The Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) is on the move, supporting the Texas A&M Task Forces as well as regional partners in Kerr County. Its search and rescue dogs are ready for any mission – in this case, the devastating flooding that has claimed the lives of more than 80 people in Central Texas.
The team deployed six VET members, two Texas A&M AgriLife Disaster Assessment and Recovery agents the night of July 4. Additionally, three additional VET members join the mission providing essential veterinary care for canine search teams. These dogs search persistently for the dozens of individuals who are still missing. The dogs’ duty is to provide answers and closure for their loved ones.
“These elite canine partners are critical to the mission, and our team is committed to helping them stay healthy, safe and mission-ready,” said Dr. Deb Zoran, director of the VET. “We are honored to do our part in supporting these heroes, and we’re hopeful that the search missions will be able to help grieving families find closure.”
The canine search teams have faced a gauntlet of obstacles working throughout the Guadalupe River basin. The terrain makes travel difficult. Debris adds an additional level of danger. There’s even a risk of snake bites. It’s a long day for the whole team, especially as the region continues to be under a flash flood risk.
“Our hearts are with the families, loved ones and communities affected by this tragedy,” Zoran said. “This has been a particularly solemn mission; while all loss of life is tremendously sad, the loss of young children hits particularly hard for the entire community and state. We know Aggies everywhere are keeping the folks in this region, and in other flood-ravaged areas of Texas, in their thoughts and prayers.”
Local veterinary partners and community animal groups are handling residential animal care and reunification needs. VET is focused on caring for working dogs.
“The community and our state partners are very supportive, and our team is staying strong during these challenging days,” Zoran said. “We are so appreciative of the continued support of our teammates and Aggie family back home.”
To learn more about the VET, please visit vetmed.tamu.edu/VET. Support can be provided to VET on this deployment by visiting tx.ag/SupportTheVET.
Credit for information on VET to Megan Bennett of the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
