CLEVELAND, Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shelter medicine is facing one of the most critical shortages in the veterinary profession, leaving many nonprofit animal shelters struggling to meet the needs of the pets in their care. To help address this challenge, Embrace Pet Insurance and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) are proud to announce the continuation of the Embrace Pet Insurance Veterinary Student Scholarship. The two-year program provides a total of $50,000 in support for veterinary students pursuing careers in shelter medicine.

According to a 2024 study, 73 percent of nonprofit animal shelters reported being short-staffed for veterinarians, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has identified shelter medicine as one of the hardest-hit areas of the profession. At the same time, veterinary students are entering the workforce with significant financial burdens, graduating with an average debt of about $150,000—and in some cases, more than $400,000.

Last year, five students each received a $5,000 scholarship through the Embrace/AVMF program, including University of Wisconsin-Madison veterinary student Hannah Brinkman, who shared:

"I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive the Embrace Pet Insurance Scholarship. This award not only eases the financial burden of completing my final year of veterinary school but also highlights the critical importance of shelter medicine in our communities. As I transition into my veterinary career, I am committed to making this generous gift count through positive, meaningful impacts on animals in need."

Scott Stice, President of Embrace Pet Insurance, said:

"At Embrace, we view scholarship support as a strategic investment in the future of veterinary medicine. By empowering students to pursue careers in shelter medicine, we're helping to address a critical workforce gap while strengthening the care communities rely on for their most vulnerable animals. This is about building a sustainable pipeline of talent where it's needed most."

"We are excited to continue our partnership with Embrace Pet Insurance and once again award $25,000 in scholarships to veterinary students with an interest in shelter medicine," said AVMF Board Chair, Dr. Heather Case. "These awards are both impactful and vital for so many of today's students. We truly appreciate Embrace's commitment to supporting the next generation of veterinarians by helping to relieve veterinary student debt."

About the Embrace Pet Insurance Veterinary Student Scholarship

Eligibility

• Must be a third- or fourth-year student in good standing enrolled at an AVMA Council on Education–accredited school of veterinary medicine
• Must be a citizen of the United States
• Must demonstrate an intention to work in shelter medicine upon graduation

Timeline

• Applications accepted: Sept. 1–30, 2025
• Application review: Oct. 1–31, 2025
• Award notification and disbursement: Fall 2025 semester

Embrace Pet Insurance is dedicated to supporting charitable initiatives nationwide, contributing nearly $800,000 to nonprofits in 2024 alone.

To learn more about Embrace Pet Insurance, visit embracepetinsurance.com or call (800) EMBRACE.

For more information about the Embrace Pet Insurance Veterinary Student Scholarship, visit https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/embrace/

About Embrace Pet Insurance

Embrace Pet Insurance, a highly rated pet health insurance provider for dogs and cats in the United States, offers flexible accident and illness insurance plans. In addition to insurance, Embrace offers Wellness Rewards, a non regulated, non-insurance, optional preventative care product that is unique to the industry. Embrace is a proud member of the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) and continues to innovate and improve the pet insurance experience for pet parents across the country. Embrace Pet Insurance is a privately held organization, backed by JAB Holding Company. 

Pet Health Insurance is administered by Embrace Pet Insurance Agency, LLC (Lic. No 0G89328) and underwritten by one of the licensed insurers of American Modern Insurance Group, Inc., including American Modern Home Insurance Company d/b/a in CA as American Modern Insurance Company (Lic. No 2222-8) and American Southern Home Insurance Company.

Sources:

• Kogut, S., Montgomery, M.L., & Levy, J.K. (2024). The Nonprofit Veterinarian Shortage: Who Will Care for the Pets Most in Need? Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health, 3(1). https://jsmcah.org/index.php/jasv/article/view/75
• Carlson, R. (2023). AVMA Is Committed to Addressing the Industry's Challenges. Today's Veterinary Business. https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/avma-veterinarians-1023
• American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Mixed news on student debt. https://www.avma.org/blog/mixed-news-student-debt
• American Veterinary Medical Association. (2025). Educational Loan Repayment: Planning Ahead as a Veterinary Student. AVMA My Veterinary Life. https://myvetlife.avma.org/current-student/your-financial-health/loan-repayment-know-your-options

Media Contacts
Amber Batteiger
PR and Communications Manager, Embrace Pet Insurance 
ABatteiger@EmbracePetInsurance.com

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SOURCE Embrace Pet Insurance