Training Meets Outreach in Texas A&M Veterinary Readiness Exercise
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences recently combined disaster preparedness training with community outreach, hosting a free pop-up vaccine clinic as part of a Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) Operational Readiness Exercise.
The event was designed to simulate real-world deployment conditions, with faculty, staff, and students setting up and operating a mobile veterinary clinic from trailers — mirroring how teams would respond during a natural disaster or large-scale emergency. At the same time, the clinic delivered essential preventive care to underserved pet owners in the surrounding community.
Over the course of the exercise, approximately 100 pets received vaccinations, parasite preventives and basic wellness services at no cost. Organizers partnered with local community groups to identify pet owners who might otherwise face barriers to veterinary care, underscoring the ongoing challenge of access and affordability in the profession.
Dr. Deb Zoran, VET director and a founding member, said the outreach reflects the team’s mission to serve during disasters and everyday community needs.
“Sometimes, you forget there’s folks in your own backyard who need a little extra help,” Dr. Zoran said. “It’s just a great opportunity for us to come here, set up on a Saturday, and help some folks that maybe could use it for their pets.”
Fourth-year veterinary students played a central role in the clinic’s operations, conducting physical exams, administering vaccines and communicating directly with clients. The hands-on experience provided students with a realistic field environment, helping them build clinical confidence while also learning how to operate under the logistical constraints typical of emergency response situations.
Faculty leaders said the exercise is part of a broader effort to ensure the VET program remains deployment-ready while also preparing the next generation of veterinarians for evolving roles in public health and disaster response. In addition to clinical skills, participants gained experience in teamwork, rapid setup and breakdown of mobile units and coordination with community partners.
The exercise highlights a growing emphasis within veterinary education on experiential learning that extends beyond traditional clinical settings.
Photo courtesy of McKenna Baker, VMBS Marketing & Communications
