When hurricanes hit the Southeast, AVMF helped veterinarians move forward with hope
When Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast, it left behind a path of destruction that upended lives overnight. Among those affected was Dr. Amanda Brezicki, a dedicated veterinarian at Northeast Animal Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. When her home suddenly flooded, her family was forced to evacuate and start over.
Before she could begin to rebuild, another blow came. Just 13 days later, Hurricane Milton made landfall, shutting down the veterinary practice, knocking out power, and crippling the community she serves. In a matter of days, her home life, her workplace, and her ability to care for animals were all thrown into uncertainty.
Amidst the chaos, one moment of relief stood out. “The AVMF grant was one of the first breaks we got. It helped us pay rent and stay afloat when everything else felt impossible.”—Dr. Brezicki
Through the AVMF Disaster Relief Program, immediate financial assistance helped Dr. Brezicki stabilize the essentials so she could keep doing what she does best: caring for the animals and community that rely on her.
>> Check out the video below to hear Dr. Brezicki’s story of resilience.
Thanks to the generosity of AVMF donors, her veterinary practice could reopen its doors, her clients could access care again, and her community could begin the long road to recovery.
Why your financial support matters
Veterinarians are often first responders for animals in disaster zones. But they also face the same challenges as their clients and neighbors. When hurricanes, wildfires, and other crises hit, many struggle with:
- Damaged or destroyed homes
- Flooded or inaccessible clinics
- Loss of income during forced closures
- Increased need among pet owners and animal shelters
The AVMF is here to bridge this gap. Your support gives veterinarians the stability they need to stay operational, rebuild, and continue delivering lifesaving care to the animals and families who depend on them.