Veterinary experts available to speak about sheltering with pets, returning home after evacuation
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has taken several steps to aid people and animals affected by Mother Nature’s recent fury.
“For those seeking help and those offering to help, the AVMA created a comprehensive resource webpage as well as a pet evacuation kit at avma.org/PetReady,” said Dr. Michael Topper, President of the AVMA.
AVMA provides aid for people and animals affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Western wildfires. (PRNewsfoto/American Veterinary Medical Ass)
The AVMA is in constant contact with federal, state and local agencies to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date list of resources possible. Information available includes:
- How to volunteer;
- Interactive maps depicting location of shelters and veterinary services;
- An updated map of current wildfires is being maintained by the USDA Forest Service;
- Tips to keep pets safe from wildfire smoke; created by the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association
- Hotlines and links for assistance and donations; as well as
- Links to resources for maintaining the health and wellbeing of both people and pets during and after a crisis.
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), AVMA’s charitable arm, is providing disaster reimbursement to AVMA member veterinarians delivering emergency veterinary medical care and temporary boarding to animal victims of these disasters. The AVMA donated $100,000 to help bolster this fund in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
For more information, or to speak with an AVMA expert about how the hurricane may affect the health and welfare of pets, livestock, and wildlife, contact Sharon Granskog, AVMA assistant director, media relations, at 847-280-1273 (cell), or sgranskog@avma.org.
The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 89,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine. Visit www.avma.org for more information.
