AVMF raises over $500,000 for Ukraine animal relief

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation—the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association that provides grants to veterinarians to help animals through education, welfare, research programs, and disaster relief – announced earlier this month it received more than $500,000 in donations to support veterinary and animal welfare groups in Ukraine. Notable contributions include $100,000 from the Doris Day Animal Foundation and $50,000 from the People, Pets & Vets Ethos Veterinary Health.

“The generosity of the veterinary and animal-welfare communities has never been more evident, or more appreciated,” said Douglas Kratt, DVM, chairman of the AVMF, in an organizational release.¹

"These significant grants from the Doris Day Animal Foundation, Ethos Veterinary Health, and People, Pets and Vets, plus all the individual donors stepping forward to help, will support veterinary professionals in caring for animals in crisis due to the war in Ukraine,” he expressed.

As of May 3, 2022, 800 individuals donated over $135,000 and the AVMA is encouraging all members and the public to consider donating. According to the release, the donations provide medical care, emergency support, disaster relief, and food to veterinary professionals and other organizations in Ukraine that are protecting not only animal welfare but the welfare of the providers as well.¹

“This cause is extremely important to us at [People, Pets & Vets]. We are all animal lovers and the thought of having to leave your home and your pet behind is unfathomable and heart-wrenching. We know the turmoil that it would cause us and by no means do these pets deserve to be forever separated from their families. We are honored to have had the opportunity to support the efforts of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation with a gift of $50,000,” said Mike Murphy, DVM, in the release.

As of May 3, 2022, the following organizations have received grants¹:

• Ukrainian Small Animal Veterinary Association
• Street Dog Coalition
• Greater Good Charites
• European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
• Polish Small Animal Veterinary Association
• International Fund for Animal Welfare

To learn more or help the AVMF raise more for these people and organizations, go here.

Reference

Donations to AVMF Surge for Ukrainian Animal Relief. American Veterinary Medical Association. News release. May 3, 2022. Accessed May 23, 2022. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/donations-avmf-surge-ukrainian-animal-relief