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Zoetis Partners with Customers to Provide $1.2 Million to FFA, AABP, AAEP Programs

Students involved in agriculture rely on support from their teachers, mentors and the industry. For the fifth year, Zoetis has partnered with veterinarians, animal health suppliers and dealer customers to support youth through its Industry Support Program. The 2013 spring program has raised $1,231,243 to benefit students through FFA, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Foundation and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation.

Between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2013, a portion of funds from eligible purchases of Zoetis cattle and equine products was directed to local FFA chapters and/or veterinary student scholarships through the AABP and AAEP foundations. Since its inception in 2008, the program has raised more than $5.9 million.

For former veterinary students Amanda Wagner from The Ohio State University and Amy Cook from Iowa State University, receiving Zoetis Veterinary Student Scholarships from the AABP and AAEP Foundations, respectively, helped support their future in more ways than one.

“Zoetis and the AABP Foundation have had huge impacts on my career through networking opportunities, educational resources and financial assistance for both externships and veterinary school,” said Dr. Wagner, now with Tri County Veterinary Service, Inc., in Anna, Ohio. “Practicing veterinarians who have served as mentors for me have been crucial to my career, especially as a food-animal veterinarian. I am forever indebted to those veterinarians I worked with and will be honored to one day pay it forward.”

Dr. Cook, an intern at Kendall Road Equine Hospital in Elgin, Ill., said scholarships not only eased tuition burden but gave the opportunity to pursue the route of veterinary medicine she’s passionate about.

“I enjoy helping patients and their owners and the challenge of the ever-changing field of veterinary medicine,” Dr. Cook said. “By helping to ease tuition debt, the AAEP Foundation and Zoetis allow students greater career flexibility, rather than having to specifically select a job that fits their repayment needs. High education costs, plus limited hands-on-training opportunities, make the support of practicing veterinarians and organizations extremely important to the future success and competency of today’s veterinary students.”

In addition to the scholarships, more than 1,800 designated FFA chapters received more than $1.1 million this year to support their chapter activities.

In Selah, Wash., Selah High School FFA students, along with their chapter advisor, Ray Harris, count on organizations and the community to strengthen their chapter.

“With help from donations such as these, we have the opportunity to purchase and restore tractors to display at the Central Washington Agricultural Museum and give money for raising market animals for students who can’t afford them,” said Jacob Herriges, Selah High School FFA chapter parliamentarian. “Agriculture is a big part of our community, and FFA allows us to all experience new things, helps create future job opportunities and keeps some of early American agriculture alive.”

Supporting agricultural leaders today helps ensure the future of the industry, said Rob Kelly, vice president, U.S. Cattle and Equine Operations, Zoetis.

“Many at Zoetis, along with our veterinarian and animal health supplier, dealer and distributor partners, were involved in these organizations, so we know firsthand the importance of support,” Kelly said. “We recognize this is our opportunity to give back and directly impact these students now and in the future.”

Support of FFA, the AABP Foundation and the AAEP Foundation is a component of Commitment to Veterinarians, a Zoetis initiative supporting veterinarians through training and education, research and development, and investing in the future of the veterinary profession.

For more information on how to enroll in the Industry Support Program, call 866-611-2626, contact your local Zoetis representative or visit zoetisUS.com/industrysupport.

Zoetis (zō-EH-tis) is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on a 60-year history as the animal health business of Pfizer, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products and genetic tests and supported by a range of services. In 2012, the company generated annual revenues of $4.3 billion. With approximately 9,300 employees worldwide at the beginning of 2013, Zoetis has a local presence in approximately 70 countries, including 29 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries. Its products serve veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals in 120 countries. For more information on the company, visit www.zoetisUS.com.

Zoetis is the proud sponsor with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the American Veterinary Medical Association of the mobile educational exhibit Animal Connections: Our Journey Together. Families visiting the exhibit will explore the vast bonds between people and animals and learn about the important role veterinarians play in protecting animal and human health. For more information, visit http://www.zoetis.com/animal-connections-tour/.

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