Banfield sets up emergency hotline for veterinarians

PORTLAND, ORE. - 9/2/05 - The nation's largest corporate veterinary practice chain is moving to assist DVM members displaced by Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast and its surrounding areas.

Information concerning the status of all Banfield practices affected in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama were not known at presstime, but the company reports at least four have been shut down due to power outages. To allow urgent communication for displaced Banfield veterinarians and take donations for relief efforts, the company has set up a disaster communication hotline. Call (888) 761-7751 or e-mail disasterresponse@banfield.net to report veterinarians or animals in need or offer aid. Banfield also is in the process of developing a fund for Katrina victims.

See DVM Newsmagazine's October issue for comprehensive coverage on the storm's aftermath.