Animals like this inquisitive feline at Plaquemines Parish Animal Welfare Society are the ultimate beneficiaries of the AVMF's voluntourism project. By Katie Burns

Painting walls in sweltering weather actually may be a highlight of the 145th Annual AVMA Convention for many attendees.

On Thursday and Friday, dozens of attendees started off their visit to New Orleans by rehabilitating four local animal shelters. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation arranged the project, with sponsorship from Bayer Animal Health and other companies. The goal was to put the veterinarian's oath in action by combining tourism with volunteerism in an area still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

"I can't say enough about the volunteers," said Dr. Mark Carlson of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, who coordinated AVMF Our Oath in Action voluntourism work at the Plaquemines Parish Animal Welfare Society. "I think it helps when everyone believes in what they're doing and believes they're making a difference. We did."

Veterinarians, veterinary students, family members, and other conventioneers who volunteered at PAWS spent their time painting, cleaning, replacing ceiling tiles, tackling various repairs, and moving animals as necessary.

"This is a way for me to get out and be less of a tourist while giving back," said Nikki McGreevey, a third-year veterinary student at Colorado State University. "My pets are very fortunate, and I like to help those that are less lucky."

Dr. Trish Daly of Bayer said she's visited New Orleans five or six times. Hurricane Katrina forced her to cancel a trip she'd planned for November 2005.

Veterinarians give the walls of Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter a fresh coat of paint."I've always loved New Orleans—and during the disaster was so moved by the poor animals and wished that I could have done something then," she said. "I hope that more of the meetings are held here to help the place get back on its feet."

Sherri Van Hoosier, PAWS director, said the project should make the shelter more inviting for potential adopters.

"It's wonderful. We really needed it," she said. "It's hard to keep up. We have tons of animals, not enough people. We're very grateful."

Dr. Tracy DuVernoy, a volunteer and a contractor for the Department of Defense, said the AVMF project generated a lot of enthusiasm and desire to help.

"Let's continue 'Our Oath in Action' every year," she said.

This year's voluntourism project also extended to animal shelters in Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. John parishes.

"The shelter workers feel touched that people came down to help them out," said Lisa Tommelein, AVMF development director.

Tommelein said the AVMF plans to continue the voluntourism program at next year's convention in Seattle.