Veterinary Treatment Facility keeping you and your animals healthy

"We offer all the standard services including some sick-call appointments for skin, eye and ear problems. We also offer some surgeries on a case-by-case basis to our clients to keep our training requirements up-to-date," explained Army Veterinarian Capt. (Dr.) Maggie Palopoli, officer-in-charge of SADVC.

"We are here for our service member's pets and will provide appropriate veterinary services to their animals," continued Palopoli, who arrived here last September and who also oversees the clinics at NS Mayport, NSB Kings Bay, Ga. and NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The veterinary treatment facility has two examination rooms complete with computers allowing staff members to document all the animal's health information. A small laboratory to conduct heartworm, feline leukemia and intestinal parasite testing (any other needed tests are sent out with results usually back within 24 hours), an X-ray room, surgical prep area with a surgical tub treatment area to perform dentistries and other small procedures and a sterile surgery room are also part of the facility.

J.D., a corgi and chow mix, takes refuge underneath the clinic furniture before going in for his exam and shots.

"Our primary responsibility is to treat the military working dogs here. We use the X-ray and surgical rooms specifically for their care. It's our job to provide all their veterinary care to keep them healthy so they can perform their duties and remain deployable," said Palopoli.

One of the biggest requests by clients is the need for health certificates for their pets. "We issue a lot of health certificates for military members who are transferring. There are very specific guidelines and they change frequently when pets travel overseas," added Palpoli.

The clinic staff also offers a microchip identification procedure that is required for all military members who have animals living in base housing. This painless procedure identifies pets by scanning and tracking their identification if they become lost or if they are left behind when a family moves.

Medications such as flea and tick control, heartworm prevention and prescription foods are also available at a discounted price.

Coco, a 3-month-old chihauhau, waits in line to check in for his appointment.

While offering veterinary care to the military working dogs and military member's pets is an important aspect of the SADVC Jacksonville Branch mission, there is another mission of this organization. That is to inspect all food products delivered on the base including items received by the NAS Jax Commissary and all restaurants and food service facilities here.

Veterinary food inspectors play a critical role in veterinary medicine. Each of these inspectors is specifically trained to conduct food safety inspections in all departments at the commissary and at the commercial vendor's sites who supply the food to the military.

"Our job is to maintain the morale, welfare and safety of our troops and their families by ensuring the quality and wholesomeness of foods that are brought into the installation," explained Army Food Inspector Pfc. Latonya Rabb. "While we work primarily in the NAS Jax Commissary inspecting food, we also conduct customer visits to various food establishments here such as the galleys, Navy Exchange Food Court, McDonalds, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department facilities and any place that carries food products."

Every meat and produce delivery that comes into the commissary must be inspected before any items can be put on the commissary floor. "We ensure that the troops, their families and other commissary patrons are receiving the highest quality meals and that no potential health hazards threaten their well-being," added Palpoli.

Army Capt. Maggie Palopoli gives Military Working Dog Nnick a full exam which will ensure his overall health and deployability while MA2 Robert Callabro of NAS Jax Security Department calms him.

The food inspectors work hard to make sure that military members and their families are provided with the best quality food available. The veterinary clinic is located in Building 537 on Biscayne Street. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with clinic days on Mondays and Wednesday. To make an appointment, call 542-3786.

Louie, a lhasa apso, has his blood drawn by Spc. Aaron Brock as his owner Barbara Gober holds him tight and her daughter, Allie, a JROTC student from Ridgeview High School comforts him. Louie was at the clinic for his regular wellness visit.