In a groundbreaking initiative to extend its outreach, Texas Tech University's School of Veterinary Medicine has unveiled its new mobile veterinary unit, aptly named the Community and Regional Engagement Service (CARES). This innovative vehicle is set to transform veterinary care accessibility for underserved communities in Amarillo, the Texas Panhandle, and beyond.

“We are so appreciative of the funding we have received to date to support this initiative,” said John Dascanio, senior associate dean for academic and student affairs at the School of Veterinary Medicine.

Generous contributions from the Louise Bowers Slentz Foundation Fund and the Amber Fund, both facilitated by the Amarillo Area Foundation, have enabled the school to custom-build this mobile unit. CARES will provide essential veterinary services to animals and pet owners who might otherwise struggle to access or afford care.

The CARES unit will serve as a remote base of operations for faculty, staff, and students, bringing veterinary care to Meals on Wheels clients and the homeless population in Amarillo. Additionally, it will support regional spay and neuter programs and assist in disaster response efforts.

“We are proud to be able to provide additional outreach services to the region in support of animal welfare and disaster response capabilities,” Dascanio said. “This is the first step to educate students in serving our community, especially in providing veterinary care to those who may not normally be able to afford or access it, or who may be affected by natural disasters.”

This initiative offers students unique, real-world, experiential learning opportunities, allowing them to practice their skills while directly contributing to community welfare. On board the CARES vehicle, students will find anesthesia equipment, a surgery suite complete with a surgery table, a generator for remote operations, and an array of diagnostic tools. Despite its comprehensive capabilities, the vehicle's compact design ensures easy navigation through various environments.

“We envision growing our outreach to better serve the region, which has been so generous in supporting our school,” Dascanio said.

To further enhance its capabilities, the school plans to add a support trailer equipped with mobile kennel space, additional medical supply storage, and extra exam and surgical tables. This expansion will ensure that CARES can meet the growing needs of the communities it serves, providing critical care wherever it is needed most.

With the launch of CARES, Texas Tech University's School of Veterinary Medicine is not only advancing its mission of education and service but also strengthening the bond between the university and the communities that have long supported it. This mobile unit symbolizes a commitment to animal welfare and public health, ensuring that quality veterinary care is accessible to all, regardless of circumstance.