As a devastating wildfire ravages through the Texas Panhandle, the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) has sprung into action, deploying to provide crucial care and support for animals caught in the inferno.

Led by Dr. Deb Zoran, VET director, the team's primary mission is to deliver vital veterinary care to 12 search and rescue dogs working tirelessly alongside Texas A&M Texas Task Force 1. Additionally, they are extending their aid to resident animals and offering assistance to local shelters overwhelmed by the crisis.

"Working dogs are essential to search and rescue operations, and our duty is to ensure they receive the necessary nutrition, rehabilitation, and veterinary attention to sustain their vital roles," stated Dr. Zoran.

With nine team members and five veterinary students already en route to the Texas Panhandle from Bryan-College Station on Wednesday morning, additional reinforcements are scheduled to join the effort on Thursday to accommodate the escalating demand for assistance.

"Fires are unpredictable, often striking communities with little warning, resulting in increased casualties among both humans and animals," explained Dr. Zoran. "In such critical situations, swift action is imperative to provide aid to affected animals and support the local veterinary community."

The Smokehouse Creek Fire, now the second-largest in Texas history, has engulfed an estimated 850,000 acres with minimal containment as of Wednesday. Despite the daunting scale of the blaze, evacuations for the town of Canadian have been lifted.

In response to the escalating crisis, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 60 counties and activated several state agencies to provide resources for wildfire response operations. The Texas A&M Forest Service has deployed 25 bulldozers and nearly 300 firefighters from across the state to combat the inferno.

As the most extensive and sophisticated team of its kind in the nation, the VET comprises faculty, staff, and students from the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, along with volunteers from the veterinary profession and beyond.

Having previously assisted in wildfire responses in Texas and California, the VET understands the urgency and complexity of such deployments.

"We know the challenges we'll face during wildfire responses, from treating burn victims to safeguarding search and rescue dogs," said Dr. Zoran. "But the hope we provide by reuniting families with their beloved pets makes every effort worthwhile."

The VET's operations are made possible by the generous donations of supporters who recognize the importance of their mission.

"We are immensely grateful to our donors whose contributions enable us to serve our fellow Texans in times of crisis," expressed Dr. Zoran.

To learn more about the VET and support their mission, visit vetmed.tamu.edu or tx.ag/SupportTheVET.