News Summary
Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) has been awarded $5 million to improve its disaster response capabilities following severe flooding in Texas. This funding will enhance the team’s operational resources, allowing them to provide better care for animals affected by disasters. The VET aims to expand its facilities and logistics to improve response efficiency. Alongside local shelters, the team continues to support both animals and human communities impacted by the floods, ensuring the welfare of all affected.
College Station, Texas – Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) has been awarded $5 million to enhance its disaster response capabilities, particularly in light of the recent severe flooding in Texas. This funding, allocated over the next two years, will be instrumental in improving the team’s historically limited and outdated operational resources and equipment.
The significant financial support will enable the VET to expand its presence and resources during disaster responses. Currently, the team has been actively aiding both small and large animals affected by the floods, as well as providing care for canines engaged in search-and-rescue operations. The operational areas affected by the flooding extend along the river in Texas, emphasizing the widespread impact of this natural disaster.
Since its inception in 2009, the VET has responded to a variety of disasters, utilizing the experiences gained during each deployment to refine their approaches. However, the team has faced challenges due to a lack of recurring funding, which has made it difficult to maintain staff and readiness levels. Recent recovery efforts, such as the deployment in Kerr County, revealed the constraints of limited staff and resources, further underscoring the necessity for ongoing financial support to improve operational efficiency.
Dr. Deborah Zoran, the director of the VET at Texas A&M University, has indicated that the new funding will significantly enhance their disaster response capabilities. One of the key improvements anticipated is the establishment of a warehouse, teaching classroom, and office area at the Texas A&M veterinary school campus in College Station. This infrastructure will facilitate better organization and logistics during future deployments.
Concurrent with the announcement of funding, six members of the VET deployed to Kerr County alongside two Texas A&M AgriLife Disaster Assessment & Recovery agents. The team’s objective is to provide veterinary care for working dogs involved in search and rescue efforts in flood-affected areas. These dogs face numerous risks, including injuries from storm debris and snake bites, making their care a crucial component of the overall rescue operations.
The emotional toll of the floods has been particularly challenging for communities, especially for families, including young children who have experienced significant losses. Understanding these impacts, the VET aims not only to assist animals but also to support the emotional welfare of the human communities affected.
In tandem with the VET’s efforts, nonprofit animal shelter Austin Pets Alive! has deployed its team to assist animals impacted by the floods. Their work has led to the rescue of over 300 displaced animals. By collaborating with Kerrville Pets Alive!, the shelter is actively engaged in transporting and reuniting pets with their families.
While Austin Pets Alive! collects donations for various supplies to support affected animals, they have announced that they are currently unable to accept large bags of cat litter and dog food. This highlights the ongoing need for community support to address the urgent needs arising from the flooding crisis.
Overall, the combined efforts of Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Emergency Team and local animal shelters reflect a dedicated response to the ongoing challenges posed by the recent floods in Texas. With the new funding in place, the VET is poised to bolster its disaster response capabilities, ensuring that both animal and community welfare remain a priority in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
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Additional Resources
- KXXV News
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M University
- Express News
- Google Search: Kerr County Flood
- KBTX News
- Google Scholar: Veterinary Emergency Teams in Texas
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disaster Response in Texas
- KCEN TV
- Google News: Flood Rescue Efforts in Texas
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
