Over the past three years, a transformative collaboration between Petco Love and the University of Florida’s Shelter Medicine Program has empowered six early-career veterinarians to dedicate themselves to shelter medicine and community-centered care. Now working in shelters and nonprofit clinics across the U.S. and Canada, these doctors are living proof that investing in specialized training saves lives and strengthens the safety net for pets and people alike.
A Game-Changing Grant
With support from a $510,000 grant from Petco Love, UF was able to offer two fully funded year-long shelter medicine internships for newly graduated veterinarians each year, starting in 2022. The result: six veterinarians now bringing their skills and passion to their communities, at a time when the need has never been greater.
“We have incredible respect for shelter medicine veterinarians,” said Petco Love President Susanne Kogut. “They are lifesavers. The entire system of saving lives in our shelters doesn’t happen without that specialized training.”
Hearing from the Interns
The internship program provided intensive, hands-on experience at multiple shelter and access-to-care sites across Florida and beyond. For many participants, it was also a bridge to leadership roles and advanced training.
“I think it’s essential for shelter veterinarians to be involved in operations decisions,” said Dr. Melanie Bizzarro during her internship. Today, she’s the Executive Director of Harmony Vet Care in Tampa, a nonprofit clinic bringing full-service, accessible veterinary care to underserved communities.
Others echoed her focus on leadership, community impact, and the future of the field.
“I want to train veterinarians, particularly those in shelters, to be more comfortable with surgeries,” said Dr. Krutika Karuna, who completed the internship in 2024 and is now pursuing a surgery specialty internship in Arizona.
“Accessibility to veterinary medicine is something a lot of people are really struggling with,” said Dr. Avnee Mistry, now a shelter veterinarian at Wake County Animal Center in North Carolina. “Shelters can be a part of providing that resource to their community.”
That dual role, helping both animals and the people who love them, is at the heart of UF’s Shelter Medicine Program, and it’s what inspired Petco Love to become a funding partner. Their own research revealed a troubling reality: more than 75% of nonprofit animal welfare organizations reported a shortage of veterinarians, with most unable to fill open roles despite active hiring efforts.
“Expanding the number of veterinarians who know how to provide care at a cost people can afford is essential, not just for shelter pets, but for all pets across the country,” Kogut said.
Dr. Hannah Coenen, now working for the City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department, saw that need firsthand during her internship.
“You’re working with homeless animals and with people who are trying to keep their pets while struggling with financial or personal issues,” she said. “This internship gave me mentorship and intensive training so I’ll be well-prepared to serve both animals and people in the community.”
That kind of service is exactly what Petco Love envisioned when they stepped up to fund the program.
“We’re passionate about making sure this kind of training continues,” Kogut said. “The University of Florida is known nationally for preparing shelter veterinarians, and it’s that preparation that enables them to lead, innovate, and provide the care that communities so urgently need.”
Meet the Petco Love Internship Alumni
Dr. Juliana Perez Pulido
Shelter Veterinarian, Proanima – Montreal, Canada
“Everywhere they’ve sent me, they’ve been ready to teach, to welcome me.”
Dr. Shawndulynn James
Associate Veterinarian, First Coast No More Homeless Pets – Jacksonville, FL
“My job doesn’t feel like a job. I come every day not wanting to leave.”
Dr. Melanie Bizzarro
Executive Director, Harmony Vet Care – Tampa, FL
“I think it’s essential for shelter veterinarians to be involved in operations decisions.”
Dr. Krutika Karuna
Surgery Specialty Internship – Arizona
“I dream of working in shelters worldwide and helping train veterinarians.”
Dr. Hannah Coenen
Shelter Veterinarian, City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department – Albuquerque, NM
“I want to be well-prepared to serve both animals and people.”
Dr. Avnee Mistry
Shelter Veterinarian, Wake County Animal Center – Raleigh, NC
“Shelters can be part of providing basic medical care to those who can’t access it anywhere else.”