Key Takeaways
- There are scholarships available specifically for dog lovers.
- Several scholarships require a short, personal essay to apply.
- Some awards are tailored to students pursuing a veterinary degree.
- Many scholarships reward passion and real-life experiences with dogs.
- Students who have volunteered in shelters, trained pets, or are planning careers in animal care may be especially strong candidates.
Do you consider your dog part of the family? You’re not alone—and believe it or not, there are scholarships just for dog lovers. Whether you want to become a vet or you just really care about animals, your passion could help you make college more affordable.
Many of these scholarships look for students who show a real passion for animals, whether through volunteer work, education, or personal stories. They want to support people who deeply care about dogs and other pets. If you’ve spent time helping in shelters, training dogs, or advocating for animals, your experience can help make your scholarship application stand out.
Let’s explore some of the best scholarships available for dog lovers.
1. ROVER SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May 1
Rover is offering a $2,500 scholarship for students who love pets. To apply, write a 400-500 word essay about how a pet—yours or someone else’s—helped shape who you are. High school seniors, college students, and grad students with a 3.0 GPA or higher are eligible. It’s more than just an essay—it’s a chance to reflect on the unconditional love dogs can give.
2. AKC HUMANE FUND J.D. SPURLING SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: $2,000 (5 recipients)
Deadline: July
Do you love dogs and want to turn that passion into a career? The AKC Humane Fund celebrates the human-canine bond by awarding five scholarships per year, each worth $2,000. It’s for full-time students studying fields that support dog well-being, like veterinary medicine, grooming, training, animal behavior, or physical therapy. If you’re committed to responsible pet ownership and helping dogs live better lives, this scholarship is a great way to fund your future.
3. WAGGLE HUMAN-PET BOND SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: November 1
Love dogs—or any furry friend? This $1,000 scholarship is open to full-time students in the U.S. or Canada who are also pet guardians. To apply, you’ll need to write a 400-600 word essay on how pet owners can prepare for veterinary emergencies and avoid giving up their pets due to financial hardship. The goal is to support responsible pet ownership and help pets stay with families who love them.
4. THE ZOETIS FOUNDATION/AAVMC VETERINARY STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: $7,000
Deadline: Expected to be announced on October 14; Submission deadline is December 11
Veterinary school isn’t cheap, but this scholarship can help. The Zoetis Foundation and AAVMC are awarding over 200 scholarships worth $7,000 each to veterinary students in the U.S. and Caribbean. Whether you’re passionate about dogs, cats, or any other animals, this scholarship can help you cover your tuition costs.
5. THE CHEWY VETERINARY LEADERS PROGRAM
Award Amount: $20,000
Deadline: Will be announced when applications open in late 2025
This scholarship gives $20,000 to second-year vet students from underrepresented backgrounds. Winners also get mentorship, leadership training, and a trip to Chewy headquarters. You must be nominated by your school to apply. It’s a great opportunity for future vets who want to grow their leadership skills and make a difference in animal care.
6. THE LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: Will be announced when next cycle opens in early 2026
The Legacy Scholarship covers full tuition for one new student at Western States K9 College each year. Applicants must submit an essay about their passion for dog training and career goals. Finalists may be interviewed, and the winner is featured in their college news.
7 . ADDIE LANTA’S SCHOLARSHIP
Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: August 1
Addie Lanta’s Scholarship offers $1,000 to high school seniors and undergraduate students in North or South Carolina who have a beagle. To apply, write a 400-600 word essay about your beagle and how they’ve impacted your life, and include a photo of you and your dog. Preference is given to students attending Western Carolina University.
Let Your Love for Dogs Help You Earn Scholarships
If you’ve ever felt like your bond with dogs goes deeper than words, it may help you pay for college. Scholarships for animal lovers reward more than grades. They recognize empathy, responsibility, and heart. Your love for animals isn’t just a passion—it’s a strength that can shape your future. Whether you dream of becoming a veterinarian, running a shelter, or simply making life better for dogs, there are opportunities out there just for you.
Want to find even more scholarships? Check out College Raptor’s FREE Scholarship Search tool to explore thousands of opportunities designed to support students like you. You can also explore our great tips on scholarship essay must-haves to help knock your essay out of the park. Every bit of effort counts, and your love for dogs might just be the edge that helps set your application apart.
