This is something that appears to be very dependent on the particular school, and some are more generous in this regard than others.
Some schools will offer merit aid packages and/or scholarships to the top x% of incoming first years, and some will send out forms or a list of scholarships that you can apply for prior to starting, but the majority don't really begin offering merit-based scholarships until after at least the first semester.
Most schools do have a few need-based scholarships, as well, which tend to be based on information that is generated by the FAFSA and also usually have an element of selectiveness based on grades or class rank. Including parental information on your FAFSA will also allow you to potentially be considered for the HPSL, which is a low interest loan (might actually be 0% interest while in school IIRC) that may be offered if you demonstrate financial need.
Also, just as a disclaimer, I would not bank on having scholarships to cover most of your schooling. While, again, this may be school dependent, scholarships for vet students are few and far between, tend to go to the same group of people over and over again (in my admittedly short-lived experience at my vet school, at least), and generally do not account for more than $1k-2k which, while nice and will certainly help with living costs, won't make even a dent in tuition. Definitely try for them if you've got the opportunity and eligibility---nothing to lose, really---but just don't be disappointed if you don't receive one. Especially as an incoming first year with no previous vet school academic history.
