RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
With the emphasis on prevention and on-going wellness rather than just vaccinating dogs and cats, the Army's Veterinary Command, which provides veterinary services for all military bases regardless of service branch, is offering "packages" of treatment for pets.
So, when taking your pet to an Army veterinary clinic after January 1, you may notice that the more routine veterinary services like basic de-worming, micro-chipping, fecal floatation and vaccinations will now be grouped into "wellness packages."
"A wellness package," said Army Maj. Rebecca Evans, chief of VETCOM's future operations, "will provide comprehensive preventive medical care that is tailored to your pet's specific needs and stage of life."
Col. David S. Rolfe, VETCOM commander, said "the veterinary profession is shifting from vaccination-driven appointments towards wellness-driven appointments."
The intent, the colonel said, is to emphasize routine wellness examinations and interaction with a veterinary health care professional instead of vaccinations as the reason for a visit to the veterinary clinic. There will be a re-structuring in the fee schedule, but the goal continues to be high quality care at the lowest cost. Fees will be the same for all clients and at all military veterinary treatment facilities.
At Randolph, Veterinary Services is following suit, said Army Capt. Rebecca Carden, Randolph Veterinary Services officer-in-charge.
The captain said the packages offered for canines and felines vary greatly and are built around the animal's age and current state of health. They may include physical and fecal examinations, client education for owners and vaccinations. The captain added that the kinds of vaccinations also vary with what's required by different counties for pets to have as standard, and what vaccinations are required for a pet to live on base.
Dogs living on Randolph are currently required to be vaccinated for rabies, distemper and parvo virus. Micro-chipping is also mandatory, Captain Carden said. Cats living on base are also required to be vaccinated against rabies, are supposed to be micro-chipped and must have all required anti-viral shots.
Standard vaccinations may include those for rabies, distemper, heartworm, lepto and parvovirus. Discounts from normal fees paid by clients will be given for the packages.
"Say, for example, its $25 to see a veterinarian," the captain said. "If one gets a package, there's at least a $10 discount."
Cat wellness packages may also include feline leukemia virus vaccinations and feline immunodeficiency virus vaccinations. FIV in cats is a condition similar to HIV in humans, Captain Carden added.
Randolph's veterinary clinic, on "B" Street at Bldg. 216, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Captain Carden added Monday is the best day to set appointments, which are made, normally, two weeks ahead of time, on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, call Veterinary Services at 652-3190.