FVMA Foundation’s Hurricane Ian Relief & Recovery Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get urgent assistance?

  Check with your local emergency management officials and voluntary agencies or dial your local 2-1-1 for immediate aid.

• How do I apply for disaster relief assistance through the FVMA?

  The fastest way to apply for aid from the FVMA Foundation’s Hurricane Ian Relief & Recovery Fund is to fill out the online application on FVMA.org.

• When will I know if I will receive aid from the FVMA Foundation’s Hurricane Ian Relief & Recovery Fund?

  On average, you can expect to hear back from the FVMA Foundation 30 to 45 days after submitting your application. If you are awarded a grant, you are required to send photos and information on how the financial aid has helped you, and grant permission to publicize these materials to the FVMA and its affiliates.

• Can I get more than $2,500 from the FVMA Foundation’s Hurricane Ian Relief & Recovery Fund?

  The FVMA Foundation can provide up to $2,500 in relief aid to each veterinarian for out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of providing medical care, food, or shelter to animals affected by the storm, or for out-of-pocket clinic expenses resulting from damage from the storm.

  The final decision regarding the number, timing and amount of grants awarded through this program is at the sole discretion of the FVMA Foundation Executive Board.

  The AVMA also offers disaster relief grants through its American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF).

• Are there volunteer opportunities for the public or non-license veterinary professionals?

  Yes! The Florida State Animal Response Coalition (Florida SARC) is a nonprofit organization that works closely with the Florida state and county Divisions of Emergency Management. Although training is required before individuals can become volunteers and deploy with FLSARC, no veterinary experience or veterinary license is required to sign up.

• Are there volunteer opportunities for out-of-state veterinarians?

  Yes! If you are a licensed veterinarian, you can join the Florida Veterinary Corps, a volunteer-driven program that provides veterinary assistance in the state following emergencies. Volunteers may serve in various roles handling relief, rescue and recovery efforts.

  Veterinarians holding an out-of-state license can obtain a temporary veterinarian license from the Florida Board of Veterinary Medicine to assist with Hurricane Ian relief efforts. Temporary licenses are valid for 30 days to treat animals of multiple owners in response to an emergency. The board will be waiving the application fee for this license due to the urgent need for volunteers following Hurricane Ian.

• Where can I take any lost animals?

  If you have found a pet and want to know how you can help reunite it with its owner, please refer to your county’s animal services/shelter to find out what measures you can take to help. In accordance with state law, those who have found a pet must bring the pet to animal services or notify them about the lost animal.

  If you have found any injured or orphaned wildlife, please contact your local licensed wildlife rehabilitator/facility. There are various organizations throughout the state that will take in and rehabilitate the animal.

  If the animal in need of aid is large, contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). You can report incidents to the FWC online, call (888) 404-3922 or email Tip@MyFWC.com.

• Can I donate supplies?

  At this time, we are unable to accept donations from the general public. Manufacturers and/or vendors of veterinary supplies should contact Angie Lindsey at ablindsey@ufl.edu or (904) 509-3518 to coordinate the shipment of any supplies for donation.

  To donate food or household items (non-veterinary supplies), please contact Feeding Florida or Volunteer Florida.