Veterinary Service

The U.S. Army Veterinary Services-Alaska provides veterinary medical care for all Department of Defense installations throughout the state. Direct your questions about policies regarding pets in Alaska to the Branch Chief at 384-2865. If you need further assistance you may contact the Commander at the Alaska District Veterinary Command at 361-5453.

Animal companionship can be especially beneficial to a service family stationed in Alaska, but it should be emphasized that pets are a privilege and keeping them on post entails many responsibilities.

Each family is authorized two pets, which must be registered with the post veterinarian. Pet owners are responsible for the well-being of their animals, as well as the sanitation of the environment.

Owners who cannot adequately care for and maintain their pets will be asked to remove them from the installation. Indoor pets are the easiest to maintain because of the restrictive climate and compactness of the family housing area.

There are strict regulations about the types of pets that may be kept outdoors and the environmental temperatures at which they must be removed to proper shelter. Alaska winters pose a significant health risk to most pet breeds if required to spend significant lengths of time outdoors.

Owners of parrots and other birds should contact their local USDA or state agriculture department prior to coming to Alaska to learn the most recent regulations governing movement of these birds through Canada to Alaska.

Veterinary services available include immunizations for rabies and other animal diseases, post registration, microchipping, health certificate examinations and sick call with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for infectious diseases. Boarding and hospitalization are not available, and surgery capability is limited. Due to availability of civilian veterinarians in the local communities and limitations of the military veterinary services, emergency care should be sought off post.

The Veterinary Treatment Facility is in Building 47-815, on the Davis Highway between Fifth and Sixth streets. Personnel may schedule appointments by calling 384-2865, Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Veterinary Treatment Facility website at www.usarak.army.mil/vet.