Joint Base Charleston Veterinary Treatment Facility offers services to military and retirees

Photo By Senior Airman Ashlee Galloway | Moria Roberts, doctor of veterinary medicine, conducts a routine exam Nov. 22, 2013, on Shark, a military working dog, at the Veterinary Treatment Facility on Joint Charleston - Air Base, S.C. The facility provides animal care to active-duty military, their dependents and retirees. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashlee Galloway)  

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, SC, UNITED STATES

12.06.2013

Story by Senior Airman Ashlee Galloway 

Joint Base Charleston

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Joint Base Charleston Veterinary Treatment Facility, located on JB Charleston - Air Base, provides veterinary care for pets of active-duty military, their dependents and retirees.

But their primary mission is to provide protection for troops and animals from infectious diseases, including those passed from animals to humans and to provide for the overall health of the nation's Military Working Dogs.

"At the veterinary clinic, we offer vaccinations, heartworm prevention, flea and tick control products and microchip implants," said Army Spc. Valeria Green, animal health technician. "We also provide basic sick call and minor surgeries, such as spays and neuters and health certificates for overseas travel and permanent change of station."

Currently, the veterinary facility has two civilian technicians, one civilian doctor, one civilian receptionist and two military technicians on staff. They also have one military veterinarian who is currently deployed.

Examples of the cost savings at the clinic include basic surgical procedures such as canine spay from $200 to $300, canine dental care without extractions from $150 to $200, canine dental with extractions from $250 to $300, canine neuter from $150 to $200, and mass removal, based on size, from $200 to $250.

And although caring for personal pets is large part of the Veterinary Clinic's mission, caring for the nation's military working dogs is their primary function along with maintaining a safe food supply for all military members.

"The reason I wanted to come into this career field is so that I can work with the dog handlers of our military," said Army Spc. Stephanie Taylor, animal health technician. "Being in this job, I can work with all branches of the military and go anywhere in the world."

"I enjoy this career because I want to give back to the veterans who serve our country and protect us," said Moria Roberts, doctor of Veterinary Medicine. "This is one way that I can give back to them."

The veterinary facility hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, please contact (843) 963- 1838 or (843) 963- 1738.

• Date Taken: 12.06.2013
• Date Posted: 12.06.2013 11:29
• Story ID: 117844
• Location: JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, SC, US