Animals in the Lone Star State might now be a bit safer amidst hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters, thanks to a donation from Banfield Foundation. The nonprofit organization has provided the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) with a 28-foot trailer to help evacuate animals from areas impacted by disaster. The vehicle will primarily be used during the evacuation phase of hurricanes and flooding, enabling faster and safer transportation of animals to hospitalization or shelter areas, Texas A&M reports. “This addition really expands our ability to respond,” says VET director, Wesley Bissett, DVM. “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.” The trailer, which is fitted with 44 individual kennels, was custom designed by VET to fit its unique needs. It is equipped with an onboard generator, two rooftop air conditioning units, a 30-gallon freshwater tank, and exterior flood lights. “Time and time again, we witness the highly compassionate and effective disaster response capabilities from Dr. Wesley Bissett and his incredible team,” says Banfield Foundation’s executive director, Kim Van Syoc. “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.”
