American Veterinary Medical Foundation supports relief efforts for Puerto Rico
(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) September 26, 2022—In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is providing $15,000 in funding to Puerto Rico to help with emergency response, and encouraging its members and the public to join in supporting relief efforts for the beleaguered island.
"As chair of the AVMF and a resident of Puerto Rico, I welcome any contribution to the AVMF that can help those affected by Hurricane Fiona," said Dr. Jose Arce, a practicing veterinarian in San Juan. The Foundation is the AVMA’s charitable arm.
"We are working closely with the Puerto Rico Veterinary Medical Association in providing aid to the areas that were most affected by the massive flooding that occurred," Dr. Arce said.
In addition to the severe impact on people, property and infrastructure in Puerto Rico, pets and animals also have been affected by the hurricane, with many injured or lost and requiring immediate veterinary medical care or boarding.
The AVMF supports programs that ensure animals get the medical care they need and assists those who care for them. Since Hurricane Maria in 2017, the AVMF has provided almost $95,000 in support to veterinarians helping the animals affected by devastating storms in the US territory.
Contributions will help provide food, medical care, disaster relief, and emergency support for veterinarians providing care. To donate, please visit www.avmf.org.
Here are links to resources for AVMA members who have been affected or are providing care:
- AVMF Disaster Grants for veterinarians impacted by disasters or those who are providing care to animals impacted by disasters
- AVMA Insurance: PLIT Professional Liability, Business and Personal Insurance for Veterinarians
About the American Veterinary Medical Foundation
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. For almost 60 years, the AVMF has been dedicated to developing resources to advance the science and practice of veterinary medicine to improve animal and human health. Foundation programs and activities are designed to benefit veterinary medicine, promote animal welfare, and enhance research so that the profession is better prepared to deal with difficult problems facing animal health today and tomorrow. Charitable contributions and support to the Foundation assist veterinarians and the entire veterinary healthcare team help animals. Our funding priorities include Education, Disaster Relief, Crisis Support, Charitable Veterinary Care and Animal Health Research.
Serving more than 100,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members' unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and improve animal and human health.