Animal health organizations, companies give in hurricane aftermath

NATIONAL REPORT - 11/02/2005 - In the wake of hurricanes Rita and Katrina, the Federal Emergency Management Association reports aid packages totaling more than $750 million.

By all accounts, animal health companies and associations, large and small, also gave generously.

Here's a short list of donation activities received by DVM Newsmagazine in alphabetical order:

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) surpassed its $1-million giving goal with hurricane relief. The association reports receiving $734,000 in donations and $500,000 in matching contributions. The association also announced that veterinarians impacted by the storms are eligible for $2,000 grants.

The American Association of Equine Practitioners Equine Disaster Relief Fund has raised about $100,000 from individuals and groups.

The Banfield Charitable Trust (BCT) designated a Hurricane Katrina Pet Relief Fund where people can donate to help pets affected by the hurricane. All donations made to the Banfield Charitable Trust Charity boxes located in more than 450 Banfield hospitals nationwide will be dedicated to this fund. The BCT has made an emergency grant of $8,500 to the Hurricane Katrina Pet Relief Fund to kick-off donations.

Bayer donated $4 million in cash and product to hurricane-stricken areas, including more than 10,000 doses of animal health products for the pets victimized by the storm. The company reports working through veterinary schools at LSU and MSU as well as area practices to help in the rescue efforts.

Fort Dodge Animal Health donated vaccines, pharmaceuticals and other needed medical products for companion animals, livestock and equine. The company worked with veterinarians in affected areas, as well as those around the country who sent in emergency veterinary teams or sheltered displaced animals. The company also supplied needed products to the respective state veterinary medical associations, VMAT groups, and a multitude of relief and rescue organizations. Aid also was delivered to veterinarians suffering from the storm's impact by providing vaccines and other medical products to ensure veterinarians could re-open their clinics.Two Fort Dodge Animal Health veterinarians contributed directly to the effort by traveling to Louisiana and working with other veterinarians to provide medical care to horses, dogs and cats impacted by the hurricane.

Hill's Pet Nutrition donated 100 tons of Science Diet(r) and Prescription Diet(r) pet food. The pet food, feeding bowls and leashes went to veterinary clinics, Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams, veterinary schools and other locations where homeless pets are receiving care and being housed. A team of veterinarians at Hill's also donated their expertise to the rescue efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) established the Katrina Pet Wellness Program, which provides financial assistance for basic veterinary wellness checkups for pets displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Managed through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, the program offers reimbursement to veterinary practices of up to $125 per pet for physical exams, vaccinations, heartworm medications and short-term supplies of chronic medications.

Merial, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) and Petfinder.com have collaborated on an initiative that would provide $1 million in immediate and ongoing care to pets suffering from the hurricanes. The fund-raising initiative is meant to provide veterinary care and basic needs to rescued pets and to help unite lost pets with owners or place them with adopted homes.Merial kick-started the program with a $100,000 contribution and an initial shipment of Frontline(r) flea and tick control and Heartgard(r)-brand products. For every purchase of Frontline and Heartgard, the company will contribute $1, up to $1 million until Dec. 31.The company also made matching company contributions to help fund overall disaster relief through matching employee donations.

Nestle Purina implemented a matching gifts program for all of its U.S. pet care associates to help hurricane victims. The company says it will give a dollar-for-dollar match up to $100,000 to the American Red Cross or Noah's Wish, a not-for-profit animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to rescuing and sheltering animals in disasters. The company sent Purina dog and cat food to affected areas.

Novartis U.S. Foundation contributed more than $500,000 through a dollar-for-dollar employee matching gift program to AmeriCares and the American Red Cross. The company reports that a significant donation of Capstar and other products were distributed to rescue organizations and veterinary assistance teams throughout the affected areas. Novartis Animal Health donated funds to support the Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) that operate under the banner of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF).The company also matched employee donations that were allocated through the appropriate rescue organizations in states from Texas to Alabama.

Nutramax Laboratories offered a $10,000 match of contributions to the Christian Veterinary Mission Katrina Fund.

Pfizer delivered $1.4 million in free medicines and health products to Gulf state relief shelters, pharmacies and healthcare centers. Pfizer's total donation amounted to about $3.4 million in immediate relief. About $40,000 went to Louisiana State University College of Veterinary Medicine and $10,000 to Mississippi State University's veterinary college. In addition, $20,000 was donated to the North Carolina State Animal Response Team for allocation to the Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams sent to hurricane-impacted areas.

The Schering-Plough Corp. as a whole has donated $500,000 in cash and committed $5 million in medicines and other products in support. Schering-Plough Animal Health Corp.'s contribution accounts for $130,000 in rehabilitation supplies, such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, surgical tools and materials, as well as HOMEAGAIN microchips and scanners.

Veterinary Pet Insurance gave $25,000 to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Disaster Relief Fund. The HSUS Disaster Animal Response Teams coordinated multi-state rescue and recovery efforts with volunteers from around the country. The HSUS has raised more than $5.5 million, according to the organization.

Veterinary Information Network collected $110,000 through its foundation for state veterinary medical associations and colleges of veterinary medicine involved with relief efforts.