThe Zoetis Industry Support Program allows us a unique opportunity to work with our customers to help advance and give back to the future of the industry,â said Jon Lowe, vice president, U.S. Cattle and Equine, Zoetis. âTogether, we are able to provide continued support to future agricultural and veterinary leaders and learning experiences they otherwise might not have access to.â
All veterinary, animal health dealer and distributor customers have the opportunity to participate in the Zoetis Industry Support Program each spring. Customers can allocate a portion of their sales from eligible purchases of Zoetis cattle and equine products to local FFA chapters, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) or American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) foundations to fund veterinary student scholarships or the three organizations.*
Graves County High School FFA in Mayfield, Kentucky, one of the FFA chapters selected this year to receive funds, uses support from the Zoetis Industry Support Program to maintain its animal facility on campus. On average, 300 FFA members use the facility each year and share their knowledge with approximately 450 second grade students during two annual on-site events.
âOur chapter helps to house horses and various small animals, which allows students to learn how to manage and care for them,â said Richard Horn, Graves County High School FFA chapter advisor. âWeâve been up against decreased funding, so weâre all very appreciative of having support.â
Alex Beck and Lauren Mundy, DVM, were selected to receive scholarships from the AABP and AABP foundations, scholarships made possible by the Zoetis Industry Support Program.
âThe scholarship enabled me to pursue advanced training courses,â said Beck, one of the 2015 AABP Foundation â Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarship recipients and veterinary student at Washington State University. âI also plan to travel to several veterinary clinics over the course of my clinical year to better understand the diversity of bovine practice. These opportunities are invaluable for future veterinarians.â
Dr. Mundy said this program provides funds that help make the transition into the profession easier.
âStudent veterinarians are the future of the profession,â said Dr. Mundy, one of the 2015 AAEP Foundation â Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarship recipients. âGiving back helps the veterinary industry advance and ensures the next generation is in a strong position to lead.â
For more information on the Zoetis Industry Support Program, please contact your local Zoetis representative.
About Zoetis
Zoetis (zÅ-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 2014, the company generated annual revenue of $4.8 billion. With approximately 10,000 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2015, Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in 120 countries. For more information, visit www.zoetisUS.com.
*Eligible purchases of Zoetis products must be made between Feb. 1 and April 30 of each year.