With an increasing array of scholarships for animal lovers, students with a profound affection for creatures of all kinds now have access to additional financial assistance to pursue higher education.
For many, animals hold a special place in our hearts, serving as cherished family members who provide solace in times of need, joy in moments of distress, and even protection from harm.
Yet, what many may not realize is that being an animal enthusiast can also lead to the advantage of securing additional funds to cover college expenses.
Whether one is pursuing a career centered on animals, advocating for their rights, or simply finds joy in their companionship, the following list outlines 15 scholarships tailored specifically for individuals who share a love for animals.
Scholarships For Animal Lovers
Scholarships Offered For An Essay Contest Advocating For Animal Rights
Annually, the Humane Education Network, in partnership with the Animal Welfare Institute, organizes the A Voice for Animals Essay Contest. This competition awards over $6,000 in scholarships to high school students whose essays effectively advocate for the compassionate treatment of animals.
Entrants aged 16 to 18 are required to submit a 1,500-word essay detailing their involvement in a project aimed at addressing the mistreatment of a specific animal species, a cause contributing to animal suffering, or the conservation efforts for a species at risk of extinction.
Scholarships by the American Quarter Horse Foundation
Every year, the American Quarter Horse Foundation presents four-year Youth Scholarships worth $8,000 to high school seniors who are graduating and have been active members of AQHA or AQHYA for at least three years. Eligible candidates must rank within the top 25% of their graduating class, show dedication to the promotion of the American Quarter Horse, display leadership qualities, and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5.
The Arizona’s Scholarship Program
The Arizona National Livestock Show Scholarship Program offers $1,500 to graduating high school seniors who have taken part in the livestock or horse show. Eligible students must intend to pursue an undergraduate degree in agriculture at a recognized U.S. university, holding a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Selection criteria encompass career aspirations, academic record, extracurricular involvement, and achievements in animal exhibition.
Scholarships Provided By The Campbell Family Charitable Trust
As the singular national entity dedicated exclusively to averting pet relinquishment, the Banfield Charitable Trust grants the Campbell Family Scholarships. These scholarships offer up to $8,500 to full-time undergraduate students pursuing careers related to pets, such as pre-veterinary sciences, veterinary technology, and other fields centered on pet welfare. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher, show academic aptitude for completing their studies, and express a commitment to enhancing the lives of pets.
The Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Scholarship
Each year, the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce hosts the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest on the Main Street Stage, commemorating renowned duck calling champions. The competition is open to graduating high school seniors, offering a total prize pool of $4,250. The top prize is $2,000, followed by $1,000 for the runner-up, $750 for third place, and $500 for fourth place.
Scholarships For Animal Lovers
Scholarship by the Dannie Jasmine Mule Deer Foundation
Established by the Mule Deer Foundation, the Dannie Jasmine Scholarship offers $500 in financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated notable efforts in conserving mule and blacktail deer in the Western region. To be eligible, students must be accepted for full-time undergraduate enrollment in the Department of Environmental and Resource Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Scholarship Offered By The Doris Day Animal Foundation
Founded by a prominent and committed champion of animal welfare, the Doris Day Animal Foundation Scholarship is granted to exceptional veterinary students enrolled at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Priority is given to students pursuing specialized education in veterinary shelter medicine, aimed at enhancing the well-being of homeless animals in shelters and supporting underserved pet communities.
The Elinor McGrath Memorial Veterinary Scholarship
The Dr. Elinor McGrath Memorial Veterinary Scholarship, managed by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), was established in 1910 to commemorate America’s pioneering female veterinarian.
This scholarship awards $1,500 to female students entering their first, second, or third year of veterinary school in the United States or Caribbean. It’s available to all students aspiring to careers in various fields of animal health studies, including shelter medicine, feline medicine, aquatic medicine, laboratory animal medicine, and food animal medicine.
Scholarship Program for International Boar Semen
The International Boar Semen Scholarship Program, provided by Universal Pig Genes Inc., targets graduating high school seniors and current undergraduates passionate about the world of bovines. It supports students pursuing agricultural degrees with a focus on swine management. Those enthusiastic about pigs can vie for this $500 scholarship by completing an application, submitting official transcripts, and crafting a 250-word personal essay outlining their aspirations.
Scholarship Prize in Honor of J. Frances Allen
Established in tribute to a trailblazer in the advancement of women in fisheries, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) offers the J. Frances Allen Scholarship Award each year, granting $2,500 to female AFS members pursuing a doctoral degree in fields such as fisheries science, fish culture, limnology, aquatic biology, oceanography, or marine engineering. Applicants must provide an official college transcript, a research proposal for their dissertation, a current resume, and a minimum of three recommendation letters.
Scholarship Offered By The Jacksonville Herpetological Society
The Jacksonville Herpetological Society Scholarship aims to inspire enthusiasts of amphibians and reptiles to pursue higher education in the field of herpetology within zoology. This annual scholarship is awarded to student members enrolled in accredited institutions, focusing on majors that equip them for roles in reptile and amphibian conservation.
Eligible candidates must complete a minimum of 30 volunteer hours, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, and provide a 500-word essay detailing their passion for herpetology.
Scholarships Offered By John D. Spurling
Annually, the American Kennel Club grants five John D. Spurling Scholarships for Responsible Pet Ownership, each valued at $10,000. These scholarships are available to full-time undergraduate or graduate students engaged in programs that promote responsible pet ownership, such as veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, physical therapy, animal care, animal behavior, and grooming or training. Criteria for selection include academic achievements, community engagement, essay submissions, career aspirations, and letters of recommendation.
Scholarship In Memory Of Kathy Larson
The Kathy Larson Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Michigan Llama Association, awards $500 annually to young llama enthusiasts pursuing post-secondary education in Michigan. Eligible candidates must be current association members, enrolled in accredited certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s programs, and maintain a minimum of 12 semester hours per semester. Additionally, applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.7 and exhibit commendable citizenship through community service.
Conclusion:
If you’re seeking extra scholarship support to offset the increasing expenses of college without accumulating debt, keep in mind that scholarships aren’t solely tied to academic achievement.
Many organizations offering scholarships value students with varied interests and a strong drive to pursue their individual passions. If you hold a deep affinity for animals and are studying towards a career involving them, explore these 12 excellent scholarships for animal lovers to support your college aspirations!
