D-M Vet Clinic gives affordable care for military pets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Saphfire Cook
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  To most, pets are considered members of their families. Military members are no different when it comes to caring and loving their animal companions. The D-M Veterinary Clinic helps ensure that these family members stay healthy and happy.

The Vet Clinic services active-duty, guard, reserve and retiree pets.

"We do basic preventative care, such as check-ups, vaccinations and exams." said Janell Burcal, D-M Vet Clinic operations technician. "The main thing we help our military members with is getting their pets ready for overseas travel."

The staff is made up of two operations technicians, one veterinarian and two animal technicians.

"We provide affordable care for pets because they are such an important part of the morale and emotional stability of military members." Burcal said. "It's great to have an animal that loves you and is always excited to see you when you get home. To be able to provide affordable care so that military members can afford to have pets is a valuable service."

In addition to privately owned animals, the Vet Clinic is the care provider for working dogs, both for the 355th Security Forces Squadron and Border Patrol.

"They're such a different creature when it comes to general animal care because they're trained to work," Burcal said. "It's probably one of the biggest perks of the job, interacting with the working dogs and getting to know their handlers."

With only a staff of five, the Vet Clinic sees about 30 pets a day.

"Our first mission is the government-owned animals," Burcal said. "They have such an important job and it's a job that is probably unmatched across the world. They can't build machines to do what those dogs do. And without us, they wouldn't be able to work at peak performance."

Located in Bldg. 2712, the Vet Clinic is open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Animals are seen by appointment Monday-Thursday and over-the-counter medicines sales are available on Fridays.

For any questions or to schedule an appointment, contact the Vet Clinic at 520-228-3529.