Antech Scholarship Aims to Fortify Future of Veterinary Medicine

LOVELAND, CO – April 21, 2026 – As the veterinary profession grapples with mounting pressure from workforce shortages and rising educational barriers, global diagnostics leader Antech has announced a new initiative aimed at supporting the next generation of animal healthcare providers. The Antech Veterinary Futures Scholarship, launched in partnership with the student-focused platform Vet Set Go®, will provide financial awards and critical mentorship to aspiring veterinarians.

The program seeks to reward students for the extensive real-world experience now required for entry into the highly competitive field, addressing a critical pain point for those on the long road to becoming a veterinarian.

A Response to a Looming Crisis

The scholarship arrives at a pivotal moment for the veterinary industry. A confluence of factors—including a surge in pet ownership during the pandemic, high rates of professional burnout, and an aging workforce—has created a significant strain on animal healthcare services. Recent studies paint a stark picture of the challenge ahead. A March 2024 analysis commissioned by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) projects a shortfall of over 17,000 veterinarians in the United States by 2032, warning that the supply of new graduates is not keeping pace with escalating demand.

This data builds on earlier reports, such as a 2022 analysis by Mars Veterinary Health—a network connected to Antech's parent company—which projected a need for 41,000 additional veterinarians by 2030 to meet the needs of a growing pet population. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics further reinforces this trend, projecting tens of thousands of new veterinarian jobs opening by the end of the decade. This shortage impacts wait times for appointments, access to emergency care, and the overall well-being of both pets and the professionals who care for them.

"Supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals is a core part of our commitment to the future of petcare," said Tammi Lesser, LVT, Regional President, North America, Mars Science & Diagnostics, in the company's announcement. "By investing in these passionate students today, we are helping ensure the pets of tomorrow get the expert care they deserve."

The Grueling Path to a DVM

For aspiring veterinarians, the journey begins long before they set foot in a veterinary college lecture hall. The path is defined by an extraordinary demand for hands-on experience, often totaling thousands of hours of unpaid volunteer and shadowing work. A 2022 AAVMC report highlighted that successful applicants for the Class of 2026 had accumulated these extensive hours in clinics, shelters, and research labs simply to be considered competitive.

This requirement is layered on top of a staggering financial burden. The total cost for a four-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree can range from $150,000 to well over $300,000, depending on the institution and residency status. Consequently, the average student loan debt for new veterinarians hovers around $200,000. This financial pressure can deter promising students from entering the field and contributes to the high stress and burnout rates that plague the profession.

The Antech Veterinary Futures Scholarship is designed to directly acknowledge this "sweat equity." It uniquely rewards students for the quality of the volunteer hours they are already dedicating to the profession, providing a tangible benefit for their early-career commitment.

More Than Money: A New Model of Support

The program will award five students a $1,000 scholarship to help offset common educational costs such as books, supplies, and equipment. While a modest sum compared to overall tuition, it provides direct relief for immediate expenses. However, the program's most significant value may lie in its structure and mentorship component.

To be considered, students must log their volunteer and shadowing hours using the Vet Volunteer app, a tool created by Vet Set Go® to help students track their experiences for future applications. Once a minimum number of sessions is met, the selection process prioritizes the quality of their experience. Recipients will be chosen based on their consistent engagement and, crucially, their thoughtful reflections on diagnostics and clinical decision-making—a focus that aligns directly with Antech's expertise.

In addition to the financial award, each winner will receive exclusive mentorship, including a series of one-on-one coaching sessions with veterinary leaders from Antech. This provides invaluable career guidance and industry insights that are often difficult for students to access, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

"Long before most people see it, aspiring veterinarians are already doing the work: volunteering, shadowing, and learning alongside the animals and people who care for them," said Dr. Chris Carpenter, Founder and President of Vet Set Go. "This partnership with Antech is about changing that. Together, we are recognizing these future veterinarians, celebrating their commitment, and letting them know they are not alone."

Winners will be announced every two months beginning in August 2026.

A Strategic Investment in the Veterinary Ecosystem

While philanthropic in nature, the scholarship also represents a savvy strategic investment by Antech and its parent company, Mars Science & Diagnostics. By supporting students at the earliest stages of their journey, the company is fostering goodwill and building relationships with the very professionals who will one day become its clients and partners.

This type of initiative is becoming increasingly common as industry leaders recognize the importance of shoring up the talent pipeline. Other major players, such as Zoetis, have long-standing, multi-million dollar scholarship programs that support veterinary students and technicians. These programs are not just about corporate social responsibility; they are a critical component of ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the entire petcare industry.

For Antech, a leader in diagnostics, focusing the scholarship's criteria on reflections related to diagnostics is a particularly strategic move. It encourages early-career professionals to think critically about a core aspect of modern veterinary medicine, simultaneously reinforcing Antech's brand as an authority in the space. The initiative aligns with the broader Mars "Sustainable in a Generation" plan, which includes commitments to advancing science and expanding access to pet services. By nurturing future talent, Antech is helping to build a more robust and resilient veterinary workforce for years to come.