AFTER two weeks of providing free veterinary services to the Saipan community, the 445th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service of the U.S. Army Reserves Command exceeded their mission quota.
A total of 240 animals were spayed and neutered, and 302 animals were vaccinated.
According to the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs, the licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians performed surgical procedures, vaccinations, and physical exams on local animals and pets from June 19 to 30.
Spay and neuter operations were offered at Saipan Cares for Animals in Gualo Rai, while vaccinations were provided at the Gualo Rai Youth Center, all at no cost to community members.
“The veterinary service mission is a military premier training of the Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training under the Secretary of Defense to enhance military readiness and survivability in contingency environment while providing direct benefit to communities in need of assistance,” said the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs.
IRT is a program that allows service members to work with local communities in need of assistance.
The Office of the Governor requested military support to provide veterinary services to aid in the sterilization of feral animals and in the vaccination of pets on island.
Appointments were not needed; services were offered on a first come, first served basis.
The CBMA said Saipan provided the critical platform needed for this Medical IRT mission, while the mission provided the community with critical veterinary services, a mutually beneficial partnership.
Members of the 445th Medical Detachment Veterinary Service of the U.S. Army Reserves Command pose for a photo.
