HURRICANE IDALIA RESOURCES

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.

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

  On average, you can expect to hear back from the FVMA Foundation an estimated 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 Idalia 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.

• Are there are other relief grants I could apply to?

  The The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) has two grants which may be able to assist veterinarians during a disaster.

  Disaster Relief Grants for Veterinarians & Veterinary Students
  AVMF Disaster Relief Grants are for the purpose of assisting veterinarians and veterinary students who have experienced an emergency need for basic necessities due to a disaster. Up to $2,000 may be issued per grantee for out-of-pocket expenses incurred immediately following the disaster. A disaster would include but is not limited to, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, or oil spills in an area that has been declared a disaster area at the local, county, state, or federal level.

  Disaster Reimbursement Grants for Veterinary Medical Care
  AVMF Disaster Reimbursement Grants are for the purpose of ensuring the emergency veterinary medical care of animal victims of a disaster. Up to $5,000 may be issued per grantee for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by veterinarians providing emergency veterinary medical care to animal victims of disasters. A disaster would include but is not limited to, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, or oil spills in an area that has been declared a disaster area at the local, county, state, or federal level.

  You can also apply for FEMA aid online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov. There are specific loan programs for businesses and private non-profit organizations.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.