Coming together to help

Hurricane Rita's single-digit death toll is overshadowed by more than 1,100 lives claimed by Hurricane Katrina three weeks earlier. Of course, livestock, pets, and wildlife also suffered tremendous devastation in the wrath of the hurricanes. Shelters opened their doors and filled their corridors. And when the shelters near the affected area were full, shelters all over the country welcomed animals that were lost, injured, or left.

Many in the veterinary community have reached out to help in the hurricane aftermath. Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. donated 100 tons of pet food, along with feeding bowls and leashes, and plans to donate more. Merial, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), and the Petfinder.com Foundation launched the Race to Save Pets, which will provide up to $1 million for care and basic needs for rescued pets and help unite lost pets with their owners or adopt them out. More examples: Schering Plough Animal Health donated rehabilitation supplies, microchips, and scanners; and Pfizer Inc. provided funds and products to Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams' (VMATs) and area universities.

Associations, such as the American Boarding Kennels Association and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges established relief funds. The AVMA pledged to match up to $500,000 in funds to encourage contributions for the AVMF's Animal Disaster Relief and Response Fund, supporting VMATs and helping provide supplies, equipment, and animal care.

The AVMA and AVMF also organized “Welcome Home” packages for pet owners trying to settle back in. Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list of the individuals and organizations that have pitched in to care for animals affected by these disastes.