Veterinary facility provides additional care to Combat Center critters

Photo By Sgt. Charles Santamaria | Capt. Erin C. Stough, officer in charge, Combat Center Veterinary Treatment Facility and Lance Cpl. Anthony Chiccino, military dog handler, Provost Marshall's office, hides a ball from Max, a working dog aboard the Combat Center, before a physical at the veterinary clinic Dec. 4, 2013.  

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

12.03.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Charles Santamaria 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - As service members move all over the United States and throughout the world, finding medical care for their pets has proven to be challenging and a very important issue. Pets are often become companions to their owners and a cherished part of the family. This makes finding a reliable veterinary care clinic an important mission among service members.

The Combat Center Veterinary Treatment Facility is open to schedule appointments for pets of service members and families. The facility has recently hired new technicians and a veterinarian to be able to provide treatments for more patients such as vaccinations and emergency response.

The larger staff allows for more versatility in the facility and gives service members on base more opportunities to receive care for their pets.

“Having civilian workers opens up our appointment schedule for patients,” Capt. Erin C. Stough, officer in charge, Combat Center Veterinary Treatment Facility. “We’ve been able to schedule about three-times the amount of appointments with the new staff on board.”

The Combat Center facility allows for a discounted price for the care of animals and medicine that may be needed.

“The cost of veterinary treatment can be expensive,” said Veronica Getty, veterinarian, Combat Center Veterinary Treatment Facility. “There are expenses that many clinics off base must pay for that the Combat Center facility doesn’t have to pay.”

The clinic prepares service members for future care of pets at their new duty stations by streamlining the experience of going to the pet clinic with consistent filing of the pet’s health and prior health history. The file stays with the family of the animal wherever the owner may transition to next.

“Being more available and open for appointments for the pet owners on base puts their minds at ease,” Stough said. “It gives them a place where they know they can find care for their companions.”

The facility is open from Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 4:00. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, you can contact the facility at 760-830-6896.

• Date Taken: 12.03.2013
• Date Posted: 12.04.2013 23:51
• Story ID: 117736
• Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US