ST. CHARLES, MO. — Royal Canin on Dec. 2 announced a five-year, $175,000 donation to Tuskegee University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM).

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University is the only on-campus veterinary medical program at any historically black college or university in the United States, Royal Canin shared. The funds will provide discretionary support for the college’s students over the next five years.

“The Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine (TUCVM) appreciates this intentional and impactful partnership with Royal Canin,” said Dr. Ruby L. Perry, dean of TUCVM. “Of the thousands of veterinarians in the United States, only 2% are African Americans and of this number, we are proud that 70% are our graduates. Together, we are positioned to provide meaningful support to TUCVM veterinary students to sustain the legacy of training and educating underrepresented minorities as veterinarians in the veterinary profession.”

The financial gift was made as part of Royal Canin’s efforts to support equity, inclusion and diversity in the veterinary space.

“At Royal Canin, we’re driven to create the world we want tomorrow,” said Cecile Coutens, president of Royal Canin North America. “To achieve this, we must ensure the veterinary talent pipeline more accurately represents our diverse and changing population. We’re proud to support Tuskegee University in its efforts to increase representation in the veterinary industry.”

This is one of several initiatives Royal Canin is undertaking to support diversity within the veterinary profession. For example, the company became a founding member of the Diversity Veterinary Medicine Coalition in 2020, which supports equity and inclusion in the field. Royal Canin also supports various internal Associate Resource Groups, including Pride, Tu Voz and the Black Advisory Council.

Additionally, the solutions-based pet food company offers in-person and online continuing education programs for veterinarians, including on mental health awareness topics.

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