Hello,

My name is Sanaz, and I am an Iranian veterinarian, completing the final required clinical program to become licensed in the United States.

My 15-year professional journey has been built through persistence, education, and by following all required steps. I completed six years of veterinary education in Iran, earning my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). After immigrating to the United States, I spent nearly five additional years meeting U.S. licensing requirements — improving my English, completing language certification, passing basic and clinical science examinations, and progressing through highly competitive clinical selection processes.

After years of preparation, I have been accepted into PAVE, the Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence — a clinical program at Iowa State University that starts in May 2026. This is the final mandatory step for full veterinary licensure in the United States.

Throughout this journey, I supported myself independently and gained hands-on experience, including working long night shifts in a university veterinary ICU.

Unfortunately, my personal circumstances changed dramatically during this period. My former spouse in Iran retained all shared assets, leaving me without any financial support or safety net. As an immigrant rebuilding my life alone, I have no family financial backing and am forced to completely start over financially while continuing to pursue my profession.

Furthermore, returning to my home country is not a viable option. Due to Iranian marriage-related laws that grant disproportionate legal authority to the husband, my former spouse has the legal ability to impose an exit ban, which would prevent me from leaving Iran again. Therefore, returning would place my freedom of movement, personal safety, and professional future at serious risk. Continuing my professional pathway in the United States is not simply a preference — it is my only safe and realistic option.

Although this clinical program is mandatory for licensure, it is not degree-seeking. This means I am not eligible for federal student loans, financial aid, or institutional funding. The full tuition of $65,750 USD (not including living expenses) must be paid out of pocket.

Despite working, careful budgeting, and pursuing every possible option, covering this cost alone is not possible without support. This fundraiser is strictly for mandatory tuition and essential academic expenses only. It represents the final step in the professional path in which I have invested more than 15 years of education, hard work, and perseverance.

Asking for help is not easy for me. I have always valued independence and hard work. However, this final step presents a financial barrier I cannot overcome alone. Any contribution — or even sharing this page — would make a meaningful difference and help me complete what I have worked toward for so many years.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for your kindness, and for helping me move forward toward serving animals and their families as a licensed veterinarian in the United States.

With sincere gratitude,

Sanaz