Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility

For military families residing in Delaware, particularly those connected to Dover Air Force Base, finding reliable and affordable veterinary care for beloved pets is a significant consideration. While many excellent private practices exist across the state, the Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility offers a unique and highly valued resource tailored specifically to the needs of the military community. Our pets are cherished members of our families, offering companionship and comfort through deployments, moves, and daily life, making their health a top priority.

This article is crafted for local pet owners in Delaware who are part of the military community. We'll delve into the services provided by the Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility, explain who is eligible for care, highlight its convenient location and accessibility, and share what makes it such a vital and appreciated part of pet healthcare for military families in the region.

The Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) is a professional veterinary clinic staffed by Army Veterinary Corps personnel. While its primary mission is to provide comprehensive veterinary care for all government-owned animals, especially the invaluable Military Working Dogs (MWDs) essential to the base's security and global missions, it also extends a vital service to the pets of military families. This includes active duty personnel, dependents, retirees, Reservists, and National Guard members of the United States military.

Unlike a typical civilian veterinary hospital, the VTF operates within the framework of military support services, aiming to provide high-quality, routine veterinary care that is both convenient and often more affordable. This focus on preventive medicine and common health issues for privately owned animals helps military families maintain their pets' well-being without the often prohibitive costs associated with civilian clinics. The staff understands the unique lifestyle and needs of military families, including the challenges of PCS moves and deployments, and strives to provide care that supports these circumstances.

The Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility is located at 643 Atlantic St, Dover, DE 19902, USA. This address places it directly on Dover Air Force Base, a major military installation in Delaware. For eligible users, its on-base location offers immense convenience, eliminating the need to travel off-base for routine veterinary appointments.

Dover Air Force Base is easily accessible from various parts of Kent County and beyond, thanks to its proximity to major routes such as U.S. Route 113 and Delaware Route 1. While located within a secure military installation, specific entry procedures are in place for base access, which eligible beneficiaries are familiar with. The on-base location provides a sense of security and familiarity for military personnel and their families. Ample parking is typically available at the facility, making visits straightforward. This strategic placement within the base community ensures that essential veterinary services are readily available to those who serve and their families, reinforcing the support structure provided by the Air Force.

The Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility focuses on providing essential routine and preventive veterinary care for privately owned animals belonging to eligible military beneficiaries. While they do not typically handle emergencies, extensive surgeries, or overnight hospitalization, their services are crucial for maintaining pet health.

• Wellness Exams: Routine physical check-ups to assess overall health and detect any potential issues early.
• Annual Vaccinations: Administering necessary immunizations such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, bordetella, and others, crucial for preventing common diseases.
• Puppy and Kitten Visits: Comprehensive initial care for young pets, including vaccination series, deworming, and early health guidance.
• Fecal Flotations: Testing for intestinal parasites to ensure effective deworming protocols.
• FELV/FIV Testing: Screening for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in cats.
• Microchipping: Offering permanent identification to help reunite lost pets with their owners.
• Heartworm Testing and Prevention: Essential screening for heartworm disease in dogs and providing preventive medications.
• Nail Trims: Routine grooming service to maintain paw health and comfort.
• Anal Gland Expressions: Addressing common issues with anal glands to prevent discomfort and infection.
• Limited Sick Call: Addressing minor illnesses and common conditions such as ear and skin infections.
• Client Education: Providing valuable information and advice to pet owners on various aspects of pet care and health.
• Base Zoonotic Control: Contributing to public health on the base by managing potential disease transmission between animals and humans.
• Health Certificates: Issuing necessary health certificates for pets accompanying military families during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, especially for overseas travel.

The Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility offers several key features and highlights that make it a highly valuable resource for military families in Delaware:

• Affordable and Cost-Effective Care: A significant advantage of the VTF is its ability to offer services at a very moderately priced rate compared to civilian veterinary clinics. This helps ease the financial burden of pet ownership for military families, making essential preventive care more accessible.
• Specialized Care for Military Working Dogs (MWDs): While also serving family pets, the VTF's primary mission ensures the highest standard of care for MWDs. This expertise often translates into a high level of proficiency in general veterinary practices for all animals seen.
• Knowledgeable and Friendly Staff: Reviews consistently praise the staff for being "very knowledgeable and friendly." Pet owners express happiness with their choice to switch vets to the VTF, highlighting the positive interactions and compassionate care received.
• Caring Approach for Pets and Owners: Beyond medical expertise, the staff is noted for being "very caring for not only the animals but for me as a dog owner as well." This empathetic approach is crucial, particularly for military families who might face unique stresses related to their service.
• Convenience of On-Base Location: For those living or working on Dover AFB, the facility's location provides unparalleled convenience, reducing travel time and logistics for routine appointments.
• Dedicated to Military Families: The VTF is specifically geared towards supporting military families, understanding their unique needs and schedules, and providing services that fit their lifestyle, including assistance with health certificates for PCS moves.
• Focus on Preventive Medicine: The clinic emphasizes proactive healthcare through vaccinations and routine check-ups, which is key to long-term pet health and can prevent more serious, costly issues down the line.

For appointments or inquiries regarding veterinary services for eligible pets, please use the following contact information:

Address: 643 Atlantic St, Dover, DE 19902, USA

Phone: (302) 677-5252

Mobile Phone: +1 302-677-5252

For military families residing in Delaware, particularly those affiliated with Dover Air Force Base, the Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended option for their pet's veterinary care. Its primary appeal lies in its commitment to providing affordable, compassionate, and high-quality routine care tailored specifically to the military community.

The positive testimonials from local users underscore the facility's strengths: a "very moderately priced" service, coupled with a "knowledgeable and friendly" staff who are "very caring for not only the animals but for me as a dog owner as well." This blend of affordability, expertise, and genuine empathy makes it an invaluable resource for those who serve. The convenience of an on-base location further streamlines pet care for busy military households, from routine vaccinations to essential health certificates needed for moves. While it maintains its core mission of caring for Military Working Dogs, the dedication it extends to family pets ensures that our furry companions receive excellent preventive care within a supportive environment. The Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility stands as a testament to the comprehensive support provided to military families, ensuring the well-being of every member, including the four-legged ones.

Dover AFB Veterinary Treatment Facility

643 Atlantic St, Dover, DE 19902, USA