SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. —
The scent of antiseptic mixed with the faint musk of wet fur fills the air as the front door swings open. Inside, a golden retriever pants excitedly, its tail thumping against a waiting room chair, while a nervous terrier skitters across the tile, knocking over a water bowl with a sharp clatter.
Voices weave through the space, pet owners swapping stories about their animals and past duty stations, punctuated by the occasional sharp bark. Behind the counter, an assistant with long dark hair and a soft smile juggles a ringing phone and a clipboard, her voice steady as she schedules the next appointment.
Just beyond the windows, a distant train rumbles past, its whistle momentarily drowning out the constant tip-tap of nails clicking across the clinic floor.
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For many military families, pets are more than just animals—they are loyal companions through the challenges of service life. Whether it’s ensuring military working dogs remain in peak condition, assisting families with permanent change of station, or providing medical care, the Scott Veterinary Treatment Facility is at the heart of military pet care.
The clinic’s staff includes one veterinarian, two technicians, and one administrator who work to care for a steady stream of patients, namely, the base’s military working dogs.
“Our mission is military readiness—ensuring our military working dogs are healthy and mission-capable while also supporting public health initiatives like rabies prevention,” said Dr. Chyna Wagoner, Scott VTF veterinarian. “While we provide [veterinarian] services to military families, our priority remains the working dogs, as they are essential to installation security.”
The small but capable team manages everything from routine wellness visits to treating illnesses like ear infections, skin conditions, and digestive issues. While they offer surgical procedures, their single-veterinarian staffing means only one or two surgeries can be scheduled weekly.
“On average, we see about 50 patients per week, depending on the complexity of cases,” Wagoner explained. “Some cases take more time, particularly those involving chronic illnesses or intricate procedures. Our goal is always to provide the best care possible within our capabilities.”
Unlike civilian veterinary clinics, the Scott VTF provides care to military working dogs, Transportation Security Administration dogs, and even Secret Service dogs under contract with the Army Veterinary Corps. These highly trained canines require specialized medical attention to keep them fit for duty.
“There’s a night-and-day difference between treating military working dogs and household pets,” said Melissa Duran, an animal health technician at the clinic. “MWDs are trained to be calm and obedient, whereas family pets can be excitable or anxious. It’s a completely different experience working with them.”
The staff at the Scott VTF not only provides specialized care for these working dogs but also plays an essential role in supporting military families during the stress of a PCS move.
Relocating with pets can be a logistical challenge, especially when moving overseas. The clinic assists families by ensuring their pets meet all health and vaccination requirements before a move.
“As soon as you have an inkling that you’re going somewhere, call us,” advised U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brea Langley, Scott VTF noncommissioned officer in charge. “Some countries have specific vaccine timelines, and we can order those vaccines to ensure everything is done properly. We can also help with paperwork and, in some cases, bypass the U.S. Department of Agriculture approval process, saving families time and money.”
Another advantage of using the clinic is access to the Joint Pathology Center in Maryland. If a pet needs a mass tested, owners only pay shipping fees instead of the higher costs of a civilian pathology lab.
Wagoner said, “A lot of people don’t realize they can bring in a sample to be tested through our partners in Maryland. This service not only provides quick and reliable results but can also save families thousands of dollars in medical bills compared to private labs.”
While they strive to accommodate as many pets as possible, they are not able to handle family emergencies or walk-ins. Appointments can be booked months in advance.
Langley added, “If we refer you off base, it’s not because we don’t want to help—it’s because we want your pet to receive the best care in a timely manner. We love our clients and want them to get the care their pets need as soon as possible.”
Despite these challenges, the Scott VTF has built a loyal client base. Many families with base access travel from hours away to receive care, appreciating the clinic’s affordability and dedication to military families.
“We’re kind of a hidden gem,” Langley said. “Once people find out about us, they love to share their experiences, and we get a lot of word-of-mouth support.”
At the end of the day, the Scott VTF remains committed to providing top-tier care within its means, ensuring working dogs remain fit to fight and family pets stay healthy.
“We’re here to help,” Wagoner said. “We may not always be able to provide the fastest service, but we’ll always do our best to support our military community and their loved pets.”
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