SPCA Pet Insurance Future Animal Carer’s Grant

Overview

SPCA is New Zealand’s most recognised and best-loved animal welfare organisation. At SPCA Pet Insurance, we are dedicated to helping pets and their owners lower the costs of pet ownership by providing flexible options such as dog insurance and insurance for cats to help reduce the cost of vet bills. By purchasing a SPCA Pet Insurance policy, pet owners are also supporting the great work of SPCA, helping vulnerable animals across the country.

We understand that qualified Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses are essential in assisting with the protection and maintenance of pet health. For that reason, we aim to provide support to people who are interested in getting into roles which are related to Veterinary Medicine, Animal Care and Animal Sciences by providing the SPCA Pet Insurance Future Animal Carer’s Grant (the Grant).

Availability

This grant is offered annually to one person. Applications for the 2023 grant are now open until October 31, 2023.

The award

The value of this grant is NZD $5,000 and is paid as a one-off lump sum payment to the winner.

Eligibility criteria

• To be eligible, you must be enrolled full-time in an accredited New Zealand Tertiary Education Institution and be studying for a certificate, diploma, degree or traineeship in evidence-based animal care that aligns with SPCA’s organisational position in any of the following areas:
  
  • Veterinary Medicine;
  • Veterinary Science;
  • Veterinary & Life Sciences;
  • Animal Care;
  • Veterinary Nursing;
  • Animal Studies;
  • Animal Sciences;
  • Animal Nutrition;
  • Veterinary Technology; or
  • Any other courses leading to similar careers as an animal carer or pet health specialist (subject to approval).
• Only citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand can apply.
• You must be 18 years of age or over to apply.
• Employees of SPCA, Hollard, PetSure, SPCA Pet Insurance, or Greenstone Financial Services NZ Limited, and their immediate family members including a spouse, de-facto spouse, parent, guardian, child or sibling, are ineligible to apply.

The challenge

To apply for the Grant, you will need to write an essay (maximum 500 words) on why you want to work in your selected industry and the difference you hope to make in your particular field of study.

We are looking for submissions that reflect a true desire to improve animal welfare. It doesn’t have to be great prose, just honest and from the heart, so start thinking about the real reasons you have chosen the career path you have and then put them into words.

How to apply

All applicants must email the following documentation to grants@spcapetinsurance.co.nz

• Proof of Identification;
• Proof of enrolment, including course name, tertiary institution name and enrolment status;
• Your response (maximum of 500 words); and
• Contact details (including residential address).

Selection process

The winner of the Grant will be selected and awarded by a panel of judges from the SPCA Pet Insurance team based on the entry that best addresses the challenge. The panel will convene from November 15, 2023.

Notification

The 2023 Grant winner will be notified by email and their name will be published on our website on February 2, 2024.

See full Grant terms and conditions.