Military pets require TLC too

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Veronica Pierce
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  For some military members pets are considered as part of the family. When pet owners relocate to overseas assignment personnel must go through their base veterinary clinic to guarantee the safety and health care of their pets.

The United States Army Veterinary Command provides military veterinary services in support of military and Department of Defense personnel. They also ensure the veterinary medical attention needed for these pets is met.

The responsibilities of VETCOM include food safety and quality assurance, care of government owned animals, and animal disease prevention and control.

"One of the biggest challenges the veterinary clinic faces is the lack of building space and employees for the amount of patients they receive," said Army Staff Sgt. Francesca Ross noncommissioned officer in charge of the Yokota Veterinary Clinic.

With only six employees, consisting of two Army personnel, one Japanese veterinarian and three civilian technicians they manage to complete the mission.

"The veterinary clinic desires to meet the needs of every client by providing extensive services, education and a customer friendly environment," said Sergeant Ross. "We hope in the future to be able to enhance a number of our services, expand our facility and increase our patient visit."

One of their many missions are to provide affordable health care services for your pet.

"I really appreciate how convenient they make it to find pet care," said Shannon Wiehoff, veterinary clinic customer. "This has been one of the easiest services I have used here."

The services provided by the clinic range from annual vaccinations to major surgeries.

Pet owners must be aware, before relocating to another overseas location or returning to the United States, they must meet all requirements for pet transfer specific to the new location.

The local Veterinarian can provide these clearance requirements.

For more information, call 225-4363.