American Veterinary Medical Foundation

The AVMF has improved the lives of animals and the people who care for them. They do this through studying ways to improve animal health, disaster preparedness & response, and ensuring veterinarians are available to serve animals. New programs are being added and existing programs strengthened to further improve the health and welfare of animals. I am proud to serve on the AVMF Board.

AVMF's transformation in the past year, which should soon be evident in its upcoming rating, is remarkable. Programmatic expenses have changed from 59% in 2009 to more than 70% in 2010 which means more donor dollars are going to program. I am confident that my money, as a donor, is going to veterinary programs/services, disaster relief and reimbursement and other programs that matter to me and other pet owners.

The AVMF has made a tremendous impact on the lives of animals and the people that care for them. They have been a leader in helping veterinary students achieve their goals through scholarship programs, providing veterinary services in disasters such as the recent tornado in Joplin, recuiting veterinaries to provide veterinary care in underserved rural areas of the country, and coordinating veterinarians in service projects through their "Our Oath in Action" program. They are also providing funding for animal research that will hopefully lead to cures for animal diseases. Under new leadership the organization has greatly increased programmatic distribution and their capacity to truly care for animals in need.

The foundation truly cares about animals. Every year, the foundation rehabs several animal shelters, all through the efforts of veterinarians from all over the united states along with local volunteers. The foundation strives to meet the needs of the public to care for their animals. Veterinarians can apply for disaster relief when a disaster hits their practice. Veterinary students can apply for scholarship relief to help alleviate the cost of their education, so they can better serve underserved populations. Many vets send out cards to pet owners when a pet dies through the foundation's pet memorial progam. It is very touching to see how these efforts help people maintain the connection they have with their pet and their veterinarian.

During the past ten years the American Veterinary Medical Foundation has made a tremendous impact on the medical care and well being of animals. This has been reflected in both volunteer and financial resources. The AVMF has supported animals in excess of $10 million during the past ten years.

The AVMF has had a phenomenal year and has experienced huge gains in implementing its mission. This past year alone, it increased its programmatic distribution by 12%. It is constantly increasing its volunteer base and during the recent veterinary convention in St. Louis, we had equal numbers of convention attendees and local volunteers at the annual Oath in Action project (this year volunteers spent a day rehabbing 4 shelters).
The AVMF is also heavily involved with student enhancement. Hundreds of scholarships are awarded annually through its unique programs and also in cooperation with Pfizer Animal Health.