By Sarah Carey
With hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton barely in the rearview, and weeks still left of hurricane season, leaders from the University of Florida Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service, or UF VETS program remain ready to respond at a moment’s notice — whatever the need may be.
One of only three veterinary college-based disaster response teams in the United States, UF VETS has served the state for more than 20 years. From treating animals that are injured or displaced during natural disasters, to safely rescuing animals from sinkholes or flooding situations, the team makes significant contributions to animal welfare and emergency management in Florida and beyond.
Founded after the 2004 hurricane season and operating under the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, the UF VETS program has a team that works closely with state and veterinary organizations, animal rescue groups, and law enforcement officials while responding to disasters, animal technical rescues, and disease outbreaks.
“Our team remains vigilant at all times of the year, no matter what the nature of the disaster might be,” said Lawrence Garcia, D.V.M., the medical director of UF VETS.
Supporting the state
The medical response unit’s readiness was evident in its participation in daily Florida State Agricultural Response Team calls during hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in August, September, and October, respectively.
Garcia also supported the Humane Society of the United States’ efforts for several days in Taylor County after Helene. And UF VETS Animal Technical Rescue Branch Director Brandi Phillips helped identify local resources for animals in need in several counties that experienced flooding and swift water following Milton.
The UF VETS program is uniquely structured with two distinct-yet-complementary branches: a medical response unit for disaster-affected animals and an animal technical rescue branch. This dual approach allows UF VETS to address a wide range of animal emergencies while also building capacity among first responders and veterinary professionals across the state.
“Most calls we assist with involve sinkholes — especially dangerous due to their potential for dangerous atmosphere and collapse — or mud entrapment, which may involve danger to animals due to suction,” Phillips said. “Livestock also frequently enter swimming pools in our state, only to discover that getting in is easier than getting out.”
UF VETS also works to raise awareness about the dangers associated with small animals trapped in confined spaces, such as storm drains, which may contain dangerous gasses or vapors and pose a serious threat to anyone trying to conduct a rescue, Phillips added.
Although teams from UF VETS typically respond to situations within a two-hour radius of the Gainesville campus, first responders around the state frequently consult with the team by phone when on the scene with animals in need.
Training experts
The team’s expertise extends far beyond immediate disaster response. In July, UF VETS played a crucial role in a three-day, full-scale state exercise in Ocala, Florida. This mock drill, simulating animal response to a train derailment, brought together local, state, and national partners, showcasing the team’s ability to coordinate complex, multi-agency operations.
UF VETS’ influence also reaches across state lines. Garcia recently helped guide the Kansas State Animal Response Team toward expanding its operations and increasing veterinary participation. This kind of knowledge sharing exemplifies UF VETS’ commitment to improving animal disaster response nationwide, he said.
On the animal technical rescue side, Phillips highlighted the team’s multifaceted approach to training and skill development.
“Our instructor cadre, many from the fire service, brings expertise in urban search-and-rescue disciplines that form the foundation of our animal rescue capabilities,” Phillips said.
The technical rescue branch has expanded its reach beyond state-funded training programs. The team now provides specialized training to fire departments in areas like Seminole County, and has ventured into new territories such as exotic animal rescue at Zoo Miami.
“Our work with zoo staff and veterinarians opens up new avenues for safe and humane responses to emergencies involving large exotic animals,” Phillips said.
Another important aspect of the UF VETS program is its integration with veterinary education. Veterinary students at UF have unparalleled opportunities to participate in technical rescue training, including learning to operate rope and pulley systems to safely move live, heavy loads with limited personnel, as well as developing crisis communication skills.
“These experiences set our graduates apart, preparing them for a wide range of emergency scenarios in their future careers,” Phillips said.
Ensuring human safety and animal welfare are key to the program’s mission. Responders are taught that they cannot help animals now or in the future if they do not take appropriate action to keep themselves and other responders safe at the scene.
Making an impact
The program’s impact on working animals is also significant. In response to Florida’s 2021 legislation that ensured pre-hospital care for injured K-9 officers, UF VETS developed specialized training programs. These initiatives, involving veterinary students, prepare both K-9 handlers and paramedics to provide critical care in the field, potentially saving the lives and careers of these valuable service animals.
Garcia’s involvement in national and state-level organizations is extensive. He serves on the board of directors for the National Alliance of State Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs and on the Florida Veterinary Medical Association’s Disaster Preparedness Committee. These roles allow UF VETS to shape policies and practices at both state and national levels.
Additionally, the team’s expertise is increasingly sought after by media and professional organizations. In May 2024, Garcia was interviewed for an American Animal Hospital Association Trends magazine article about veterinary emergency preparedness and the development of a nationwide emergency management network.
This exposure not only highlights UF VETS’ leadership in the field but also promotes the importance of veterinary involvement in disaster planning and response. The Washington Post, along with numerous other state news outlets, covered UF VETS’ deployment to Fort Myers to help displaced and injured animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in October 2022.
The program’s impact extends to policy development as well. UF VETS has been instrumental in providing resources and guidance to organizations that are developing or evaluating their disaster plans. This proactive approach ensures that animal welfare is integrated into broader emergency management strategies across Florida.
Looking to the future, UF VETS continues to innovate and adapt. As the frequency and severity of natural disasters increases, the importance of programs like UF VETS cannot be overstated, Garcia and Phillips said. They added that the team’s comprehensive approach — combining hands-on response capabilities, extensive training programs, and involvement in policy making — positions UF VETS as a critical resource for Florida and a model for other states.
“Whether we’re in the field rescuing animals, training first responders, or advising on policy, our goal remains the same,” Garcia said. “We’re here to ensure that animals receive the best possible care in emergencies, and that Florida remains at the forefront of animal disaster preparedness and response.”