FORT HOOD, Texas — The Fort Hood Veterinary Center wants soldiers and their families to know they are open for business if their four-legged family member is in need of a checkup.
The services they are offering, however, are limited because of COVID-19.
“We are open,” said Capt. Wendy Evans, officer in charge of the Fort Hood clinic, “but we are currently only scheduling for routine wellness, PCS health certificates, medication refill, and travel related required lab work (i.e. FAVN testing).”
Appointment procedures have been altered at the clinic to comply with social distancing guidelines.
"We are limiting the number of clients in the building to comply with social distancing guidelines," Evans said. She also adds that wait times are longer between scheduled appointments as staff sanitize common areas.
To help keep things clean and to stay within guidelines set forth, Evans said those who arrive for appointments are asked to stay inside their vehicles at all times unless requested to come inside the clinic.
When making an appointment, the caller must provide the clinic with their vehicle make/model and license plate number. After they arrive, they are being asked to call the front desk at to check in.
The VETCEN is requiring all dogs to be on a leash and cats must be inside a carrier when a staff member comes to the car to retrieve the animal and discuss the requested services. At the conclusion of the examination, payment will be made over the phone and the animal will be taken back to the vehicle along with any medications. Abnormal tests will be highlighted or a doctor will call to discuss the findings.
“Our pets are beloved family members, and their health during this pandemic is important,” said Evans. “Even though COVID-19 has altered our patient services, we want to ensure the Fort Hood population that the VETCEN remains committed to caring for your furry family members. Even though our new procedures may be inconvenient, they are all about service and safety to our customers and staff."
Clinic appointment times are 9:00-11:30 AM and 1:00-3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursdays are for medication refills only.
Appointments may be made by calling (254) 287-6719 and a valid military-issued ID is required prior to the appointment time.
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