Col. Dale Harrell, 78th MDG commander, was joined by base leadership to mark the re-opening.

“This facility is simply amazing,” said Harrell. “I am blown away at the design. It is state-of-the art and they spared no expense to help serve our military working dogs that are so important to our lethality and helping our Airmen do their jobs here and abroad.”

The $3 million project makes new services possible, such as an operating room, ultrasound exams, dental exams and x-rays.

“One of the biggest changes that I really like is how the back area of the building is totally opened up,” said U.S. Army Sgt. David Lee Wolfington Jr., U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility noncommissioned officer in charge. “This building was an old optometry clinic that had those long narrow rooms for vision exams that were not ideal for what we do. But now we have a functional facility that makes caring for working dogs easier.”

The Army is the only branch of military service with a veterinary component and thus provides support to the Air Force, Navy, Marines and other federal government agencies, like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“This is a fine example of how the Army and Air Force can work jointly. We are lucky to have the talented team the Army provides us in this Defense Health Agency-owned facility,” said Harrell.

The clinic staff also has a new member.

The much needed veterinarian slot has been filled, after being vacant for two years.

“Having Dr. Christina McNeal join our team will allow us to do more here in terms of treatment for the MWDs,” Wolfington said. “She can perform surgeries or necropsies as needed. Had an emergency happened before she arrived, the MWDs would have had to get surgical help hours away at Army installations Fort Stewart or Fort Benning.”

According to Wolfington, when a MWD dies, regardless of cause, protocol dictates a necropsy must be performed. With the new layout, there is a dedicated area in the clinic to conduct that procedure.

The doors of the clinic are also open to personal pets of active-duty military members, reservist and retired military personnel.

Services include vaccines, annual check-ups, spays and neuters, routine testing and dental procedures.

“Now that we have a veterinarian, we want people to come and use our facilities,” said Wolfington. “We are capable of providing great care here on base, so come see us.”

The veterinary clinic is located at 655 7th Street, Building 703, across from the 78th Medical Group building.

Pets are seen by appointment only. Call 478-327-8448.