After being pummeled by Hurricanes Charley and Frances, areas in the southeastern United States are bracing themselves for the arrival of Hurricane Ivan, which is scheduled to make landfall shortly.

The Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association and the Louisiana Horseman’s Guide have asked that if you have stalls or facilities available to house evacuated horses, please visit www.lahg.net/EMERGENCY%20PAGES/ivaninfo.html. You will find evacuation site information, hurricane safety information, horse health record forms, and volunteer information (for transporting or fostering horses) at this site.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that hundreds of veterinary practices remain without power in the wake of Hurricanes Charley and Frances, and some practices that have resumed operations have had suffered massive decreases in business, leading to practice owners having to release their employees. The AVMA has encouraged concerned individuals to donate to the Florida Veterinary Medical Foundation. “FVMF monies assist agencies and veterinary practices that provide complimentary medical care in response to the hurricanes, and practices that are financially in need of humanitarian aid,” said an AVMA report. To donate to the Florida veterinary relief effort, visit www.fvma.com or call the FVMA Helpline at 800/ 992-3862.

You can also to contribute to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation to help animals impacted by the hurricanes and to support AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT). The AVMF has a secure web site for donations, www.avmf.org, or you can call 800/248-2862, Ext. 6689