Congress Must Act Now to Protect Animals During Disasters with Emergency Vet Funding

As the impact of climate change continues to escalate, natural disasters are increasingly becoming a part of our reality. In Florida, the stakes are especially high when it comes to the welfare of animals during these catastrophic events. Recent hurricanes have laid bare the urgent need for a robust system of emergency veterinarians to respond swiftly and effectively when disaster strikes. During the recent hurricane season, our team at the University of Florida Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service (UF VETS) was thrust into action, lending support to local organizations like the Humane Society to rescue animals displaced by the powerful storms. Our experiences responding to Hurricane Helene and later Hurricane Milton highlighted the chaotic nature of animal rescue operations in the absence of a coordinated national response system. Animals suffer needlessly due to disorganized efforts, underscoring the immediate need for structured support. UF VETS is one of only three emergency veterinary response teams in the nation. Established in the wake of the destructive 2004 hurricane season, our program encompasses two essential branches: medical response for disaster-affected animals and technical rescue operations for situations involving complex rescues, such as overturned livestock trailers. Our team collaborates closely with local and state veterinary organizations, animal rescues, and law enforcement to provide crucial assistance during crises. However, without a nationwide framework, our efforts are often hindered. This is where Congress can make a significant difference. As lawmakers reconvene, they have an opportunity to include vital funding in the FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations bill to establish a coordinated network of veterinary emergency teams across the country. Such funding would transform the way animal care is managed during national disasters, ensuring that timely and effective response mechanisms are in place. By collaborating with institutions like Texas A&M University and the University of California, Davis, we could create a national network capable of working alongside federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Agriculture. This coordinated approach would not only enhance the immediate response to disasters but also expand training opportunities for veterinarians and first responders nationwide. Our training initiatives are essential, as first responders are key allies in these efforts. Recently, we initiated specialized training programs in response to newly enacted Florida legislation aimed at supporting injured K-9 officers. These programs prepare handlers and paramedics to deliver critical on-site care, potentially saving the lives of these indispensable service animals. In July, our participation in a full-scale simulation exercise in Ocala, Florida, showcased the collaborative efforts of local, state, and national partners to improve animal response strategies during emergencies. Moreover, our commitment extends to educating future emergency-response veterinarians. Students at UF gain invaluable hands-on experience through rigorous technical rescue training, equipping them with essential skills that can be applied in real-world situations. In conclusion, Congress has a pivotal role to play in enhancing animal welfare during disasters. By investing in emergency preparedness, training, and specialized veterinary education, lawmakers can ensure that our nation's livestock and pets receive the protection they deserve in the aftermath of natural disasters. The time for action is now—our animals’ lives depend on it.