Holloman opens new vet clinic

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The new veterinary clinic opened its doors Nov. 14 in a ceremony on Holloman Air Force Base. 

A new clinic was needed for improved care of the military working dogs, said Army Sgt. Leona Thomas, vet clinic NCOIC. Services will be extended to privately owned pets also.
"The old facility was antiquated and run down," said Mr. Maurice Lopez, 49th Medical Group health care facility manager. "It took 10 months to build the new facility." 

"The old clinic was 1,300 square feet, with one treatment room and a small reception area, reducing the amount of patients that could be accommodated," said Sergeant Thomas. "The only services available were vaccinations and minor sick call visits." 

The new facility has 3,200 square feet of space making more room for more capabilities. 

"There is a large, spacious reception area, two fully equipped treatment rooms, an X-ray room, a laboratory/pharmacy, a surgical prep room, a full surgical suite, a recuperating room, a separate laundry room and plenty of storage space," said Sergeant Thomas. 

The veterinary services of Holloman are run by Army personnel because the Army is the only branch of the military with veterinary services, said Sergeant Thomas. Services provided are vaccinations, deworming, microchips, sick exams, health certificates, and various tests and surgeries. 

The clinic is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. and Monday through Friday for over-the-counter-sales only. Office visits, sick calls and surgeries are by appointment only. 

For more information, call the vet clinic at 572-3303.