Army veterinarians provide health care for government-owned animals and for animals of individuals authorized military privileges, with an emphasis on wellness, preventive medicine, and outpatient services. Veterinary services will be provided across the full spectrum of veterinary medicine, as directed by the Department of Defense. These services are an important benefit for the Department of Defense service member and their family and also provide a critical training and proficiency base for the Army Veterinary Service personnel. Authorized veterinary services, for both active duty and retired personnel, are the same for personnel living off post as for those living on post. The military Veterinary Treatment Facility is operated by the Veterinary Corps Officer (VCO) or designated Veterinary Service civilian veterinarian, and all assistants are under their direct supervision. A valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship (VCPR) will be established prior to initiating treatment. Veterinary services will not be provided in support of any commercial operations raising animals (pet or livestock) for sale or profit.

Cooperation and referral between civilian and military veterinary personnel are strongly encouraged. Participation of military veterinary service personnel in local and state veterinary activities such as associations, immunization campaigns, fairs, epizootic control programs, public relations functions, etc. in a professionally complementary manner is authorized and encouraged. The vital "One Medicine" human and animal health effort may require military and civilian veterinarians to partner in an overwhelming event such as natural or man-made disasters or disease outbreaks. Army veterinarians are authorized to assist the local veterinary association or other appropriate civilian authority in these situations, upon request and, with the approval of their chain of command.

The AVMA recognizes and supports Department of Defense animal medicine and public health programs administered by military veterinary personnel. In the event clarification is needed on the activities of a particular military Veterinary Treatment Facility, the president of the local veterinary association should first contact the local Veterinary Corps Officer (VCO) and his/ her chain of command, and if further clarification is needed, the American Veterinary Medical Association.