Banfield Foundation Grants New Disaster Response Truck and Trailer to Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Emergency Team
Banfield Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Texas A&M University’s Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) today unveiled the university’s second custom-built veterinary response trailer and truck designed to be utilized in the evacuation phase of disaster response. As the largest and most deployed veterinary emergency response unit in the country, Texas A&M’s VET is a leader in emergency preparedness.
The new 28-foot trailer, supported by a Ford F-750 truck, can be deployed anywhere in the U.S. Fully funded by a grant from the Banfield Foundation, the unit will expand the VET’s medical-response capability in times of disaster. The vehicle—the latest addition to the team’s response fleet—will be largely used in the evacuation phase of hurricanes and flooding, enabling faster and safer transportation of animals to hospitalization or shelter areas. The trailer can comfortably transport 44 small animals as well as enable ill, injured or anxious animals to be separated from other animals undergoing assessment or treatment.
“Time and time again, we witness the highly compassionate and effective disaster response capabilities from Dr. Wesley Bissett and his incredible team,” said Kim Van Syoc, Executive Director of the Banfield Foundation. “We are honored to once again increase our investment in Texas A&M and the entire VET as we collectively work toward reducing the devastating consequences of disasters and increasing access to veterinary care and shelter for animals in urgent need.”
This is the first VET vehicle designed for evacuation of animals, which will add a new dimension of response capability. The trailer was custom designed by VET based on unique needs and insights from prior deployments. Along with 44 kennels, it features an onboard generator, two rooftop air conditioning units, a 30-gallon freshwater tank and exterior flood lights that will allow the vehicle to be used in any conditions.
This vehicle also has the potential to be utilized during non-emergency situations with the VET. When not deployed in an emergency, the VET works with communities and local agencies to train and develop emergency plans. The VET also educates fourth-year veterinary students on disaster response during two-week clinical rotations.
“This addition really expands our ability to respond. In the past, for the most part, we’ve had to rely on people bringing their animals to us. This is going to allow us to go into the hardest-hit areas and get our hands on those animals faster,” said VET Director Dr. Wesley Bissett. “Time is critical in emergency response, so we’re incredibly grateful to the Banfield Foundation for this vehicle because it’s going to really change the way we’re able to respond.”
“Natural disasters are devasting for both people and pets – we have a responsibility to support communities and families in all stages of a disaster: preparation, response and recovery. Year after year, TAMU VET responds to vulnerable communities impacted by wildfires, flooding and hurricanes,” said Charlotte A. Rossetter, a Banfield Foundation Board Member. “I’m incredibly proud the foundation is once again partnering with TAMU to ensure help is available when and where it’s needed most. At the foundation, our commitment goes beyond the investment in a rescue vehicle — ultimately, we are investing in the lives of thousands of pets and people we serve each year.”