Because of the joy they bring into our lives, we regard our pets as members of our family. Although taking care of pets while serving in the military can be difficult, many services exist to help. Military veterinary clinics, foster care or pet sitters for military deployment, pet insurance, pet sitting, and relocating permanently with your military pet are some of the services offered here.
Your housing options may be limited if you have multiple pets, a lot of pets, or only certain dog breeds. Finding a home or apartment that will accept Fluffy and Fido can become a constant task for military personnel, who typically move every two to three years. If you do manage to find a rental that allows pets, be prepared to pay more each month for rent, a pet deposit, or pet rent (or possibly all three). ).
Additionally, the price of veterinary care varies greatly depending on where you live. A teeth cleaning costing $200 where you currently reside does not guarantee that it will cost $200 at your next duty station. While you can compare prices, be aware that costs may change when you move.
Many families, including military families, place a high value on their pets. What is remarkable is how having a pet can affect a military family’s finances in ways that it doesn’t affect budgets for civilian families. If you are in the military and have a pet (or are considering getting one), you must be ready for the three additional pet expenses that come with living in the military.
With the exception of a small allowance to cover the cost of the necessary quarantine, the military does not pay for the cost of moving pets. All costs associated with travel, crates, and immunizations fall under the purview of the service member. Moving domestically might entail looking for pet-friendly lodgings, while moving internationally might entail special examinations, quarantine fees, entry fees, and boarding while you look for a place to live. We have one cat, who is now 21. He and his deceased sister have resided in Hawaii, Australia, Italy, and the UK. Moving these cats from place to place has cost us, in my estimation, close to $10,000. (Gee, that is a lot of money. Its just really hitting me. ).
Although they can be a blessing, pets can also be expensive. Make sure you budget extra money for your pet if you have one. If you don’t have pets or are considering getting more, seriously consider how you’ll cover the costs.
Use a Military Veterinary Facility (if Available)
Many families are unaware of how much money they can save by using military veterinary services available on-post. Compared to civilian veterinary facilities, the prices for services at these facilities are significantly lower. To learn about the full range of services offered by your neighborhood military veterinary clinic, you’ll need to contact them because they might not provide hospitalization or surgical care. They might be a full-service or limited-service facility if they do provide surgical services. Some facilities may even offer pet dental cleanings. Appointments are frequently scarce and in high demand because of the volume of military personnel who utilize their neighborhood military veterinary clinics. Make sure to call as far in advance as necessary to make an appointment.
If you compare prices, all services are considerably less expensive than facilities used by the general public. Preventative care, such as vaccinations and monthly heartworm and flea and tick treatment, is significantly less expensive than routine care. If your pet has never been microchipped, having it done on-site is much more affordable. The annual subscription fee is typically waived for active-duty military members, and the microchipping fee is minimal. By saving you hundreds of dollars in subscription fees over the course of your pet’s life, this benefit more than pays for itself.
Use a civilian facility for treatments, surgeries, and emergencies that may not be covered by the military facility, and the military facility for routine and preventative care to maximize your financial benefit. The tricky part, if you choose this course of action, is making sure that your pet’s records are updated between the two facilities after each visit to ensure that all data is current.
Ready for the Workforce Workforce
Canine soldiers who wish to serve in the military on a regular basis must complete the Military Working Dog Training Program, regardless of their Puppy Program pedigrees or other qualifications.
The majority of dogs that complete the 120-day program successfully are eligible to become dual-purpose dogs that either patrol and sniff out explosives or patrol and detect drugs. The 341st Training Squadron, which has been training dogs at the base since the 1950s, also manages it, and it’s also in San Antonio.
Dogs who have completed their training in San Antonio join one of the services as employees. Like their human colleagues, the dogs typically remain with their designated service throughout their careers.
When dogs like Benny arrive from San Antonio at the Air Forces 673rd Security Forces Squadron, they have a few weeks to get to know their handlers before training, training, and more training begins. Benny’s handler describes what they do, why they do it, and what it’s like to work with a coworker who frequently bites his arm.
Dogs need training to become accustomed to the sounds, sights, and sensations they might experience at work, just as they need training to develop their specific job skills, such as sniffing out bombs or catching criminals. James Grant, a Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class, must first prepare his partner, Sonya, for the wind, noise, and motion of being lifted into a helicopter and flown at a great height.
Military working dogs perform dangerous and physically taxing tasks. The military ensures they have access to cutting-edge medical care when they need it in addition to keeping them in top physical condition through training. The Lt. Col. Daniel E. The Defense Department’s top veterinary facility, Holland Military Working Dog Hospital in San Antonio, provides care for all military working dogs around the world.
There are primary responsibilities and occasionally requested extra tasks for any job. You might be required to assist with the dog and pony show if a VIP is visiting your place of business, for example. And so do dogs – just without the ponies.
FAQ
Can you take your dog to the military?
Pets are permitted on American military installations as members of the family, but they must be leashed when navigating the base.
How do you join the military if you have a dog?
If you reside in family housing on a military base, you are permitted to have a dog. You cannot have visitors if you live in the barracks (or dorms if you’re in the Air Force). However, you might be able to live elsewhere, in a pet-friendly apartment. Someone will need to take care of your dog if you are deployed.
Can I join the Air Force if I have a dog?
Dogs of any breed, including mixed breeds, that are considered to be “aggressive” or “potentially aggressive” cannot be brought onto USAFA by individuals, with the exception of trained military working dogs who are boarded or handled by their handler.
Can you bring your dog to basic training?
No, you can not do this. While you are in training and tech school, you will need to find someone else to take care of your dog. Additionally, based on the rank you will receive after graduating from technical school, you might need to find a permanent home for your dog elsewhere.