Hands-On Hope from Chewy

Chewy Health donates $1 million for shelter-based veterinary training center with LMU.

In late May, Chewy Health announced a $1 million pledge, made in partnership with Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), to build a hands-on learning center for LMU veterinary students inside Clay County’s brand-new Animal Services facility in North Florida.

This specialized room, named the Chewy Health & Lincoln Memorial University Applied Learning Center, will serve as a mixed-use space for LMU veterinary students. Designed to deliver hands-on learning in a real-world shelter environment, the center will play a vital role in training the next generation of veterinarians in shelter medicine, handling techniques and clinical skills. The space will also be available for future community events and educational programming.

“The Chewy Health & LMU Applied Learning Center is a powerful example of what’s possible when education, innovation and community come together,” said Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health.

In addition to enhancing student training opportunities, the new facility will significantly expand the capacity of Clay County Animal Services, enabling staff to perform more advanced medical procedures and improving health outcomes for shelter pets.

“We’re proud to partner with Chewy Health and Clay County on a project that brings lasting benefits to both veterinary education and animal care in our community,” said Kim Carney, dean of Lincoln Memorial University–College of Veterinary Medicine at Orange Park. “The Chewy Health and LMU Applied Learning Center will give our students valuable hands-on experience early in their training, while also supporting the vital work happening every day at Clay County Animal Services. At LMU, we’re committed to building strong community partnerships that create real opportunities for service, learning, and shared impact.”

The need for expanded services and infrastructure has grown in recent years as Clay County’s existing animal shelter – located in Green Cove Springs – has struggled with both capacity, and flooding risks during major storms. Despite these challenges, Clay County Animal Services continues to meet the state’s criteria of a no-kill shelter. The new Clay County Animal Services building is expected to open in 2026.