Domestic pets and their dedicated vets Published Oct. 2, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Trevor T. McBride 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Air Force has several ways for providing care for family members, including those with four legs. The Royal Air Force Feltwell Veterinary Clinic serves family pets of all U.S. forces in the United Kingdom. Although the vet clinic provides mainly preventative medicine services to pets, they also provide minor sick call ultrasound procedures, image and lab services, and minor surgical procedures. "Our mission here is to provide complete comprehensive full care to military working dogs," said Army Capt. Michael Vanderwalker, RAF Feltwell Veterinary Clinic branch chief. "When it comes to family pets, the biggest thing we provide are services such as up-to-date vaccinations, microchip implanting, health certificates, preventative measures against diseases and injuries, and anything else allowing Airmen to travel safely with their pets," he added. Before any services can be provided to any pets, the Air Force requires all owners stationed overseas to register their animals at their local government pet clinic. By doing this, it allows the clinic to be able to return lost pets to their owners. Once a pet is registered, the vet clinic can provide care for a variety of animals. "Our clinic primarily treats dogs and cats," said Vanderwalker. "We may also treat smaller furry animals depending on the veterinarian's area of expertise." Those smaller furry animals currently able to obtain services are rabbits and guinea pigs. The vet clinic strives to make each patient's stay as pleasant as possible, so the clinic staff offers advice for pet owners. "Make sure you have your pet registered and keep up to date with vaccines," said Vanderwalker. The vet clinic is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, contact the RAF Feltwell Veterinary Clinic at 01638 527079 or DSN 226-7079.