Man's best friend

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
One of Whiteman's smallest facilities is home to one of the bases biggest operational support functions. The Whiteman Veterinarian Treatment Facility consists of a two-person team that tends to Whiteman's four-legged wingmen.

Veterinarian technicians Army Staff Sgt. Eduardo Quezada and Natalie Smith man the clinic Monday through Friday to help keep them well.

"Our main mission here is to assist the military working dogs, but we also run a vet treatment clinic for our military servicemembers families," said Mrs. Smith. "We offer comparable pet vaccinations package deals to help customers save money on already low prices. The package deals are a new addition to our clinic."

According to Sergeant Quezada, vaccinations are also offered at an economical cost compared to its off-base competitors Tuesdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. by appointment only.

"On an average Tuesday, we tend to an estimated 35 patients," Mrs. Smith said. "It gets pretty hairy in here. We want to ensure our furry-friends receive proper care at each visit."

According to Sergeant Quezada, veterinarians travel from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. to Whiteman to administer various vaccines and address minor; skin, respiratory and ear sick calls.

"Additionally, we are equipped and able to cater to pets experiencing geriatric changes and mild lameness," Sergeant Quezada said.

According to Mrs. Smith, the VTF can do most anything that a civilian vet would do with some limitations.

"We don't have the capability to provide surgeries, dentals, x-rays or emergencies, but we do provide information on local civilian vets that can do those things," Mrs. Smith said.

Together, the VTF and base housing management staff are here to aid in keeping pets legal, safe and healthy.

According to Joel Klonowski, base housing assistant, servicemembers who transfer to Whiteman should be aware of the pet policies here. Whiteman base housing residents should reference Instruction 48-131 manual, which states that all animals residing on-base shall be registered at the VTF within five-working days after arrival. On-base residents are allowed three pets per household. Furthermore, individuals residing in base housing will have a micro chip inserted into their animals to expedite owner identification.

To make an appointment and for more information, eligible patrons can contact the VTF at (660)-687-2667. Clinic hours of operations are Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. For additional information regarding the WAFB Instruction 48-131 manual, patrons can contact the Whiteman Housing Management office at (660)-687-4417.