Ellsworth VTF provides for four-legged Airmen

By Airman 1st Class Denise Nevins, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs / Published January 15, 2016

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Staff Sgt. Brandon Potts, 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, throws a toy to Tali, 28th SFS MWD, during a training exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Oct. 15, 2015. The Ellsworth Veterinary Treatment Facility’s mission is to provide annual examinations and vaccinations to ensure the MWDs are fit to do their duty every day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Sadie Colbert/Released)

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Anita, 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, bites Staff Sgt. Michael Gwin, 28th SFS MWD handler, during control aggression training at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Oct. 15, 2015. In addition to ensuring the overall health of the MWDs, the Ellsworth Veterinary Treatment Facility also helps deployment readiness by providing needed vaccines and treatments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Sadie Colbert/Released)

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Leia, a 12-week-old golden retriever puppy, has her vitals taken during a wellness checkup at the Ellsworth Veterinary Treatment Facility at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 12, 2016. The VTF provides many services, including x-rays and dental treatments, for the military working dogs and privately owned pets at Ellsworth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Denise M. Nevins/Released)

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Kim Miller, Ellsworth Veterinary Treatment Facility technician, left, and Army Capt. Katherine Scott, Ellsworth VTF officer-in-charge, administer a vaccination to Gizmo, a 3-month-old kitten, during a wellness checkup at the VTF at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Jan. 12, 2016. Many of the vaccinations the VTF provides contribute to the health and wellness of the furry friends at Ellsworth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Denise M. Nevins/Released)

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The Army and civilian veterinarians at the Ellsworth Veterinary Treatment Facility are committed to providing annual examinations and vaccines for the 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs, in addition to training the MWD handler's on basic first-aid.

"Our contribution to the mission of Ellsworth [Air Force Base] is through providing veterinary care for the military working dogs," said Army Capt. Katherine Scott, Ellsworth VTF officer-in-charge. "They are considered Airmen, so we ensure they are fit to do their duty every day, while also providing support for the deployment mission by making sure they are all up to date on their vaccines."

The VTF primarily cares for the nine MWDs assigned to Ellsworth. Accomplishing this and offering an affordable pet care option to active-duty servicemembers, National Guardsmen, reservists, retirees and Department of Defense personnel, allows Scott to pursue her passion.

"This job lets me do what I love to do, while also providing a way for people to have options when it comes to the health and well-being of their beloved pets," Scott said.

Located behind the Women, Infant and Children office, the clinic is equipped to serve approximately 150 patients a month. For more information or to schedule an appointment with the VTF, call (605) 385-1589.