One goal of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation is to help as many states as possible be compliant with the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act by the end of the decade.
To this end, the AVMF is once again offering grants to aid state organizations in their disaster preparedness and response efforts for 2010. Applications are due by Sept. 10.
The PETS Act, passed in October 2006, mandates that state and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.
The AVMF acknowledges that cooperation among state agencies, which have the legal authority, and veterinarians, who have the medical expertise, is critical in all stages of the preparedness-response continuum.
The AVMF offers startup, matching, and challenge grants through its Animal Disaster Relief and Response Fund. Startup grants of up to $5,000 are available to qualified state VMAs and 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) organizations in the early stages of disaster preparedness and response planning. Money can go toward administrative costs, such as meeting rooms and advertising, as well as personnel.
Matching and challenge grants of up to $20,000 are available to those who are further along in the disaster preparedness process. Grants can be used for expenses related to medical supplies, animal transport equipment, and other disaster response-related equipment.
Review of applications by the AVMF Grants and Awards Committee will take place this fall; announcements of awards will be made this winter.
In 2009, the AVMF awarded state grants to nine organizations (see JAVMA, Feb. 1, 2009, page 308). A total of $129,000 was awarded overall.
To apply for a state grant, log on to www.avmf.org and click on "Grant Seeking," or contact Monique Buonincontro, AVMF grants coordinator, by telephone at (800) 248-2862, Ext. 6691, or e-mail at mbuonincontro@avma.org. |