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Vet clinic here to help pets

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Recently, the Fairchild Veterinary Treatment Facility received new anesthesia equipment, which will aid the clinic in surgical procedures.

“Starting in March, the clinic will be able to provide full anesthetic procedures such as spays, neuters, dental cleanings and mass removals,” said Capt. Margaret James, VTF OIC. “We also provide vaccines, health certificates and general wellness care.”

The vet clinic will support urgent or emergent procedures to include: Removing foreign objects, abdominal explores, abdominal organ biopsies and stabilizing measure for critical animals. In addition, wellness and sick call appointments will be offered. During the visits, pets can have their vaccines updated and be tested for heartworm disease.

“During wellness visits, customers can discuss care with a veterinarian to gain knowledge on how to give the best possible care for their pets,” James said.

The first priority for the clinic is Military Working Dogs. Additionally, with as hard as MWDs work, it’s not unusual for them to get hurt now and then James said. Having anesthetic equipment at the clinic allows for the MWDs who are hurt to be seen immediately and care to be provided without having to take them off base. The dogs are service members and need routine dental cleanings and must be neutered before they’re adopted out.

The clinic is available for active duty members and their dependents. Reserve members must be on active duty and retirees must have medical benefits to use the clinic. 99 percent of visits are cats and dogs with about 60 animals seen per-month.

When service members move overseas, the clinic can provide international health certificates. Appointments can be made only with a military veterinarian since they’re USDA certified and have approval to sign in place of the USDA.

As soon as a service member knows they’ll be moving overseas, they should contact the clinic because some countries can take up to six months of preparation and have strict guidelines.

“Pets are family members,” James said. “They are protectors when a service member is deployed; an ice breaker to help someone make new friends; or a warm body to snuggle with. They deserve great medical care just like the human family members and that is the goal at the Fairchild Veterinary Treatment Facility.”

For more information, contact the Fairchild Veterinary Treatment Facility at (509) 247-2584.