.da_story_info span
{
color: #333333;
}
SFS reminds base populace about pet control
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Personnel from the 30th Security Forces Squadron here are reminding base residents about the existence of the Vandenberg Stray Animal Facility (Building 11478) here.
The 30th SFS houses stray animals found on base for a five-day period before turning the animals over to the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter in Lompoc.
"Having this facility here is a great resource for pet owners who reside on base," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Johnson, the 30th SFS NCO in charge of resource protection. "It is cheaper for residents whose pet(s) get caught here than if their pet is caught off the installation and impounded by Animal Services."
Although the base has its own impoundment facility, security forces personnel are also reminding the base populace about pet owner responsibility.
"It is very important to control your pets," Sergeant Johnson said. "When pets get out, it takes away from base resources and security personnel to catch the pet and process it."
According to 30th Space Wing Instruction 31-107, "A pet found running loose (outside the house/fenced yard) is evidence the pet owner or custodian is not properly controlling their pet. The Security Forces will impound all loose pets and complete a 30 SW Form 313, Animal Impoundment/Release Record."
In addition to impoundment fees at the Vandenberg Stray Animal Facility ($20 initial cost and $.50 for each additional day), the owner of an impounded animal will receive a failure to control pet memorandum, which will be reported to the owner's unit.
Individuals first arriving to Vandenberg will need to register their pets with the base veterinarian office upon in-processing with the installation. Specifically, all cats and dogs must be registered at Vandenberg's U.S. Army Veterinary Treatment Facility (Building 10314) within 30 days of the pet's arrival.
"If you lose a pet, please call the Vandenberg Emergency Communication Center at 606-3912 to find out if it has been found by security forces," said Sergeant Johnson. "During duty hours the owner can contact the VECC to retrieve their pet and pay the impoundment fees."
The Vandenberg Stray Animal Facility is open for animal pickup 24-hours a day, seven days a week.