Snow Li 

For a time, Snow Li had plans to become a doctor in the human medical field. As she gained more experience in college, she felt a deeper connection to the field was missing. Then, Li shadowed a veterinarian during junior year and something clicked. 

“I realized that it combined everything I enjoyed—science, problem-solving and compassion—while also allowing me to build relationships with both animals and their owners,” Li recalls. “That’s when I really found my passion for veterinary medicine.”

Now a third-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) student at the College of Veterinary Medicine, she has plans to use her veterinary education to forge a career in community medicine, helping pet families gain access to care that may be out of reach due to barriers such as finances. Experiences she had before enrolling in veterinary school shed light on the need for this type of care.  

“I encountered many situations where people and their pets faced barriers to accessing veterinary care,” Li says. “At the time, I didn’t know the term ‘community medicine,’ but I knew that I wanted to become a veterinarian who could help make care more equitable and accessible.” 

Once at CVM, she became involved with VeTouch and SIRVS, student organizations focused on improving access to veterinary care through free clinics in community settings. As current education chair of SIRVS, which provides no-cost veterinary services to the pets of partner Tribal communities, Li organizes labs to prepare students for surgery trips, as well as lunch-and-learn sessions. 

These experiences have reinforced her passion for community medicine and her chosen career path. Being accepted into the first cohort of the PetSmart Charities Veterinary Fellowship provides opportunities for growth that will impact not only her future career but the greater veterinary field. 

“I wanted to be part of a group of students who shared my passion for improving access to veterinary care and who were interested in finding ways to make care more accessible to the communities we serve,” Li says. 

Andrea Pacheco

Andrea Pacheco’s first experience with veterinary medicine was in a small animal clinic in Puerto Rico. She saw people who cared deeply about their animals face difficulties acquiring the care their pets needed due to financial constraints. 

“That experience made me want to become a bridge between clients and their pets—to help people better understand their animals, make informed decisions about their care, and strengthen the human-animal bond in a way that supports the health and well-being of both,” she says. 

Pacheco has pursued this passion at the College of Veterinary Medicine, where she became involved with student organizations VeTouch and SIRVS, as well as Christian Veterinary Mission, an international organization offering veterinary students the opportunity to visit different parts of the world to provide wellness examinations, vaccinations, veterinary care, and education to underserved communities.

Across these experiences, Pacheco has gained knowledge that has strengthened her passion for community medicine and reaffirmed her belief that the field is about more than providing care to patients. 

“One of the things community medicine has taught me is that veterinary medicine is not just about treating an animal—it is about understanding the people and communities behind that animal,” she says. “Every client comes with their own experiences, circumstances, resources, and challenges, and as veterinarians, we have an opportunity to meet people where they are and help them provide the best care possible for their pets.”

Now as a third-year student, Pacheco has a new opportunity to build on these experiences. She is among the first cohort of students selected for the PetSmart Charities Veterinary Fellowship, joining peers from CVM and four other universities for professional development, networking and mentorship opportunities. 

“I am looking forward to learning as much as I can from this experience, and I am equally thrilled about what I can contribute,” she says. “I hope to bring my own experiences and perspective to the fellowship while continuing to grow as a future veterinarian and finding ways to give back to the communities I serve.” 

Macy Shaul

Like many in the field, Macy Shaul can point to a lifelong love of animals that steered her toward a career in veterinary medicine. Her decision to become a veterinarian, however, came from seeing the impact of veterinary care on not just animals, but entire families and communities. 

“During college, I had the opportunity to work with pet owners experiencing homelessness, and that experience really opened my eyes to the barriers many people face when trying to access veterinary care,” she says. “I realized that I wanted a career where I could combine my love of animals with my passion for helping people and serving communities.” 

That experience helped shape her studies and involvement in student organizations at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Shaul sought opportunities to explore community medicine, joining VeTouch and SIRVS, two student organizations increasing access to veterinary care by offering no-cost clinics to underserved communities. 

Shaul currently serves as SIRVS president and as an intake officer for VeTouch. Through SIRVS, she helps coordinate veterinary clinics and build relationships with Indigenous communities throughout Minnesota and South Dakota. VeTouch provides accessible veterinary care to underserved communities in the Twin Cities, and as an intake officer, she coordinates appointments and clinic flow. Working with both organizations has provided valuable experiences that have shaped Shaul’s intended career path. 

“When I started veterinary school, I thought being a good veterinarian mostly meant knowing the medicine and being good at treating patients,” she says. “I still care a lot about that, but some of the moments that have stuck with me most have been much simpler—the conversations with owners, kids who are so excited to show you their pet, or just being able to make someone feel heard and supported. Those experiences have really changed how I think about the kind of veterinarian I want to be.”

Now, through the PetSmart Charities Veterinary Fellowship, Shaul hopes to advance her skills and knowledge while building relationships with peers and veterinary professionals—all in the pursuit of helping more pet families access the care they need.