AVMF partners with Hill's, Zoetis and NAVTA to provide COVID-19 disaster relief grants for veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants

(SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) May 14, 2020 — The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF)—the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)—today announced the launch of a COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grant program for veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants funded by donations totaling $200,000 from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Zoetis and the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA).

Many working in the veterinary profession have been affected by COVID-19 and are experiencing financial hardship. Through this grant program, eligible veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants may apply for a one-time $500 grant to help meet their immediate needs.

“Veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants play such a critically important role as a part of the veterinary health care team,” said Dr. John de Jong, chair of the AVMF Board of Directors. “We are truly grateful to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Zoetis and NAVTA for stepping up to help these dedicated professionals who may be facing financial hardship resulting from job losses, furloughs or reduced hours due to the pandemic.”

Eligible applicants can learn more about how to apply for a grant by visiting AVMF.org/CovidRelief for more detailed information on the program.

Giving challenge: An opportunity to help

Inspired by the generosity of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Zoetis and NAVTA, the AVMF is launching a challenge giving campaign with the goal of raising an additional $200,000 to match the $200,000 already donated to help meet the needs of twice as many veterinary technicians/nurses and veterinary assistants impacted by COVID-19. Donations are being accepted at AVMF.org/Donate.

In addition, the AVMF is accepting donations to its existing disaster relief grant programs to help meet the personal and professional needs of veterinarians and veterinary students impacted by disasters, including COVID-19. More information on these grants, and a link to donate, is available at www.avmf.org/programs/disaster-relief.

“Veterinary nurses and technicians are the backbone of the veterinary clinic and an essential part of the veterinary healthcare team in these times of uncertainty and stress,” said Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, chief professional veterinary officer of Hill’s Pet Nutrition US. “We are proud to partner with AVMF to support these wonderful nurses/technicians with this essential relief program and by providing our excellent nutrition products.”

“It is critical that we support veterinary technicians/nurses and assistants who are on the frontlines of providing patient care during this unprecedented time,” said Dr. Christine Jenkins, chief medical officer and vice president, veterinary medical services and outcome research at Zoetis. “Veterinary care has been deemed an essential service, and Zoetis recognizes the unique challenges facing members of the veterinary support team. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with AVMF, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and NAVTA to help in this way.”

“Many members of our profession have been financially affected through furloughs, layoffs and reduction of hours,” said Ken Yagi, president of NAVTA. “We also often depend on secondary jobs and grade schools as a form of child care to make ends meet, which are also affected by the pandemic. We are honored to be joining Hill’s and Zoetis in launching the grant which will help blunt these challenges and support the invaluable members of the veterinary team during a tough time. We feel the commitment and focus on our profession by the veterinary community and are grateful for the joint effort.”

For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell) or msanfilippo@avma.org.

About the American Veterinary Medical Foundation

The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association, one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Since 1963, the AVMF has helped veterinarians help animals by providing support for education, disaster relief, charitable veterinary care and research programs. Visit AVMF.org to learn more.

About Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. The right nutrition combined with the devotion of veterinary professionals can transform the lives of pets; and healthier and happier pets can transform the lives of pet parents. Hill’s is dedicated to pioneering research and groundbreaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs. HILL’S® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods, HILL’S® Science Diet® and HILL’S® Ideal Balance™ wellness pet foods are sold through veterinarians and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about Hill’s, our products and our nutritional philosophy, visit us at HillsPet.com, HillsVet.com or Facebook, keywords “Hill’s Pet Nutrition.”

About Zoetis

Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines, vaccines and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests and precision livestock farming. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries.

About NAVTA

The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America is a nonprofit organization that represents and promotes the profession of Veterinary Technology. NAVTA provides direction, education, support and coordination for its members. Incorporated in 1981, NAVTA is the national organization devoted exclusively to developing and enhancing the profession of veterinary technology. For more information about NAVTA and the veterinary technician specialties, visit their website at www.navta.net.

About the AVMA

The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, with more than 95,000 member veterinarians worldwide engaged in a wide variety of professional activities and dedicated to the art and science of veterinary medicine.