The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) School of Veterinary Medicine has received a $6-million gift from PetSmart Charities to establish an endowed chair in accessible veterinary care.
The endowment is part of a five-year, $100 million commitment from the organization, aimed at addressing geographic, language, and financial barriers to veterinary care. In the U.S., 50 million pets per year lack access to standard veterinary care, according to research commissioned by PetSmart Charities.
“It’s one of the most pressing issues of our time—building more equitable access to veterinary care,” says Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities. “Supporting an endowed faculty chair at this world-class veterinary school is certain to help us gain access to insight and expertise on effectively investing in this critical societal need. The chair will also lend thought leadership and representation in partnership with PetSmart Charities across the animal welfare space, and at other intersections serving pets and people.”
The UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine was selected as the recipient of this endowment in recognition of its sustained priority of improving access to veterinary care and integrated approach to student training. The university is in the process of filling the chair through a national hiring process.
“I’m thrilled to join forces with PetSmart Charities to make a greater impact in an issue that affects many animals and their owners,” says Mark Stetter, DVM, dean of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. “Together, I believe we can advance new models that can expand veterinary care to those who need it most.”
The gift supports UC Davis’ $2 billion fundraising campaign, “Expect Greater: From UC Davis, For the World.”