DISASTER RELIEF
CRISIS RELIEF
EQUITARIAN PROJECT
In times of natural disaster, veterinarians are normally one of the first medical
personnel needed after human needs are managed. Animals can be victims of natural
disasters just like their human owners. We support our veterinarians in the care of
their communities as they rebuild after natural disasters. Since 2017, Texas Equine
Foundation has contributed over $275,000 in disaster relief. In the summer of 2023,
Texas Equine Foundation was able to pay for the veterinary bills required to save a
horse severely injured in the Matador tornado that caused the complete destruction
of its owner's home, barn and caused the death of most of their other horses and
livestock. Through our aid, the horse returned to his owners, happy and healthy.
Most veterinarians are also small business owners. They can fall victim to a variety
of personal crisis just like anyone else. We support our member veterinarians with
easily accessible grants, in times of need. We believe that supporting each other
extends beyond the professional bounds of our careers. In 2023, we were able to
award grants to practitioners who suffered from brain tumor, surgery and successful
recovery, as well as a fire that decimated a clinic office, among other crises.
We are a proud supporter of the Equine Disease Communication Center, which is
an online communication tool for notifying the equine industry of infectious diseases
regionally. They have filled a large need in our community by making it quick and
easy to communicate disease outbreaks in the equine community.
The Equitarian Project was started by one of the Texas Equine Veterinary Association
founders, Dr. Rob Franklin. Veterinarians, students and industry partners travel to
South America to serve communities whose main source of income depends on their
equine partners. Texas Equine Foundation provides funding for the group as a whole,
as well as giving scholarships to students who want to attend the trip.
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