$25,000 donation supports pets and people impacted by Hurricane HeleneOctober 2, 2024The contribution is aimed at supporting relief efforts in providing food, medical supplies, and hygiene kits to those displaced by the disaster, as well as facilitating the safe transport of shelter animals.
SPONSORED CONTENTThe Case for Year-Round Heartworm Prevention and Affordable OptionsVeterinarians are often more than just clinicians - they’re advisors, educators, and, increasingly, financial counselors. In today’s economy, pet owners may hesitate to invest in year-round prevention due to budget constraints; but, skipping even a few months of heartworm protection can have serious consequences. + Learn More
Is your practice ready if disaster strikes?February 16, 2024No matter where you are, your veterinary practice may be at risk of being damaged, destroyed, or temporarily closed at some point due to a natural disaster. Learn how you can prepare your practice for such occurrence.
UF VETS unveils new $150,000 disaster response vehicleMay 9, 2019Pets now have additional support when a natural disaster strikes, thanks to a new $150,000 disaster response vehicle. Able to treat large and small animals, University of Florida (UF) Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service (UF VETS) offers technical rescues and logistical support to veterinary clinics and other response teams, as well as provides initial assessments of impacted areas. In the past, the team has responded to hurricanes, wildfires, flooding, and animal hoarding situations. "Disaster relief is a key component of the Banfield Foundation, and we are humbled to support the important work of first responders as they offer help and hope to communities in need," says Banfield Foundation executive director, Kim Van Syoc. "Veterinary professionals who respond during natural disasters are truly inspiring. We hope this new vehicle improves not only the response process, but also the lives of those doing the lifesaving work." Funded by a grant gifted by Banfield Foundation and PetSmart Charities, the truck will function as a communications hub to interact with local emergency operation centers, shelters, and state agencies. The vehicle comprises a 44-ft (13-m) mobile command and infrastructure support truck and trailer. "We're grateful for the support of the Banfield Foundation and PetSmart Charities, as …
Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team sports new disaster response truckOctober 26, 2017The Texas A&M University Veterinary Emergency Team now touts a new, custom 25-foot truck equipped with a veterinary medical unit that will give the team full medical capabilities in the event of a disaster. The truck is a "tremendous step forward" for the seven-year-old team, according to Wesley Bissett, founder and director of the Veterinary Emergency Team. "It has basically been developed and designed based on everything we've learned across the different types of deployments we've had," Bissett said. "The commitment to service is one of the things that sets Texas A&M apart, if you just look at our history, and this is honoring it. This [new truck] gives us the platform to do that." The new truck makes deployment quicker, maneuvers easier, and has full medical capabilities—ranging from decontamination to full surgery. Further, it includes 48 hours' worth of medical and pharmaceutical supplies, two fully insulated tent shelters, and more. When the truck is not responding to disaster situations, it will be stationed at A&M's Disaster City training facility, where it will be used to educate veterinary students and provide a training opportunity for emergency response professionals, according to officials. The Banfield …
