CareVet deploys CareVet Rescue to aid in Hurricane Ian relief efforts
Providing veterinary care and other needed support to pets and their owners in the Fort Myers area
CareVet has deployed CareVet Rescue, an emergency, volunteer-based response offering veterinary care to local communities impacted by Hurricane Ian.
According to a company release,1 CareVet's fully equipped veterinary mobile unit staffed by 4 CareVet team members embarked on 1,700-mile journey from Connecticut to Fort Myers, Florida last week. They donated over 1,000 pounds of dry pet food and 200 cases of wet food to those in need and the Red Cross. They set up base in the Fort Myers area and offered pet care services and first aid free of charge. Additionally, microchip scanners were available to help in lost pet searches.
Fort Myers was a victim of extensive damage from Hurricane Ian, which hit the state on September 28, 2022. When CareVet Rescue volunteers arrived at the scene, they witnessed flooded roads and demolished buildings. The team visited various surrounding veterinary hospitals to examine the damage and were on standby to assist them as needed.
"After the devastation that the Fort Myers community experienced last week, this was the least we could do," stated Russ Camilleri, a CareVet Rescue volunteer team member, in the release. "CareVet's mission is centered around helping pets and people. We got to do just a little of that in the Fort Myers community this week and hope that we made this week easier for those impacted."
Partnerships with local animal hospitals and shelters, industry suppliers and manufacturing partners donated other goods and services as well. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Patterson Veterinary Supply, Zoetis Animal Health, Royal Canin, Merck, Datamars Pet ID and Virox Technologies shipped supplies overnight to the location.
Over 120 veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other CareVet team members throughout the network volunteered to contribute to the relief efforts. CareVet supports its volunteers by paying for travel, lodging, and the team member's regular pay rate while on the CareVet Rescue Team.1
Reference
CareVet deploys CareVet Rescue, a volunteer-based disaster relief mobile veterinary unit to aid in Hurricane Ian relief efforts. News release. CareVet. October 7, 2022. Accessed October 7, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carevet-deploys-carevet-rescue-a-volunteer-based-disaster-relief-mobile-veterinary-unit-to-aid-in-hurricane-ian-relief-efforts-301643283.html
