AR 40-905 — Veterinary Health Services {secnavinst 6401.1b; Afi 48-131}
AR 40-905 governs policies, responsibilities, and procedures for providing veterinary health services across the Department of Defense.
- Publication number: AR 40-905
- Title: VETERINARY HEALTH SERVICES {SECNAVINST 6401.1B; AFI 48-131}
- Date: 08/29/2006
- Proponent: TSG
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 40-905 on armypubs.army.mil
AR 40-905 addresses veterinary responsibilities, animal care, disease prevention, immunizations, fiscal management, controlled substances, medical records, and warning signs. It requires complete care for DOD-owned animals, establishes reimbursable care provisions for other animals, and sets requirements for humane treatment and disease control.
Topics covered
- Veterinary health services
- DOD-owned animals
- Privately owned animals
- Animal disease prevention
- Military working dogs
- Controlled substances
- Warning signs
Questions and answers
What veterinary care is authorized for DOD-owned animals?
Complete veterinary medical and surgical service is authorized for DOD-owned animals. (paragraph 3-1)
How are veterinary services for nonappropriated animals provided?
Animals used to generate funds for NAFIs, including NAF-managed, and DOD-owned horses, will be provided preventive medical care as resources allow, on a reimbursable basis. Complete veterinary medical and surgical care may be provided on a reimbursable basis, as time, expertise, and resources allow. (paragraph 3-3)
When can veterinary prescription drugs and prescription diets be used?
Veterinary prescription drugs and prescription diets are to be used or prescribed only within the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR). Filling of prescriptions without a valid VCPR is not authorized. (paragraph 3-4)
What rabies prophylaxis must be available to personnel at risk?
Ensure that pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis will be made available to all personnel with occupational rabies exposure risk, in keeping with current recommendations published annually by the Public Health Service Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. (paragraph 2-4)
When may euthanasia be performed for a DOD-owned animal?
When a DOD-owned animal (including MWDs) is diagnosed with a medical condition that constitutes an immediate threat to life or limb, euthanasia may be performed to prevent undue suffering. (paragraph 3-4)