It's raining cats and dogs at the Fairchild vet clinic

Katie Dull, base veterinarian, spays Piper, a female blue heeler puppy, at the vet clinic at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Feb. 11, 2013. While the primary mission of the base veterinarian is the care of the military working dogs, about 90 percent of her time is spent on privately owned animals. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary O'Dell)

It's raining cats and dogs at the Fairchild vet clinic

Tech. Sgt. Levi Wilson assists the base veterinarian, Katie Dull, as she examines a military working dog's gums at the clinic at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Feb. 6, 2013. MWD Bonno recently had a tooth extracted and was being seen for a follow up with Dull. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary O'Dell)

It's raining cats and dogs at the Fairchild vet clinic

Katie Dull, base veterinarian, removes the uterus and ovaries of a female dog, also known as spaying, at the vet clinic at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Feb. 11, 2013. Spay and neutering procedures are performed on a limited basis at the clinic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mary O'Dell)

It's raining cats and dogs at the Fairchild vet clinic

Published Feb. 25, 2013
By Senior Airman Mary O'Dell
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE- Wash. -- While the Fairchild veterinary clinic exists for the military working dogs, it's actually only about ten percent of the veterinarian's work load.

"I see the military working dogs twice a year for routine exams and tests or as otherwise needed for medical treatment," said Katie Dull, base veterinarian. "Most of the patients that I deal with are the cats and dogs of military families."

Dull also performs routine check-ups and services for the Transportation Security Administration dogs from the Spokane airport.

Retired and active-duty military, along with Department of Defense civilians can bring their cats and dogs there for well-pet exams, micro-chipping, vaccinations and international health certificates.

"International health certification is especially important for military families who may move over-seas," said Dull. "Different countries have different requirements and standards for pet health care and insuring your pet's safety and smooth transition should be a top priority."

Feline and canine spay and neutering is also available on a limited basis dependent upon the animal's age and the discretion of the veterinarian.

Choco, a daschund belonging to military spouse Juanita Herrera is seen at the base's vet clinic.

"Having a veterinarian on base is a lot more convenient than having to worry about driving into town for something as simple as updated vaccinations and check-ups," said Herrera who brings Choco in for regular exams.

Dull said that while the clinic cannot provide emergency services or care for major illnesses, she feels grateful to be able to ensure all of her patients receive high quality care that they deserve.

"I think that most people believe we are only here for the military working dogs, when in fact they are the minority of my patients," said Dull. "Hopefully getting the word out that we are here to help all of the military families to the best of our capabilities will let people know otherwise."

The veterinarian is available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information contact the Fairchild vet clinic at 509-247-2583.