Hurricane Ian Resources & Updates

From the latest updates from the state to grants for rebuilding initiatives, we hope our resources can assist you in finding diaster relief aid, locating ways to volunteer or donate, and understanding how to reach out to other organizations for assistance. We will keep this page updated over the coming weeks, so please check back periodically.

The FVMA’s Impact

$40,000+

in donations to the hurricane relief fund

1,000+

animals treated alongside our partners

60+

volunteers deployed to impacted regions

500+

calls to members in the affected areas

FVMA Foundation’s Hurricane Ian Relief & Recovery Fund

When tragedy strikes, the FVMA Foundation is proud to work on the front lines and behind the scenes to help veterinary professionals get back on their feet. A major contributor to helping restore practices and rescue animals during natural events like hurricanes, the foundation strives to maintain the veterinary medical profession during tough times.

The Hurricane Ian Relief & Recovery Fund is able to provide financial assistance to any FVMA members facing an unreimbursed loss due to a storm. Members who assist in rescue, relief, and recovery efforts or provide emergency boarding to animals are also eligible for financial aid.

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Apply for Relief

Resources for Affected Veterinary Professionals & the Public

Temporary Location Permits: The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is waiving the fee for veterinarians who need to relocate their business due to damage from Hurricane Ian. Additional details on eligibility are provided in the permit application. Visit myfloridalicense.com to start your application.

SBA Disaster Loans: The U.S. Small Businesses Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other businesses assets. SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help businesses meet working capital needs as a result of the hurricane. EIDLs are available regardless of whether the business suffered physical property damage. To apply for either loan, visit disasterloanassistance.sba.gov and apply under SBA declaration #17644.

FEMA Disaster Relief Assistance: Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for details on how to apply for disaster assistance. Helpline services are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. You can also apply for FEMA aid online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ian. Note that if you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot aid with losses already covered by insurance.

AVMA Disaster Relief Grants: The AVMA offers disaster reimbursement grants through the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Grants up to $5,000 may be issued for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by veterinarians providing emergency veterinary medical care to animal victims of disasters, such as the cost of medical supplies purchased directly from a vendor. The eligible AVMA members can apply for assistance on AVMF.org.

Veterinarians and veterinary students who have experienced an emergency need for basic necessities due to a disaster may receive up to $2,000 for out-of-pocket expenses incurred immediately following the disaster. Eligibility criteria and detailed information on what expenses this grant may cover can be found on AVMF.org.

Animal Assistance through the ASPCA: Residents of Lee county and the surrounding areas, including Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs & Villages of Estero, who want to report a lost animal sighting or need animal assistance (food, supplies or medical) can reach out to the ASPCA for help.

Animal Assistance for Low-income Pet Owners: Pet owners who need assistance paying for emergency veterinary care can apply for financial assistance from Frankie’s Friends, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to low-income families. Hospital staff can also fill out an application on behalf of their clients. Visit www.frankiesfriends.org to apply.

Hotline for Animal & Livestock in Need of Water: Call 1-863-990-0568 between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to request water for your livestock and animals in critical need. This water is not for human consumption. For human needs, call the State Assistance Information Line at 1-800-342-3557.

USDA Hotline for Ag Producers: Call 1-877-508-8364 to report damage or loss, including livestock, poultry and other animals that were killed or severely injured by a natural disaster.

Volunteer Opportunities

We’re assisting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine (UFCVM) in maintaining the roster of volunteers for the Florida Veterinary Corps.

A volunteer-driven program that assists local officials in responding to animal emergencies, the Florida Veterinary Corps is usually activated after a natural disaster. By meeting specified requirements, you can agree to be listed as a Florida Veterinary Corps volunteer, a helper in times of need for your fellow veterinary professionals.

Your support for animal care, veterinarian relief and recovery efforts is greatly appreciated.

Register for the Vet Corps

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.

Behind the FVMA’s Hurricane Ian relief efforts

Contact the FVMA