By Tim Cherry
Staff writer
Thursday, July 19, 2012

Fort Belvoir Veterinary Center employees reduced the rising demand for pet health care on post with a wellness clinic July 11.

The clinic allowed the VETCEN to provide annual vaccinations, prescription renewals, physical examinations, health certificates, heartworm and infectious disease testing to more patients than normal business hours permit.

Veterinarians, technicians and coordinators greeted cats and dogs with stethoscopes, thermometers and paperwork to help the pets get much needed treatment.

"We’re definitely increasing access to care," said Sgt. Margaret Wells, VETCEN privately owned animal services, noncommissioned officer.

This was the second weekday wellness clinic, which replaced the weekend clinics that occurred earlier during the year. Maj. Nic Cabano, VETCEN officer-in-charge, explained that the weekday clinic includes military and civilian staff assisting patients, whereas the weekend service featured only military staff.

The VETCEN has seen an increase in patients, as weekend clinics averaged 50 visitors and the weekday clinics are currently averaging 84 visitors, according to Cabano. Cabano said the increase in wellness clinics allow the VETCEN to schedule more sick-call pet appointments during the week.

According to Cabano, the big beneficiaries of the wellness clinic and sick-call appointment availability increases are those Families experiencing permanent change of station moves. These clients require health certificates, vaccinations and other treatments to import and export their animals. The increased availability provides clients more flexibility when attending to their pets needs and fulfilling their PCS requirements.

"They can continue their out-processing or in-processing and have enhanced access to care when their time schedule allows," Cabano said. "We’re just trying to facilitate that process and make it easier for Soldiers and Families."

The VETCEN has approximately 15,000 privately owned animals on its client list and provides services such as wellness exams, imaging and various types of anesthetic procedures including surgery. Wells recommended that all these animals receive wellness checks annually.

"Even if they’re not due for a vaccination, it’s always good to get an annual check-up," said Wells, who explained the check-up allows veterinarians to spot diseases or any other issues with a pet. Diseases and issues that go unnoticed present life threatening complications for pets and the humans they contact.

"We act as key contributor to the Fort Belvoir military health care system," said Wells. "We don’t want people to contract these diseases."

Dorothy Collins, unemployed, is one customer who agrees with Wells. Collins had her two beagles receive vaccination shots during the clinic.

Collins believes the wellness clinic is a good service for animals to receive medications and ensure good health. She encourages pet owners to have veterinarians conduct annual wellness checks.

"They can’t tell you what’s wrong," Collins said of man’s best friend. "Know your dog and get to the vet."

The VETCEN, which is open to people with access to military medical facilities, will continue hosting clinics every other Wednesday (twice a month) during the summer with the next scheduled clinic July 25.

The wellness clinic is open to healthy animals only. Sick animals or animals with new health problems must schedule a weekday appointment.

Cabano said veterinarians generally treat dogs and cats but they also work with exotic animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

Sign-ups for wellness clinic visits start at 8:30 a.m. and end at noon the day of the clinic. Cabano said the VETCEN will see each patient on the sign-up sheet over the course of the day.

For more information, visit www.belvoirmwr.com/Facilities/Vet-Clinic or call (703) 805-4336.