Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), through the Office of the State Veterinarian, administers the Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program as a state-funded initiative authorized under the Code of Virginia. The program was established to address a critical and ongoing shortage of veterinarians who specialize in the care of livestock, poultry, and equines across the Commonwealth. This shortage has significant implications for agricultural productivity, animal health, food safety, and regulatory compliance, particularly in rural and agricultural regions where access to veterinary services is limited. By providing financial incentives, VDACS seeks to recruit, retain, and support large animal veterinarians who are committed to serving these high-need areas. The primary purpose of the grant is to expand access to large animal veterinary services by supporting both new and existing practitioners who are willing to practice in Virginia. The program is designed to enhance service availability, improve quality of care, and ensure long-term sustainability of veterinary services in underserved areas. All areas of Virginia are currently designated as shortage areas, making the opportunity broadly applicable statewide. The initiative also aims to encourage collaborative practice models, mentorship opportunities, and shared service arrangements that strengthen the veterinary workforce pipeline and improve service continuity. Funding is provided in the form of grant awards of up to 110000 dollars per recipient, distributed over a three-year period. In the 2025 cycle, four awards are expected to be made. Recipients may select a standard disbursement schedule of 40000 dollars in each of the first two years and 30000 dollars in the third year, or propose a custom disbursement plan that aligns with their operational needs, provided the total does not exceed the maximum award. Funds must be used to support large animal veterinary practice and may include expenses such as practice establishment or expansion, equipment and supplies, mobile veterinary units, travel costs, personnel support, and student loan repayment. All expenditures are subject to approval by the State Veterinarian. Eligibility is limited to licensed veterinarians who are actively engaged in or intend to practice large animal veterinary medicine in Virginia. Applicants must demonstrate experience or specialization in livestock, poultry, or equine care. The application process requires submission of a completed application form along with several supporting materials, including a resume or curriculum vitae, a detailed grant proposal, two essays, a proposed budget, one professional letter of recommendation, and at least two community support letters. The proposal must outline how the funds will be used, anticipated outcomes, and the impact of veterinary service availability on the community. Applications are evaluated by a panel consisting of representatives from relevant state agencies and professional organizations. The panel uses a standardized scoring rubric to assess applications based on criteria such as demonstrated need, proposed impact, feasibility, and applicant qualifications. The four highest-scoring applicants are selected for funding. Awardees are required to commit to providing large animal veterinary services for the full three-year period, and failure to meet this commitment may result in repayment of funds. The application period for the program opens on July 15, 2026, and closes on September 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications may be submitted electronically via email or by mail to the VDACS State Veterinarian’s Office. Supporting documentation must be included in PDF format, and applicants are advised to follow all submission guidelines carefully to avoid disqualification. Questions and additional information can be obtained by contacting the State Veterinarian’s Office via phone or email. The program operates on an annual cycle, with future funding opportunities anticipated in subsequent years as the Commonwealth continues to address veterinary service shortages. The grant period typically aligns with a three-year service commitment beginning shortly after award notification. Through this structured and targeted investment, VDACS aims to strengthen Virginia’s agricultural infrastructure and ensure reliable access to essential veterinary services statewide.

Focus on demonstrating community need measurable impact and long term sustainability of veterinary services