Building a better world
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is the charitable arm of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world.
More than 110,000 member veterinarians worldwide serve animals and communities in countless ways. Since 1963, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), headquartered in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, has supported their work through grants that advance veterinary charitable care, disaster relief, education, and research—helping provide essential care when it is needed most.
OUR MISSION
When animals get the care they need, people are happier, and communities are healthier. By supporting people and programs that help care for animals, the AVMF makes life better for all.
OUR VISION
To build a better world for animals and the people who care for them
OUR VALUES AND PROMISES
We deliver purpose through compassion, science, and service
Compassion
- We honor the human-animal bond in every action we take.
- We are guided by science and compassion, which are the foundations of animal health.
Trust
We act with integrity in every relationship, whether with veterinary teams, donors, pet owners, or animal-loving communities.
We focus on the wellbeing of animals and those who care for them.
Urgency
- We respond swiftly when animals, communities, or veterinary teams are in crisis, because we recognize that need does not wait—and neither can we.
- We act passionately to deliver support, resources, and care when it matters most.
Impact
- We measure our success by the lives we improve.
- We fund programs and partnerships that create lasting outcomes.
Access
- Access to veterinary care is fundamental, and we work to remove financial and geographic barriers that prevent animals from receiving vet care.
- We strive to ensure that educational pathways and careers in veterinary medicine are accessible to all students.
How we show up, who we serve, and how we lead
Veterinarians
To be your trusted partner in advancing animal care and sharing your story with the world
Animal and pet owners
To make care possible when it’s needed most, especially when financial hardship or emergencies stand in the way
Communities
To be a source of support—especially in times of crisis—and to remove barriers to care for all animals
Donors and supporters
To apply your generosity judiciously and with measurable impact that supports animals and their care
Our partners and the AVMA
To strengthen the profession by acting on shared values, complementary roles, and our mission to support veterinary medicine’s positive impact on the world, now and into the future