Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why don’t we have same day sick calls, accept walk-in appointments, or see emergencies?

• Due to limited resources and personnel, we are unable to accommodate every case presented to our clinic and must remain ready in the event of a Military Working Dog emergency.

2. Why can’t a prescription written by a local clinic be filled here because it’s cheaper?

• The patient requires a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) be established by the veterinarian prescribing the medication.  This is a legal requirement that your licensed veterinarian must adhere to.

3. Why does my pet need to be established to get prescription medications?

• Pets need a valid VCPR, which requires a physical examination performed by a veterinarian assigned to a military treatment facility within the last 12 months.

4. Why should my pet be microchipped?

• A microchip is a permanent pet ID. If your pet is lost and taken to an animal shelter or veterinarian, they will scan for a microchip to read its unique ID code.  This is the number used to identify the pet and retrieve your contact information, which is used reunite you with your pet.  Some countries require a microchip for import.

5. Are you hiring? How do I apply?

• Visit https://www.usajobs.gov/ for more information.

6. Can I volunteer at the VTF?

• No, all personnel assigned to a veterinary clinic are liable under the veterinarian’s license. It is also required for all personnel working as medical providers to complete a medical screening performed by Occupational Health.

7. Why is my pet required to be vaccinated since I live in base housing?

• All military installations are required to follow the guidelines set by the installation Veterinary Corps Officer (VCO). Properly immunizing your pet helps to prevent and limit the spread of communicable diseases between animals and humans.   

8. If the government shuts down, will I still have an appointment? Will you still be open?

• Yes, all military members will continue to cover the mission as normal. Appointment limitation may be implemented for privately owned animals.

9. What documentation do you require for a health certificate?

• Your destination will determine your requirements.  A standard health certificate for CONUS travel consists of an acclimation letter, immunization record, two veterinary health certificate pages (DD Form 2209), and two Rabies certificates (DD Form 2208 when administered at a military veterinary treatment facility) or current Rabies certificates equivalent from a civilian veterinary clinic.  Rabies certificates must reflect the date the vaccine was administered, vaccine lot number, and the expiration date of manufactured vaccine.

10. When should I schedule the health certificate for my pet/s?

• Your destination will determine the health certificate requirement.  A typical health certificate CONUS should be scheduled 7 days in advance with your veterinarian.  You must account for 24 hours to drop the health certificate package off at the Department of Agriculture to be signed and endorsed by the territorial veterinarian.

11. What vaccines and labs are required for traveling?

• Your destination will determine your requirements. For a health certificate to go CONUS, canines need a current Rabies vaccines, a current Distemper vaccine, a heartworm test within the past 12 months, and a negative fecal within the past 6 months of travel.  Felines will need a current Rabies vaccine, a current FVRCP vaccine, and a negative fecal within the past 6 months.

12. Does my pet require flea and tick prevention to travel?

• We recommend your pet be current on flea and tick prevention during travel to protect both your pet and other animals in transit.  Some destinations require flea and tick prevention be applied during the health certificate appointment.  We recommend you familiarize yourself with the pet import requirements of your destination.