AVMF opens coffers for Southern California veterinarians

Schaumburg, Ill. - 10/26/07 - The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is offering $2,000 grants for veterinarians who've lost their practices or are aiding animals displaced by the San Diego County wildfires .

Dozens of veterinarians evacuated and at least two practitioners are among the 1,500 area residents who lost their homes to the flames at press time, according to Pauline White, administrator of the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association . It was not immediately known whether any practices had succumbed to fire, which authorities confirm has burned approximately half a milion acres.

Veterinarians directly affected by the fires or offering services to animal victims can apply for financial relief by contacting AVMF Grants Coordinator Monique Buonincontro at (800) 248-2862, ext. 6691 or mbuonincontro@avma.org.

The grants program, created in 2005 following devastation caused by Gulf Coast hurricanes, reimburses affected veterinarians for medical expenses, equipment, modest boarding, some travel, loss of property and other expenses. AVMA membership is not required of recipients.