Shaw vet clinic announces upcoming changes Published Feb. 24, 2010 By Shaw veterinary clinic staff 20th Fighter Wing SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The staff of the Shaw Veterinary Treatment Facility announced changes in fees and services. In October, veterinary care will be merging with preventive medicine to form one public health organization. Although this will be a big change for each of these units, and the merger may cause some "bumps in the road," the current services provided by the veterinary clinic will ultimately improve. One change that will happen prior to the merger is standardization of all military veterinary clinics. This means no matter which VTF you utilize, the same services will be available with the same prices and standards. Beginning March 15, user fees will change. There will now be a $25 exam fee for animals to be seen by the veterinarian, and a $10 fee to see a technician. There will also be price increases prices for vaccines, heartworm tests and microchips. Currently, there are no changes in the costs of medications, or heartworm or flea and tick preventives. There will be a restructuring in the fee schedule, but the goal continues to be high quality care at the lowest cost. Fees will be the same for all clients at all military veterinary treatment facilities. Standardization of these services will be accompanied by the veterinary profession's move towards wellness, as well as promoting public health and providing consistency in veterinary care. Information will be updated and made available as the VTF conforms to new policies. Any questions can be addressed to the veterinary staff at (803) 895-9552.