Incirlik Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) Information

Incirlik Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) Information

Services offered

We offer routine medical care for DOD authorized military and civilian personnel. Routine medical care includes vaccinations, health certificates, heartworm and tick testing, Felv/FIV testing, routine blood work, deworming.

We do surgical procedures such as spays, neuters, mass removals, dentals. The wait for elective surgical procedures is approximately 1 month. We do not offer cosmetic surgeries or declaws.

Veterinary Care in Turkey

The standard of veterinary care in Turkey is different than in the United States. In the States, there are emergency clinics with a staff monitoring patients 24 hours a day with the latest technology. The Incirlik VTF does not have the capabilities and neither do veterinarians in Adana. We do not have access to specialists or further diagnostics such as CT/MRI.

All veterinarians have different capabilities and knowledge. This is true with Turkish veterinarians. They receive extensive training (5 years of college), but do have their limitations. They do not necessarily have the resources available to know the newest veterinary knowledge or equipment. Additionally, most do not speak English. We have a list of Turkish veterinarians that speak English on our door.We do not endorse any civilian veterinarians but offer this list as an alternative. The Incirlik VTF and the Turkish veterinarians try to offer the best veterinary care possible, but there ARE limitations on our treatment options.

Pet Registration

All pets must be registered at the Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) within 7 days. A microchip (AVID identification process) will be placed in your pet at the time of your visit, if the pet is not chipped already. This microchip is used to identify your pet in case your pet is lost. If your pet does not have a microchip and is caught by CE they will take the animal to the Adana Stray Facility.

Housing Regulations

Pets are required to be vaccinated for rabies. Rabies vaccination needs to be done yearly; no exceptions.

Pets must be strictly controlled in all housing areas. All dogs must be on a leash unless they are at the Dog Park. Cats are not allowed to roam.

For all Base regulations covering animals on Incirlik please refer to IABI 44-101

Stray Animals around Base

DO NOT PET OR FEED STRAY ANIMALS!!!! These animals can be very domestic but can carry the risk of rabies and other infectious disease that can infect humans. If you see any animal on base that is not on a leash or properly identified please contact CE at 676-7008. If you are bitten by a stray animal you must immediately contact Public Health and your Health Care Provider to determine the need for rabies prophylaxis. All strays who bite humans are euthanized to determine if they are infected with rabies. If you see any animal that is acting peculiar, salivating at the mouth, or weird behavior call CE.

Zoonotic Risks

Zoonotic means transfer between humans and animals. Pets can transmit parasites to humans through feces (intestinal parasites) and skin contact (mange, ringworm). Infections are more common in children, elderly, and immune compromised. For this reason, we recommend routine dewormings and always wash your hands after handling animals. If you have further questions please speak with the veterinarian or medical care provider.

Abandoning pets

Abandoning pets in Turkey is punishable under UCMJ. If you find that you are no longer able to have a pet in Turkey, you must find a new home for the pet with a US military member or transport the pet back to the States (which can be very expensive). There are bulletin boards in the vet clinic and post office where signs can be placed for pets needing adoption. Ultimately it is YOUR responsibility to find the pet a new home. If you abandon the pet you may be subject to disciplinary action.

Pet sitters

We have included a list of people that would be willing to watch your pet while you are on leave or TDY. Additionally, there are boarding facilities off base.

Dog Park

A dog park is located near the golf course across from CE and the old stables. This is the only place on base where dogs can technically be off leash. The Dog park is not managed by the VTF but by other base personnel. Any place where multiple animals congregate increases the risk of transfer of disease and possible fights. Please ensure your pet is current on vaccinations, dewormed and controllable at all times.