Veterinary organizations launch new funding round for Australia bushfire relief

As bushfires continue to burn in southeast Australia, three veterinary organizations in the United States are joining forces for a new round of fundraising.

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation are teaming up with VCA Charities, shortly after the AVMA and the AVMF contributed more than $125,000 to the Australian Veterinary Association’s Benevolent Fund.

VCA has promised to match up to $50,000 in donations made to the AVMF on behalf of the fund, which distributes the money to doctors providing relief to animals affected by the fires.

The AVMF-AVMA contribution included the more than $50,000 the AVMF received in donations for the cause, as well as the organization’s $50,000 match and an additional $25,000 from the AVMA. VCA Charities also led its own effort, raising $150,000 that the organization will donate in three segments: one to support veterinarians, one to help wildlife and one to help pets.

According to Dr. Julia Crawford, president of the Australia Veterinary Association, pets, horses and wildlife have been affected by the fires. Habitats have been lost, and species are even coming close to extinction. Veterinarians throughout the country are doing voluntary work, trying to keep their practices running while caring for wildlife needing assistance during the fires, Crawford said.

“We are grateful for the generous support of VCA Charities and encourage our members and the public to join this effort, which is so important to preserving the unique animal species that can only be found in Australia,” said Dr. John de Jong, chair of the AVMF Board of Directors.

Donations can be made on the AVMF website using the code “Disaster Relief – AVA Benevolent Fund.”