VDACS LARGE ANIMAL VETERINARY GRANT PROGRAM
Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program Application
Status | Closed
Program Overview
Veterinarians who primarily care for livestock, poultry and equines, and already practice, or will practice in Virginia are invited to apply. The State Veterinarian has currently identified all areas of the Commonwealth as having a shortage of large animal veterinarians. This may change in future years if service capacity stabilizes in certain areas.
In 2025, four recipients will be awarded grants up to $110,000, disbursed over a three-year period. These funds must be used to enhance the veterinarian's ability to serve large animal clients in shortage areas.
Important Dates
Open Application Period: July 1 – September 1, 2025 - Status | Closed
Application Deadline: September 1, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. EST
Key Details
Find more details about the VDACS Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program in the grant application form.
How To ApplyStep 1: Download and Complete the Large Animal Veterinary Grant Application - Status | Closed
Step 2: Gather Required Application Materials (see below)
Step 3: Attach completed application form and required materials in PDF format
- By Email (preferred):
- Send to: vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov
- Subject Line: Large Animal Veterinary Grant Application
- Attach completed application in PDF format
- By Mail:
- VDACS Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program
P.O. Box 1163
Richmond, VA 23218-1163
All large animal veterinarians are invited to apply. “Large animal veterinarian” means a person who is actively engaged in and is licensed to practice veterinary medicine pursuant to § 54.1-3800 et seq. and whose specialties include livestock, poultry, or equines (as defined in § 3.2-6200).
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Essays (1200 words or fewer each):
- Why this grant is important to you and to the community you serve
- How the grant will be used to support your veterinary practice
- What ways you are involved with the community/agriculture in the area you serve
- One Letter of Recommendation (professional training and competency)
- Two Letters of Support (from community members)
- Proposed Budget (see Grant Documents below for template)
Grant funds may be used for:
- Practice establishment or expansion
- Equipment and supply purchases
- Mobile unit outfitting
- Service area travel expenses
- Salary/stipend support for associate veterinarians or technicians
- Student loan repayment
- Other expenses related to supporting large animal practice, as outlined by the applicant and approved by the State Veterinarian
Grant awards may total up to $110,000. Recipients may choose:
- Standard Disbursement Schedule:
- $40,000 in Years 1 and 2
- $30,000 in Year 3
- Custom Disbursement Schedule:
- Propose an alternative disbursement plan based on need, not to exceed $110,000 total over three years.
Urgent Challenge of Large Animal Veterinarian Shortage
The ongoing shortage of large animal veterinarians has serious implications for animal health, farm operations, food safety, and the agricultural economy. This problem is particularly acute in rural and agricultural regions, where livestock producers rely heavily on veterinary services for herd health, emergency care, reproductive management, disease prevention, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
In Virginia, a shortage of large animal veterinarians can cause delayed or inaccessible veterinary care leading to increased animal health risks, production losses, and higher treatment costs for preventable issues; difficulty meeting regulatory requirements for health certificates, disease surveillance, and interstate movement of animals, which increases compliance burdens for producers; reduced emergency response capacity to disease outbreaks or natural disasters which jeopardizes herd health and biosecurity; and increased animal welfare concerns from the inability to access timely veterinary services.
Grant Documents
Grant documents are available during the open application period only.
Contact
For complete program details, eligibility criteria, or general questions, please contact the State Veterinarian's Office.
