Hurricane Ian Resources and Updates

Resources for Affected Veterinary Professionals & the Public

• Temporary Location Permits: The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is waiving the fee for veterinarians who need to relocate their business due to damage from Hurricane Ian. Additional details on eligibility are provided in the permit application. Visit myfloridalicense.com to start your application.

• SBA Disaster Loans: The U.S. Small Businesses Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other businesses assets. SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help businesses meet working capital needs as a result of the hurricane. EIDLs are available regardless of whether the business suffered physical property damage. To apply for either loan, visit disasterloanassistance.sba.gov and apply under SBA declaration #17644.

• FEMA Disaster Relief Assistance: Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for details on how to apply for disaster assistance. Helpline services are available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. You can also apply for FEMA aid online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or www.fema.gov/disaster/hurricane-ian. Note that if you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot aid with losses already covered by insurance.

• AVMA Disaster Relief Grants: The AVMA offers disaster reimbursement grants through the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). Grants up to $5,000 may be issued for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by veterinarians providing emergency veterinary medical care to animal victims of disasters, such as the cost of medical supplies purchased directly from a vendor. The eligible AVMA members can apply for assistance on AVMF.org.

  Veterinarians and veterinary students who have experienced an emergency need for basic necessities due to a disaster may receive up to $2,000 for out-of-pocket expenses incurred immediately following the disaster. Eligibility criteria and detailed information on what expenses this grant may cover can be found on AVMF.org.

• Animal Assistance through the ASPCA: Residents of Lee county and the surrounding areas, including Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs & Villages of Estero, who want to report a lost animal sighting or need animal assistance (food, supplies or medical) can reach out to the ASPCA for help.

• Animal Assistance for Low-income Pet Owners: Pet owners who need assistance paying for emergency veterinary care can apply for financial assistance from Frankie’s Friends, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to low-income families. Hospital staff can also fill out an application on behalf of their clients. Visit www.frankiesfriends.org to apply.

• Hotline for Animal & Livestock in Need of Water: Call 1-863-990-0568 between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to request water for your livestock and animals in critical need. This water is not for human consumption. For human needs, call the State Assistance Information Line at 1-800-342-3557.

• USDA Hotline for Ag Producers: Call 1-877-508-8364 to report damage or loss, including livestock, poultry and other animals that were killed or severely injured by a natural disaster.