AVMF maintains support for veterinary relief in Ukraine

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) has awarded a $50,000 grant as part of the charitable organization's continuing support of veterinary relief efforts in Ukraine since the Russian invasion two years ago.

In August, the AVMF board of directors approved a grant to the Ukrainian Small Animal Veterinary Association (USAVA) and the Ukraine Veterinary Medical Foundation (UVMF). They will use the funds to maintain a mobile veterinary clinic operating in the war-torn country and to purchase feed for several thousand animals.

Stray dogs and cats are a common sight in Ukrainian towns that were forced to evacuate ahead of Russian bombs and soldiers. (Photos courtesy of AVMF)

Dr. Vladlen Ushakov, USAVA president and an international veterinary fellow at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, explained in an email that the AVMF grant will help more than 10,000 animals in his country.

"It is important to help feed the animals of Ukraine. We can also purchase animal feed for the fall and winter of 2024. We have a lot of experience in distributing feed," Dr. Ushakov wrote.

The AVMF has raised over $667,000 in disaster relief for Ukraine since the start of the war in 2022, according to Danielle Johnson, executive director of the AVMF. She added that the Foundation has given more than $570,000 of those donations to veterinary-focused organizations like USAVA and UVMF as well as Greater Good Charities, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Street Dog Coalition, Worldwide Vets, and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The remainder of the Foundation's Ukraine disaster relief funds will be donated by year's end.

In addition to the mobile veterinary clinic, AVMF's financial support is helping provide Ukraine's animals and pet owners with shelter, veterinary equipment, food, and veterinary care, said Johnson.

"The AVMF has been privileged to support the veterinary community in Ukraine since the onset of the conflict," said Dr. Rena Carlson, AVMF chair. "The conditions they work under are unimaginable. We are inspired by their dedication to ensuring that animals and their owners receive the necessary care and support. By funding a mobile unit in Ukraine, we enable veterinarians to reach areas where the need is greatest."

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