Military veterinary treatment facilities (VTF)

Army veterinarians provide health care for government-owned animals and for animals of individuals authorized military privileges, with an emphasis on wellness, preventive medicine, and outpatient services. Veterinary services will be provided across the full spectrum of veterinary medicine. These services are an important benefit for service members and their families. These clinical platforms also provide a critical training and proficiency base for Army veterinarians. Authorized veterinary services, for both active duty and retired personnel, are the same for personnel living on or off post. The military veterinary treatment facility is operated by the veterinary officer or designated civilian veterinarian in charge, and all assistants are under their direct supervision. A valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship (VCPR) will be established prior to initiating treatment. Veterinary services will not be provided in support of any commercial operations raising animals (pet or livestock) for sale or profit

Cooperation and referral between civilian and military veterinary personnel is strongly encouraged. Participation of military veterinary service personnel in local and state veterinary activities such as associations, immunization campaigns, fairs, epizootic control programs, public relations functions, etc. in a professionally complementary manner is authorized and encouraged. The vital "One Health" human and animal health effort may require government and civilian veterinarians to partner in an overwhelming event such as natural or man-made disasters or disease outbreaks. Army veterinarians may be authorized to assist the local veterinary association or other appropriate civilian authority in these situations, upon request and, with the approval of their chain of command.

The AVMA recognizes and supports Department of Defense animal and public health programs. In the event clarification is needed on the activities of a particular military veterinary treatment facility, the president of the local veterinary association should first contact the veterinary officer in charge, and if further clarification is needed, the American Veterinary Medical Association.