Creature comforts

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathryn Stilwell
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  There is something to be said about the bond between an animal and its owner. For instance, humans have domesticated dogs for approximately 15,000 years; throughout that time dogs have served as companions, assisted-living animals and members of the police and military. In fact, American wildlife photographer, writer, wildlife preservationist and television personality Roger Caras may have put it best when he said, "dog are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole."

To maintain that human-to-animal bond, the vet clinic on Dover Air Force Base, Del., helps by providing services and treatment to the pets of Team Dover members.

The veterinary clinic is not an urgent-care facility, but does offer the convenience of routine vaccinations and wellness packages by appointment to active-duty military members and retirees. Their services extend to guardsman and reservists, while on duty. The clinic may also care for small mammals such as hamsters on a case-by-case basis.

"I think I have the best job," said Army Staff Sgt. Alicia Altman, branch NCO in charge of the Dover AFB veterinary clinic. "We get to see [animals] from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m."

It is important to keep pets up-to-date with vaccinations for preventative care and public health. The veterinary clinic strives to break the cycle of diseases, such as rabies, that are easily averted with the proper vaccine.

Altman insists that service members contact the clinic when preparing for a permanent change of station should they have pet, especially with an overseas assignment.

"It can be very confusing process [to transport pets overseas], so people should contact us as soon as possible, and refrain from buying a new pet after getting orders," said Altman.

There is a four-to-six month process to get animals prepared for an overseas assignment, including microchipping (if the animal is not already chipped), updating rabies vaccinations, and completing various amounts of paperwork.

The veterinary clinic provides service members with peace of mind that their pets will be taken care of. The rates are generally cheaper than a clinic off base and its location offers convenience for those members on base.
By supplying these services to the members of Dover AFB, the veterinary clinic preserves the bond between pet and owner through expedient medical care and treatment.

The clinic is open Monday through Friday; scheduled appointments are available. For more information about the services offered, visit http://www.doverafb436fss.com or call 677-5252.