Best Friends Animal Society Triples Animal Services Scholarships for Navajo Nation Members in 2026

Media Contact
Michelle Sathe : 661-803-2909 or michellesathe@bestfriends.org

Kanab, UT (January 14, 2026) Best Friends Animal Society recently awarded 12 Phefelia H. Nez Scholarships at Southern Utah University to members of the Navajo Nation with a goal of increasing lifesaving for homeless pets on the Navajo Nation. This dramatic increase in scholarships given is due to the standout nature of applications.  

“We were deeply touched by the stories and commitments shared in this year’s applications. Each person brought a powerful connection to animals, culture, and community. We simply couldn’t choose just four,” said Aimee Charlton, Director of Learning Advancement, Best Friends Animal Society. “Best Friends decided to triple our commitment and award all 12 applicants with scholarships to support the next generation of Navajo animal services leaders.”

Recipients include Anden “Aiden” Chee, Shoshaunna Chee, Danizhon Doug, Lakesha Jacquez, Tedra Leonard, Ausha Linton, Natae Morgan, Chyrae “Chy” Peralto, Duviana Sanchez, Abbrielle Shorthair, Elucia Stanley, and Chantell White.

“I am beyond excited and profoundly grateful to receive the Phefelia H. Nez Best Friends Scholarship. This scholarship is not just financial support; it represents a monumental step forward in my journey to dedicate my life to animal welfare,” said Abbrielle Shorthair of Copper Mine, Arizona. “My family and I share the dream that this foundation will one day lead me to establish my own veterinary clinic, allowing me to make an even greater impact on the lives of animals in need. Thank you for believing in my passion and helping me pursue my aspirations.”

All 12 recipients will receive a full scholarship for Introduction to Animal Services, a seven-week course beginning in February 2026, offered through Southern Utah University. The scholarship covers one Continuing Education Unit (CEU), and students who later choose to pursue an academic degree at SUU may elect to convert the course into academic credit through the university’s established process.

“Even after just one course, graduates can earn credentials that uplevel their resume and provide them an entry point into working in animal services,” said Aimee Charlton, Director of Learning Advancement at Best Friends Animal Society. “Learning about proven practices, progressive policies and programs, then implementing them in their respective shelters and communities, makes a huge difference for both the people and pets.”

Best Friends Animal Society and Southern Utah University originally partnered in Dec. 2019 to curate and offer courses that help professionalize animal services. Some of these courses, combined with additional relevant courses the university already offered, morphed into a full concentration in Contemporary Animal Services Leadership (CASL) as part of the SUU Master of Interdisciplinary Studies program, as well as a General Studies bachelor's degree option designed for animal services professionals. All course and program offerings can be found on bestfriends.org/learn.

 

About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in America's shelters and making the entire country no-kill. Founded in 1984, Best Friends runs lifesaving facilities and programs nationwide in partnership with more than 5,500 shelters and rescue organizations. From our headquarters in Kanab, Utah, we also operate the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary — a destination that brings our mission to life for thousands of visitors each year. We maintain the most comprehensive animal sheltering data in the country and make it accessible to the public — empowering communities with critical insights into the needs of their local shelters and how they can help. We believe every dog and cat deserves a home. And we believe that, by working together, we can Save Them All®.