Minot AFB Veterinary Services Published Feb. 26, 2016 By Airman 1st Class Jessica Weissman MInot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Minot Air Force Base's Veterinary Treatment Facility offers a variety of services to Team Minot's four-legged friends. The VTF offers heartworm tests, preventative medicine, deworming, international code microchipping, digital radiography and dental care. "We know that a lot of military members do not use us as their primary veterinarian," said U.S. Army Capt. Kelly Koinm, Minot AFB VTF officer in charge public health center district Carson. "We want them to know they can still come to us for preventative medicine, such as heartworm or flea and tick medicine. " Minot AFB VTF has a good working relationship with off-base veterinary clinics, said Koinm. "If we have a patient that we can't take care of, we refer them to a clinic off base that will be able to help them better." One of the many services the VTF offers is processing health certificates. Koinm said she can sign off on all health certificates processed through the Minot AFB VTF. "Because I am certified through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the certifications do not have to be processed through the state, so it is a big help for families moving on short notice." "Our certificates are cheaper, and the turn-around time is faster because she is certified," said U.S. Army Staff. Sgt Oliver Brunhoeber, Minot AFB VTF NCO in charge public health center district Carson. As well as offering veterinary care to Team Minot's four-legged friends, Koinm takes care of food audits, animal facility checks and military working dog handler training. "Food audits are handled by a veterinarian to inspect food and make sure it is safe for military members and their families," said Koinm, who aduits for South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. "She audits the food that comes through the commissary, the express and places like the B-Fifty Brew," said Brunhoeber. Animal facility checks are inspections of buildings that house animals for any amount of time, said Koinm. Buildings that are inspected on Minot AFB include the Child Development Center, the horse stables, the MWD facility and the Base Defense Operations Center. "We inspect these facilities to ensure animals are kept in good and clean conditions, and the environment is safe for them to be kept in," said Koinm. "We also play a huge role in Public Health," she added. "We help the local jurisdiction with rabies control." While working hard to ensure animal safety on base and keeping up with appointments within the facility, the VTF staff trains weekly to continue their education. "We train to make sure we are up and running smoothly and safely," said Brunhoeber. The Minot AFB VTF is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointments are scheduled Thursday and Friday, however, over-the-counter sales are still available for things such as preventative medicine. The VTF is currently seeking to hire a veterinarian. If you are interested in this job opportunity, please call the Minot AFB VTF at 701-723-6449.