FORT SILL, Okla. Jan. 26, 2017 -- When military families receive PCS orders to go overseas they may plan to take their cat or dog with them. If so, they are required to get an international health certificate for the animal. They can get this service for about $37 through the Fort Sill Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF). If they were to get this service off post it could cost up to $200, said Capt. Aidan Wolfe, VTF Oklahoma Branch officer in charge.
"Generally, our services are cheaper than off post, like office visits and vaccines, so it's more economical for Soldiers, and we're right here on post," he said.
Issuing the certificate is just one of the many services the four veterinarians and five veterinary technicians perform at the VTF for privately owned animals.
With a surgical suite, diagnostic imaging capabilities and in-house laboratory testing, the staff can meet virtually every need of pet owners, said Capt. Joseph Thomas, VTF officer in charge.
"About 90 percent of our appointments are for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention; regularly scheduled vaccines; and wellness checkups," Thomas said. "We also see sick-call which could be about anything."
The vets and techs see about 100 pets a week, Wolfe said.
The VTF recently started offering dental services as well.
"We do everything from prophylactic dental cleanings to extractions" Wolfe said.
Routine procedures offered at the VTF include mass or lump removals, orchiectomies (neutering), ovariohysterectomies (spaying), and laceration repairs. Additional procedures can be performed on a case-by-case basis.
Microchipping pets is another common procedure offered at the facility.
"Microchipping is pretty basic," said Staff Sgt. Lesley Ogle, VTF noncommissioned officer in charge. "If the pet is healthy and has been seen recently by a vet, then the tech can do the procedure."
A microchip contains a 15-digit number, Ogle said. When it is scanned the number comes up, and the tech can identify and contact the company that has the pet owner information to reunite it with its owner.
Once at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Ogle said she even had to microchip a snake so it could be transported by airplane.
The most commonly seen privately owned animals are cats and dogs, Thomas said. However, exotic pets can be seen on a case-by-case basis.
The diagnostic imaging services offered include digital radiology and ultrasonography.
"Our laboratory can perform complete blood counts, serum chemistries, blood gas analyses, urinalyses, fecal flotations, and various tests for specific infectious disease agents," Thomas said. More specialized testing can be done through the VTF, but this typically requires samples being sent off to a commercial laboratory.
To use the VTF, pet owners must be active duty, family members, Reserve or National Guard, military retirees, or 100 percent service-disabled. All services are by appointment.
The VTF staff is happy to assist pet owners who are transferring overseas with all required animal documentation. Depending on the destination this can be a fairly lengthy process, so preparations with the VTF should be started as soon as possible.
The Fort Sill Veterinary Treatment Facility is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed for lunch from 11 a.m. to noon. Services are by appointment. The VTF closes at noon the last business day of each month for inventory.
The VTF is at 721 Macomb Road. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 580-442-3416.
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