Remote Area Medical Veterinary Volunteers (RAMVV), is an organization based in Knoxville, Tenn., that is composed of dedicated veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and volunteers who travel throughout the United States and abroad providing veterinary care to remote, impoverished areas. The organization is founded on the belief that all animal owners have a right to medical care for their pets and livestock regardless of location or financial status. As a result, RAMVV members have journeyed to such locations as South Dakota’s Rosebud Indian Reservation and Guatemala treating problems in horses, cows, dogs, and cats, while also spaying and neutering dogs and cats to prevent unwanted and uncared for litters The volunteers also educate residents—many of whom have never before had access to veterinary services—about the importance of animal care. Eric Davis, DVM, of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee is the organization’s coordinator.

For more information or to volunteer contact RAMVV, PO Box 1071, Dept. of Rural Practice, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn. 37901-1071; 423/974-5705; e-mail DAVIS.ERIC@hospital.vet.utk.edu.