OVC Students Recognized for Contributions to Accessible Veterinary Care

Improving access to veterinary care for people and pets is the shared concern of two Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) who have been named the inaugural recipients of the PetSmart Charities of Canada Scholarship.

Rachael Nagelberg and Terry Robins have been awarded the PetSmart Charities of Canada Scholarship in recognition of their significant volunteer and work experience in advocating for accessible veterinary care. Valued at $2,500 each, the scholarship supports students committed to breaking down barriers to care and enhancing the well-being of both pets and their guardians, with two awarded annually.

“At the Ontario Veterinary College and the University of Guelph, we are committed to improving life for animals and the people who care for them. A key part of that mission is expanding access to veterinary care, a priority that guides our teaching, research and community engagement,” says Dr. Pavneesh Madan, Acting Associate Dean, Students and Academics, OVC. 

“Congratulations to Rachael and Terry on this well-earned recognition. Their dedication to community service and animal welfare is making a meaningful impact, and we are incredibly proud of their contributions. We are also proud of them for embodying the values that makes OVC a leader in veterinary education and care.” 

Bridging Shelter Medicine and Community Care

“I have always loved science and animal biology but did not have a clear path to follow after my undergraduate degree,” says Nagelberg, a Phase 3 DVM student. “Working at the Humane Society opened my eyes to the breadth of work veterinarians do and the overwhelming impact they can have in their community.”

Nagelberg's work at Toronto Humane Society (THS) spanned a range of roles. As a foster agent, she managed over 100 animals at one time, collaborating with medical, behavioral and rehabilitation teams to ensure their well-being. She also played a key role in supporting foster parents, offering advice and guidance to help them strengthen the human-animal bond.

Nagelberg also fostered animals for the THS Urgent Care Program, which provides temporary placements for pets of individuals who are facing challenges such as hospitalization or homelessness. In addition, she contributed to THS research on feline population control, collaborating with colony caretakers to test an oral contraceptive as an alternative to trap-neuter-release programs.

Nagelberg has also volunteered with Community Veterinary Outreach (CVO), a charity committed to improving the health of unhoused people and their pets. She has helped with physical exams for pets, microchipping and connecting pet owners with additional support resources. 

"Receiving this scholarship from PetSmart Charities of Canada is an incredible honour,” says Nagelberg. “Veterinary school can be challenging, and this support alleviates financial stress, allowing me to focus on my education. I’m passionate about breaking down barriers to veterinary care and excited to contribute to a future where all pets have access to the care they need."

Expanding Veterinary Access in Underserved Communities

“It can be difficult hearing about the challenges facing others, but it reminds me of the importance of veterinarians in outreach,” says Robins, a Phase 2 DVM student. “Providing empathetic listening and care for people is just as important as treating their pets.”

Robins’ work is guided by the One Health model—the idea that animal, human and environmental health are interconnected. This approach has shaped his veterinary outreach, reinforcing the importance of addressing both pet health and the well-being of their owners.

He has contributed several hundred hours to community-based veterinary programs, focusing on increasing access to care in underserved populations. Through CVO wellness and spay/neuter clinics, he has assisted with patient handling, medical scribing and post-surgical monitoring, ensuring as many animals as possible receive care. He has also taken on both administrative and hands-on roles with the Kim and Stu Lang Community Healthcare Partnership Program (CHPP). 

One of his most meaningful CHPP experiences was spending a week in Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, providing veterinary care while engaging with community members to better understand the challenges they face. “That experience reinforced the importance of meeting communities where they are and listening to their unique needs,” he says.

Robins’ previous experience volunteering with a distress line helped him develop compassionate listening skills, which he applies in his veterinary work.

“My goal is to continue this work throughout my career, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent pets from receiving the care they need,” he says.

About PetSmart Charities of Canada

PetSmart Charities of Canada is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in PetSmart® stores across the country, PetSmart Charities of Canada helps thousands of pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities of Canada also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter, and emergency relief. Each year, thousands of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities of Canada directly at PetSmartCharities.ca, while shopping at PetSmart.ca, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities of Canada efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in Canada, granting more than $35 million since its inception in 1999. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered Canadian charity. To learn more visit PetSmartCharities.ca.