Texas A&M veterinarian team rescuing animals caught in floodwaters

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, first responders worked fast to rescue those in danger. A unique response team is caring for the four-legged victims of Harvey's flood. They're based in Fort Bend County with Texas Task Force 1 & 2.

KBTX is embedded with the task force.

The Texas A&M University Veterinary Emergency Team responds just like a search and rescue team. Instead of people, they're working with animals of all sizes.

A young girl with an A&M shirt on plays with two very small puppies. A boy and a girl, these two were picked up by VET members. You might not know it, but these two are victims of Hurricane Harvey.

"Responders are finding them. Residents are finding them, not knowing whose they are and they're able to bring them here," Angela Clendenin said. She's with the veterinarian team.

"We can decontaminate them. They've been in flood waters that are extremely contaminated and then we can work with our shelter partners to get them to safety."

The team is also traveling out to see larger animals in the area. They're equipped to be entirely self sufficient for up to two weeks. They travel with their own communications and build a temporary animal hospital.

"We've probably seen, to my knowledge, close to 60 animals," Clendenin said. She mentioned that number included horses, goats, dogs and cats.

After Hurricane Katrina, first reponders are required to make room for people's pets. Clendenin said they have seen a lot of shelters taking in pets along with people.

At the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, National Guard members couldn't walk past the team's newest members. The puppies are bringing some unexpected relief to what has been a very hectic week for first responders.

As the flood waters recede, more animals will start to come out of their hiding places. The vet team said they could be operating for months.