AHS Receives $100,000 Donation For New “Austin” EAMT™ Pet Ambulance, In Memory Of Media Personality Bill Austin

PHOENIX (March 29, 2023) – The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) will help thousands more sick, injured and abused Valley pets each year thanks to its new “Austin” Emergency Animal Medical Technician™ (EAMT™) pet ambulance, made possible by an incredible $100,000 donation in honor of local media personality, Bill Austin (pictured below). In memory of Austin’s 13th Anniversary of his passing, the Bill Austin Fund executors, Dr. Ingrid Haas and Mr. Charlie Van Dyke, made this generous donation to AHS through Spirit & Word Ministries, Inc.

Last year, more than 7,400 sick and injured animals were brought in through AHS’ EAMT™ program while AHS Animal Cruelty Investigators performed more than 8,100 cruelty investigations. Thanks to the new “Austin” pet ambulance, AHS will have the ability to help more than approximately 4,300 additional sick, injured and abused pets in our community each year.

“The Arizona Humane Society is extremely grateful for this lifesaving donation and is honored to have an AHS vehicle named after Bill Austin,” said Dr. Steven Hansen, AHS President and CEO. “The Valley has many fond memories thanks to Bill and we are proud to honor him each day by continuing to save even more homeless pets in his name.”

“Having known Bill for many years, it is our pleasure to share with the community as a reflection of the generosity he offered through his life and wonderful career,” said Dr. Ingrid Haas and Charlie Van Dyke, executors of the Bill Austin Fund.

A Valley fixture in local TV and radio, Bill Austin was a weather forecaster before co-hosting the “Beth and Bill Morning Show” for 20 years prior to his passing in June of 2010.

To learn more about the Arizona Humane Society, visit azhumane.org. To report a sick, injured or abused pet, call AHS’ Field Dispatch Team at 602.997.7585 ext. 2073 or your local police.