Banfield Foundation Helps American Humane Expand Disaster Response Capabilities With New West Coast Animal Rescue Truck

The foundation will cover the new vehicle's operational costs as part of its Disaster Relief Grant program, which are available to nonprofit animal organizations and local or state governments whose communities suffer the impact of disasters. Such grants have already made a positive difference, most recently funding care, supplies and medication for pets impacted by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.

"The number of animals in need of rescue and rehabilitation following recent natural disasters reinforces the decision to expand rescue capabilities on the West Coast to provide care and support to those pets that need it most," said George Melillo, VMD, Banfield Foundation board member and Vice President of Veterinary Quality at Banfield Pet Hospital. "The Banfield Foundation is honored to be part of the amazing work American Humane is doing for pets – in the best and worst of times."

When called upon to support in disaster situations, the vehicle will enable pet rescues and delivery of food, supplies and medication to impacted regions. Banfield Pet Hospital veterinarians and technicians will also partner with American Humane to provide veterinary care to pets in low-income communities.

When not deployed to a disaster area, the truck will be based in California—frequently ranked among the most at-risk states for natural disasters in the U.S.—where it will aid in cruelty, dog-fighting and hoarding cases and be used as a traveling ambassador, bringing prevention and public education campaigns to school children and their communities.

"This new rescue vehicle is a major investment in the safety and welfare of the animals of California and the Southwest," said American Humane President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert. "The newest member of our American Humane Rescue fleet is specifically designed and outfitted to provide a wide array of emergency services and will be staffed by four certified and specially trained responders, carrying supplies and equipment to shelter up to 100 animals. The vehicle will be dedicated to the region, so it may respond to emergencies quickly in the entire area. This strengthening of our nation's emergency operations is a gift to all those who live here, and we are grateful to the Banfield Foundation for its extraordinary dedication to the most vulnerable in their times of need. Thank you!"

About the Banfield Foundation^®
At the core of the Banfield Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the belief that all pets deserve access to veterinary care. In support of this belief, the foundation funds programs that enable veterinary care, elevate the power of the human-animal bond, provide disaster relief for pets, and advance the science of veterinary medicine through fostering innovation and education. It also leverages the expertise and passion of Banfield Pet Hospital associates to care for pets in need. At the Banfield Foundation, we are committed to making a better world for pets because they make a better world for us. For more information, visit www.BanfieldFoundation.org, or follow us at www.Facebook.com/BanfieldFoundation.

About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization. For more information or to support their lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

Media Contact:
Ryan Bartholomew
[email protected]; (360) 784-5025

SOURCE Banfield Foundation

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