Base vet provides special care for No.1 patients

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mark Woodbury
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
It's a role she says she thoroughly enjoys, but there is still more to her job than just caring for the needs of the base residents' pets.

For Army Capt. Jodi Sangster, the job as base veterinarian requires her to balance three different responsibilities for the base -- each with a different description and each with different level of importance in her work week.

The most highly-visible part of her job is caring for people's pets, according to Captain Sangster. But, the biggest reason the military has veterinarians is to take care of the military working dogs assigned to the base.

This is why she says it is the number one priority on her weekly schedule.

"The military working dogs receive the same medical care treatment as an active-duty (Airman) does -- and they are certainly entitled to it," she said. "The dogs work hard to earn it."

The working dogs are required to see Captain Sangster twice a year for routine check-ups and teeth cleanings.

The dogs also receive a pre-deployment physical examination and inoculation checks and are required to see Captain Sangster within 24 hours of arriving home from a deployment.

For the dog handlers who see their working dogs as partner and fellow Airman, the service Captain Sangster provides is important to them accomplishing their mission.

"Captain Sangster provides an important service for our us," Tech. Sgt. Jon Camplin, 95th Security Forces Squadron kennel master. "She makes sure our dogs are able to perform their important mission by making sure they are physically ready."

Captain Sangster's number-two job priority, surprisingly enough even to her, is food safety for the base.

Captain Sangster is required to inspect various manufacturing facilities who sell their food items at the commissary -- a job she says takes up a good amount of her time.

"A big part of my time is driving around to (the surrounding cities) where these companies produce their products," she said. "I do a walk-through inspection either quarterly or yearly at the facilities to make sure they are following safe practices."

Captain Sangster's number-three priority is providing veterinary care for the base residents' pets.

"I really love this part of my job. I really like seeing people's pets," she said. "But, I am not able to be here everyday for it."

Due to the time she has to dedicate to her other job responsibilities, it only allows her to see base pets one day a week. Seeing pets once a week, however, doesn't stop her from seeing more than 1,800 clients a year.

Because of her other responsibilities and the number of pets on Edwards, she says there is no way she is able to provide 24-hour emergency services for base resident pets. "If I did, I would be a walking zombie," she said.

In case of an emergency, residents should take their pet to the 24-hour facility in Palmdale, Calif.