With an increasing number of scholarships for animal lovers available, students who have a deep fondness for four-legged, winged, and finned friends now can utilize additional funding resources as financial aid to attend higher education.
For many of us, animals are special members of our family that offer comfort when we are hurting, a good laugh when we are upset, and even protection from those who wish to do harm. However, most do not realize that being an animal lover can also provide the added benefit of more free money for covering college expenses.
Whether you are studying to enter an animal-focused career, spend your time advocating for animal rights, or simply enjoy the company of animals, the following are 25 scholarships for animal lovers just like you.
1. A Voice for Animals Essay Contest Scholarships
Deadline: May 25th
In collaboration with the Animal Welfare Institute, the Humane Education Network hosts A Voice for Animals Essay Contest annually to award more than $6,000 in scholarships for high school students whose essays best promote the humane treatment of animals. Entrants between the ages of 16 and 18 years old must submit a 1,500-word essay describing their participation in a project that addresses the mistreatment of one animal species, one cause for animal suffering, or the preservation of one species threatened by extinction.
Contact
A Voice for Animals Essay Contest Scholarships
P.O. Box 60715
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 851-8735
contest@hennet.org
2. American Quarter Horse Foundation Youth Scholarships
Deadline: December 1st
Annually, the American Quarter Horse Foundation awards four-year Youth Scholarships for $8,000 to graduating high school seniors who have completed a minimum of three years cumulative membership in the AQHA or AQHYA. Qualified applicants must be ranked within the upper 25% of their graduating class, exhibit an affinity for the advancement of the American Quarter Horse, demonstrate leadership potential, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Contact
American Quarter Horse Foundation Youth Scholarships
2601 East Interstate 40
Amarillo, TX 79104
(806) 378-5040
foundation@aqha.org
3. Arizona National Livestock Show Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 15th
For students who have participated in the livestock or horse show, the Arizona National Livestock Show Scholarship Program provides $1,500 to graduating high school seniors who will be pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited U.S. university in agriculture with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. Selection will be based on career plans, academic performance, extra-curricular activities, and accomplishments as an animal exhibitor.
Contact
Arizona National Livestock Show Scholarship Program
1826 West McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 258-8568
rochell@anls.org
4. Campbell Family Charitable Trust Scholarships
Deadline: June 30th
As the only national organization that solely strives to prevent the surrender of pets, the Banfield Charitable Trust awards the Campbell Family Scholarships to provide up to $8,500 for full-time undergraduate students pursuing pet-related careers, including pre-veterinary sciences, veterinary technology, and other academic fields focused on pets. Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens, have attained a GPA of 2.75 or greater, demonstrate sufficient academic ability for completing an education, and exhibit a desire to make life better for pets.
Contact
Campbell Family Charitable Trust Scholarships
8000 NE Tillamook St.
Portland, OR 97213
(503) 922-5801
info@banfieldcharitabletrust.org
5. Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest
Deadline: October 31st
In honor of the legendary champion duck callers, the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest is hosted annually on the Main Street Stage by the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce for any young duck callers who are current graduating high school seniors. With a total of $4,250 up for grabs, the first place winner receives $2,000, the runner up receives $1,000, the third place winner will receive $750, and the fourth place winner receives $500.
Contact
Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest
P.O. Box 1500
Stuttgart, AR 72160
(870) 364-2551
deholt@windstream.net
6. Dannie Jasmine Mule Deer Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: June 15th
Sponsored by the Mule Deer Foundation, the Dannie Jasmine Scholarship is designed to provide $500 in financial support for graduating high school seniors who have made significant outstanding contributions to the conservation of mule and blacktail deer in the Western region. In order to qualify, students must be accepted for undergraduate enrollment in the Department of Environmental and Resource Sciences at the University of Nevada at Reno full-time.
Contact
Dannie Jasmine Mule Deer Foundation Scholarship
1005 Terminal Way Suite 170
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 322-3421
chairman@muledeer.org
7. Doris Day Animal Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
Established by one of the most dedicated and recognized public advocates for animal welfare, the Doris Day Animal Foundation Scholarship is awarded to outstanding veterinary students at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. Preference will be given to students who are receiving specialty training in veterinary shelter medicine to improve the quality of life of homeless animals in shelters and help disadvantaged pet populations.
Contact
Doris Day Animal Foundation Scholarship
8033 Sunset Blvd. Suite 845
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(530) 752-1001
pjbailey@ucdavis.edu
8. Dr. Elinor McGrath Memorial Veterinary Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
Administered through the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) in honor of America’s first practicing female veterinarian in 1910, the Dr. Elinor McGrath Memorial Veterinary Scholarship is granted for $1,500 to female students who are currently entering their first, second, or third year of veterinary school in the United States or Caribbean. The program is open to all students pursuing a career in animal health studies, shelter medicine, feline medicine, aquatic medicine, laboratory animal medicine, and food animal medicine.
Contact
Dr. Elinor McGrath Memorial Veterinary Scholarship
1931 North Meacham Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(800) 248-2862 ext. 6690
avmfinfo@avma.org
9. International Boar Semen Scholarship Program
Deadline: June 1st
For graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students who are interested in creatures of the bovine persuasion, the International Boar Semen Scholarship Program is offered through the Universal Pig Genes Inc. for pursuing an agricultural degree with a specific concentration in swine management. Eligible candidates with pig mania can earn this $500 award by submitting an application, official transcript, and 250-word personal essay on goals.
Contact
International Boar Semen Scholarship Program
30355 260th St.
Eldora, IA 50627
(641) 939-3411
czeis@piggene.com
10. J. Frances Allen Scholarship Award
Deadline: March 6th
Created in memory of one of the nation’s pioneers for paving the way for women in the field of fisheries, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) presents the J. Frances Allen Scholarship Award annually for $2,500 to female members who are pursuing a doctoral degree related to fisheries science, fish culture, limnology, aquatic biology, oceanography, or marine engineering. Eligible fish lovers are required to submit an official college transcript, a dissertation research proposal, a current resume, and at least three letters of recommendation.
Contact
J. Frances Allen Scholarship Award
5103 Junction Highway
Mountain Home, TX 78058
(830) 866-3356 ext. 211
ggoldberg@fisheries.org
11. Jacksonville Herpetological Society Scholarship
Deadline: March 11th
With the goal of encouraging amphibian and reptile lovers to pursue post-secondary studies in the herpetology branch of zoology, the Jacksonville Herpetological Society Scholarship is presented each year to student members who are enrolled in an accredited institution in a major that will prepare them for participating in reptile and amphibian conservation. Qualified applicants must put in at least 30 volunteer hours, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and submit a 500-word essay on interests in herpetology.
Contact
Jacksonville Herpetological Society Scholarship
P.O. Box 37336
Jacksonville, FL 32236
(386) 758-0529
floridacorns@aol.com
12. John D. Spurling Scholarships for Responsible Pet Ownership
Deadline: June 1st
Each year, the American Kennel Club bestows five John D. Spurling Scholarships for Responsible Pet Ownership for $10,000 each to full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are enrolled in a program that advanced responsible pet ownership, including veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, physical therapy, animal care, animal behavior, and grooming or training. Selection will be based on academic performance, community involvement, essays, career goals, and letters of recommendation.
Contact
John D. Spurling Scholarships for Responsible Pet Ownership
8051 Arco Corporate Drive Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 233-3390
dxs@akc.org
Scholarship Link
13. Kathy Larson Memorial Llama Association Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
Through the Michigan Llama Association, the Kathy Larson Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $500 to young llama owners who are attending a post-secondary institution in Michigan to obtain an accredited certificate, associates, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in a field of their choice. Applicants must be current members, carry a minimum of 12 semester hours each semester, hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher, and demonstrate good citizenship qualities in community service.
Contact
Kathy Larson Memorial Llama Association Scholarship
10591 Corcoran Rd.
Haslett, MI 48840
(517) 339-1961
onwellerfamily@aol.com
14. Kelly Stadler Animal Lovers Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 24th
At St. Petersburg College, the Kelly Stadler Animal Lovers Memorial Scholarship is presented each year for up to $1,000 for deserving full or part-time students who are currently pursuing a degree in veterinary technology with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Recipients must demonstrate financial need, academic promise, determination, responsibility, ambition, participation in community service, and definite career goals working with animals.
Contact
Kelly Stadler Animal Lovers Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 13489
St. Petersburg, FL 33733
(727) 341-3128
foundation@spcollege.edu
15. Lancaster Kennel Club Veterinary Technician Scholarship
Deadline: May 11th
For dedicated pure-bred dog lovers and exhibitors in the greater Lancaster, PA area, the Lancaster Kennel Club offers an annual Veterinary Technician Scholarship for $1,000 to an outstanding student enrolled in an accredited vet tech program at one of the six approved colleges in Pennsylvania. Eligible students must be entering their second or third term, have a specific career interest in working with dogs, and show academic promise in canine education.
Contact
Lancaster Kennel Club Veterinary Technician Scholarship
P.O. Box 7511
Lancaster, PA 17604
(717) 685-5268
membership@lancasterkennelclub.org
16. Marcia Brady Tucker Travel Award in Ornithology
Deadline: May 30th
For avid bird lovers and watchers, the American Ornithologists’ Union has established the Marcia Brady Tucker Travel Award in Ornithology in order to help defray transportation expenses for full-time doctoral students who are conducting scientifically significant research projects on critical concerns for bird conservation. Eligible members must submit a current resume, a three-page research proposal, and a letter of recommendation from faculty mentor.
Contact
Marcia Brady Tucker Travel Award in Ornithology
5400 Bosque Blvd. Suite 680
Waco, TX 76710
(254) 399-9636
mpruett-jones@aou.org
17. Marshall E. McCullough Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 15th
Administered by the National Dairy Shrine in honor of a well-known Georgia nutrition researcher and journalist, the Marshall E. McCullough Scholarship Fund presents annual awards for $1,500 and $2,500 to graduating high school seniors planning to enter a four-year institution with the intent of majoring in dairy or animal science with a communications emphasis. Students must be planning a career in dairy journalism, display strong communication abilities, and be in good academic standing.
Contact
Marshall E. McCullough Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 725
Denmark, WI 54208
(920) 863-6333
info@dairyshrine.org
18. Mary and Leonard Stiles Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 7th
Established to honor the legacy of their contributions to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Foundation, the Mary and Leonard Stiles Memorial Scholarship will grant up to $2,000 annually for a graduating high school senior in Texas who has been involved in the ranching or farming industry. Since the fund is committed to developing new leaders in the industry, preference will be given to students pursuing a degree in agriculture or large animal medicine.
Contact
Mary and Leonard Stiles Memorial Scholarship
1600 Gendy St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 332-8551
cattleraisersmuseum@gmail.com
19. Nicole White and Christopher Vose Memorial Scholarships
Deadline: May 6th
Annually, the Maine Morgan Horse Club presents two Nicole White and Christopher Vose Memorial Scholarships for $1,000 apiece to outstanding young horse lovers under the age of 22 years old who have members in good standing for the past two years and are currently enrolling in a post-secondary education program. Selection criteria will include involvement with horses, participation with the AMHA Horse Mastership Program, community service, demonstrated leadership, and academic aptitude for secondary study.
Contact
Nicole White and Christopher Vose Memorial Scholarships
10 Sea Grass Farm Rd.
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 798-5028
judychamber@gmail.com
20. Oxbow Animal Health Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
For up to $1,000 in financial tuition assistance, the Oxbow Animal Health Scholarships are available annually for graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students who are interested in pursuing careers in the pet industry or the field of animal health/nutrition. Qualified applicants must demonstrate a career interest in companion animals, exhibit potential for leadership in the pet industry, and be passionate about protecting the welfare of animals.
Contact
Oxbow Animal Health Scholarships
29012 Mill Rd.
Murdock, NE 68407
(402) 867-3222
web@oxbowanimalhealth.com
21. P.L.A.Y. Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship
Deadline: December 3rd
Within an organization that is committed to making quality dog beds and donating products to animals in need at local shelters, the P.L.A.Y. Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship will provide $1,000 annually to full-time high school juniors or seniors in the U.S. who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to helping animals in need. Applicants must submit a 500 to 1,000-word essay describing their volunteer efforts in working towards improved animal welfare.
Contact
P.L.A.Y. Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship
246 Second St. Unit A
San Francisco, CA 94105
(855) 300-7529
scholarship@petplay.com
22. Rachel Fischoff Scholarship for Wildlife Rehabilitation
Deadline: October 1st
Through the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, the Rachel Fischoff Scholarship for Wildlife Rehabilitation can be utilized by graduate students studying animal science, ecology, wildlife conservation, or other environmental sciences to purchase educational materials and attend workshops related to wildlife rehabilitation. Applicants must submit an online application, statement of financial need, personal essay, and at least two letters of recommendation.
Contact
Rachel Fischoff Scholarship for Wildlife Rehabilitation
2625 Clearwater Rd. Suite 110
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 230-9920
NWRA@nwrawildlife.org
23. Shaw-Worth Memorial Humane Society Scholarship
Deadline: March 25th
Established under the aegis of the Human Society of the United States, the Shaw-Worth Memorial Scholarship is designed to provide $2,500 annually to New England high school seniors who demonstrate a deep respect for animals and have made meaningful contributions to animal protection over a significant period of time. Eligible candidates must exhibit inspiring leadership in animal rescue, a humane attitude, commitment to humane ethics, and desire to enter an animal care field.
Contact
Shaw-Worth Memorial Humane Society Scholarship
2100 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 452-1100
scholarships@humanesociety.org
24. Vegetarian Resource Group College Scholarships
Deadline: February 20th
For animal lovers who abstain from eating meat, fish, or fowl, the Vegetarian Resource Group awards a $10,000 scholarship and two $5,000 college scholarships annually to graduating U.S. high school seniors who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or local communities. Entrants will be evaluation based on compassion, courage, academic promise, future career goals, community service involvement, and commitment to promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian lifestyle.
Contact
Vegetarian Resource Group College Scholarships
P.O. Box 1463
Baltimore, MD 21203
(410) 366-8343
vrg@vrg.org
25. Winner’s Circle Scholarship Program
Deadline: February 14th
Funded through the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the Winner’s Circle Scholarship Program was established by the Race for Education to provide $1,500 annual scholarships to outstanding student members who are entering their fourth year of a veterinary school in the United States that has been accredited by the AVMA. Along with the application, applicants must submit a 750-word essay on goals in the field of equine veterinary medicine, two signed letters of recommendation, an official transcript, and financial need verification.
Contact
Winner’s Circle Scholarship Program
1818 Versailles Rd.
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 252-8648
apply@raceforeducation.org
For those searching for additional scholarship funding to cover the rising costs of higher education without going in debt, it is important to remember that scholarships are not solely based on academics. In fact, many scholarship foundations are specifically looking for students with diverse interests and a determination to follow their unique passions. If you have a deep respect for animals and/or are pursuing studies leading to a career working with animals, be sure to check out these 25 great scholarships for animal lovers to help reach your college goals!
