48th SFS Veterinary Clinic Critical for MWDs

Keeping paws on the frontline: The importance of the veterinary clinic at the 48th — U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andres Lara, 48th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, helps inspect the ears of his Military Working Dog, Brenda, with U.S. Army Capt. Hana DeMartelaere, Veterinary Corps United Kingdom branch chief, at RAF Feltwell, England, March 24, 2025. The clinic's primary mission is to ensure that the SF K-9 units are always physically and mentally fit for any scenario they may encounter. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England — The Veterinary Clinic, located on RAF Feltwell, plays a critical role in maintaining the health and readiness of military working dogs while also providing essential care for the pets of service members stationed in the United Kingdom.

The clinic’s primary mission is to ensure that the Security Forces K-9 units are always physically and mentally fit for any scenario they may encounter.

The military working dogs undergo rigorous training and operational duties, making them susceptible to injuries, stress, and fatigue. The veterinary team provides regular check-ups, emergency care, and preventive treatments to keep these animals in peak condition. From routine vaccinations and dental care to specialized orthopedic treatments, the clinic ensures that each K-9 is mission-ready at all times. Their commitment to these working dogs directly impacts base security and operational effectiveness.

“I try to ensure I see each K-9 monthly, especially because they play such a vital role in base safety and security,” said U.S. Army Capt. Hana DeMartelaere, Veterinary Corps United Kingdom branch chief. “I’m motivated to make sure these animals are healthy and they’re able to protect and serve as they were trained.”

While the clinic’s primary focus is the military working dogs, when not attending to the needs of the K-9 units, they also extend their services to personal pets whenever possible.The clinic’s dedicated staff does their absolute best to see personal pets and provide them with proper medical attention. The clinic offers routine check-ups, vaccinations, microchipping, parasite prevention, and emergency care for the pets of military personnel and their families. Given the high demand for appointments, they strive to accommodate as many patients as possible while ensuring high-quality care.

Their role is unique as they provide veterinary services for all Department of Defense members in the United Kingdom.

This responsibility means that military families stationed at RAF Mildenhall, RAF Alconbury, RAF Croughton, and other USAF installations rely on RAF Lakenheath’s veterinary staff for pet care. Despite the challenge of managing a large volume of patients, the clinic remains committed to delivering exceptional veterinary services across the region.

In addition to routine and emergency veterinary care, the clinic also plays a role in educating military personnel on proper pet care and overseas pet travel regulations. For those stationed in the U.K., understanding local pet import and quarantine rules is essential, and the clinic helps families navigate these requirements. They also offer advice on nutrition, behavior, and general wellness to keep pets healthy in a foreign environment.

The clinic also trains Security Forces military working dog handlers how to tend to their K-9 in critical situations.. They can identify, temporarily treat, and comfort their animal.

“Unfortunately, dogs don’t talk. These are workers. They do what they were trained to do. So, it’s my responsibility to ensure that as her partner, I’m able to tend to her and make sure she’s ok,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andres Lara, 48th SFS military working dog handler. “Just as I am her partner, she is mine. She’s responsible for so much around Lakenheath, and it’s my responsibility that we stay a mission-ready team.”

For many service members and their families, their pets are an integral part of their lives, providing companionship and emotional support during their overseas assignment. The clinic recognizes this bond and strives to provide compassionate and professional care to every pet that comes through its doors. Whether it’s a routine health check or an urgent medical issue, the staff works tirelessly to ensure that all animals receive the attention they deserve.

While balancing the challenges of their primary mission with the demands of personal pet care, the clinic remains an indispensable resource for both military working dogs and the pets of service members. Their dedication to ensuring the health, safety, and operational readiness of K-9 units while still providing quality care to personal pets highlights their unwavering commitment to the United States Air Force.