VETERINARY FOUNDATION OFFERS GRANTS TO COVER COSTS OF CARE AFTER HURRICANES

Michael San Filippo
Phone: 847-285-6687
Cell: 847-732-6194
e-mail: msanfilippo@avma.org

Schaumburg, Ill.
— The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is urging veterinarians to apply for grants of up to $2,000 to cover costs incurred by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Eligible applicants are licensed veterinarians, although requests from licensed veterinary technicians and others providing medical care for animals will be considered. Applicants need not come from storm-ravaged areas, but may include those from otherwise unaffected areas who are incurring out-of-pocket expenses from providing veterinary medical treatment, care and supplies to animal victims of the storms.

In addition, the AVMF will consider partial funding for storm-damaged structures and equipment used to provide veterinary care of animals.

“Veterinarians across the country have volunteered their time, expertise and resources to treat animals injured and displaced by these terrible storms,” said Dr. Tracy Rhodes, DVM, chairperson of the AVMF. “These grants will help to reimburse veterinarians for the costs associated with this care.”

Funding for the awards is provided through the AVMF Animal Disaster Relief and Response Fund. Established shortly after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf coast, the fund was developed with the goal of raising $1 million for disaster relief efforts in the areas ravaged by the storms. The American Veterinary Medical Association Executive Board allocated $500,000 in matching funds to help meet this goal.

A grant application form is available online at www.avmf.org/html/GrantGuide.asp. Forms are to be submitted to the applicant’s state veterinary medical association, which may not be the location where the expenses were incurred. State associations will then submit the forms to the AVMF for review and consideration.

The AVMF advances the care and value of animals in society by raising and distributing funds in support of animal disaster relief and animal health studies. Established by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1963, the AVMF is based in northwest suburban Chicago. For more information about the AVMF, visit www.avmf.org or call (847) 925-8070, ext. 6689.

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. More than 72,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of professional activities. AVMA members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine including its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org to learn more about veterinary medicine and animal care and to access up-to-date information on the association’s issues, policies and activities.