The Balto & K9 Hero Programs
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The Balto Program
At Wasatch Hollow Animal Hospital, we recognize the immense sacrifice of our Military, Police and Fire families. We are also especially grateful for our military working dogs (MWD), our police canine, search/rescue dogs and other working dogs that work so selflessly to keep us safe.
Because we recognize this sacrifice made by both animal and handler, we have created the Balto Program. The Balto Program recognizes 2 working dogs annually and provides free medical care in order to keep them at top working order.
Pet will be enrolled after consideration by Dr. Howard and/or Practice Manager and enrollment will last one year from start date (example: June 1, 2023-June 1, 2024). All decisions on enrollment are on a first come/first serve basis and will be made at our discretion.
If there is a dog that you would like to recommend for our program, please contact us now.
History
The Balto Program began as soon as we opened our doors in August 2015 and was initially called the Hero K-9 Program. Our very first participant was Balto and we were lucky enough to have him enrolled for almost 3 years.
Balto and his handler, John Logie, began working together in Afghanistan in 2009. The pair spent almost a year together searching for explosives and clearing the way for troops until the day Logie was injured. On May 8th, 2010, Balto saved John’s life by leading him away from a primary IED. Balto was not injured and continued working overseas without John, but they maintained a close relationship when John returned to Afghanistan. Balto was eventually retired and John instantly jumped at the opportunity to welcome him into his family.
Balto and John became an instant part of the Wasatch Hollow family and Balto was incredibly loved by the entire staff. Balto unfortunately was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease in several locations in early 2018 and after numerous treatments and attempts at maintaining quality of life, he was peacefully laid to rest in May 2018.
It was then that Dr. Howard decided to dedicate and rename our program for Balto. Balto was a part of our WHAH family and a true hero. He is sorely missed by all, but we are so grateful to have been a part of his life and to continue to serve our K-9 heros in his name.
Benefits
At Wasatch Hollow Animal Hospital, we are proud to offer specialized care and support for retired working dogs. Below are the key benefits and requirements of our program:
- Complimentary Exams and Consultations: All veterinary exams and consultations performed by our veterinarians and staff are provided at no cost.
- Free 6 or 12 month Heartworm Preventative Injection
- Free Core Vaccinations: All core vaccinations, including necessary boosters, are administered free of charge.
- Discounted Medications: Medications are available at cost plus a 10% fee to cover shipping and handling.
- Annual Blood Work Panel: Pets receive a full annual blood work panel, including a Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC), Chemistry, Heartworm Test, Thyroid, and SDMA analysis, at no charge.
- Unlimited Radiographs: Radiographs are provided at no cost as deemed necessary by our veterinarians. If a pet requires sedation for radiographs, charges may apply.
- Hill’s Honorary Employee Program: Enrolled pets gain access to Hill’s prescription and maintenance diets at staff pricing through the Hill’s Honorary Employee Program– approximately a 50% discount off of standard prices.
- Free Laser Therapy: Complimentary laser therapy is available for a variety of conditions as recommended by our team.
- Annual COHAT: Pets receive an annual dental cleaning under general anesthesia with full mouth radiographs. All additional treatments recommended (extractions and/or treatments) are discounted 20%.
Requirements
Eligible Pets: Enrollment is limited to retired working dogs with documented proof of service in one of the following categories:
- Military Working Dog
- Police Dog
- Contractor Work Dog
- Search & Rescue Dog
- Bomb/Drug Detection Dog
- Annual Service Requirement: Services must be utilized annually to maintain enrollment. If annual services are not used, Wasatch Hollow Animal Hospital reserves the right to discontinue enrollment immediately, with or without prior notice.
- Manageable Behavior: Pets must be manageable (leashed and/or muzzled when necessary) and safely handled by our staff.
Disclaimers
- No Additional Discounts: Family and Friends discounts or other promotional discounts cannot be applied to already discounted services under this program.
- Specialist Referrals: Any treatment referred to a specialist or external veterinarian, will be subject to their standard rates.
- Advanced/Medical Procedures: Some advanced and/or medical procedures will be subject to their standard rates, even if performed by Wasatch Hollow Animal Hospital. These procedures can be discounted at the Family & Friends rate.
We are honored to care for these exceptional animals and ensure they receive the quality veterinary care they deserve. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
‘K-9 Hero’ Laser Therapy Program
Wasatch Hollow Animal Hospital is proud to announce the sister program to our “Balto Program”. Our K-9 Hero program will be open to all active and retired working dogs and will provide free and unlimited laser therapy for dogs in Ogden.
Laser Therapy is the latest technology for joint and soft tissue pain. Our K-Laser reduces inflammation in joints and soft tissues which dramatically reduces pain. More importantly, though, is that Laser therapy is biostimulatory. This means that it actually aids in repairing the damaged tissues and therefore improves strength and provides greater mobility.
Most active and retired working dogs, as a result of their service, suffer from joint issues and pain. Although this pain can sometimes be managed with medication, there are great benefits when laser is used in conjunction. Laser also does not have any negative side effects on the body and its organs.
We look forward to being able to keep active working dogs in tip-top shape and to provide our retired dogs with lasting comfort for their well deserved rest.
Wasatch Hollow Animal Hospital retains the right to discontinue an animal from the program at any time with or without prior notice. Pets will be enrolled only after verification of active/retired working dog status. All decisions on enrollment in our K-9 Hero Program will be made at our own discretion.
Benefits
- Initial exam (with prior documentation from another Veterinarian) and following technician appointments that are done by the staff at Wasatch Hollow Animal Hospital will be done at no cost. If there are no medical records documenting injury– the initial exam and all needed diagnostics will be charged at a normal fee, however will be discounted 10%.
- Unlimited, free laser therapy sessions as warranted by specific injury and need. See vast improvement with increased work ability, endurance and overall quality of life.
Requirements
- Pets must be either an active or retired Military Working Dog, Police Dog, or Contracting dog, with documented and verifiable proof of work.
- All prior medical records should be sent ahead of time for our Veterinarians/Technicians to review prior to our first consultation.
- Laser can only be done on diagnosed conditions. If the condition has not been diagnosed, our Veterinarians can provide examinations and diagnostics, but this will be charged at a normal fee.
- Laser therapy treatments require specific guidelines and schedules. Some areas and injuries may take up to 6 treatments to begin to see results. In order for laser to be worthwhile, pets must receive all their treatments within the recommended scheduling time. Once the condition is managed, laser can be done as maintenance (pet dependent).
- Pet must be manageable (can be muzzled/leashed) and easily handled by our staff.
- All laser appointments must be scheduled and will not be done on a walk in basis. Owner/Handler does not need to be present and pets can be dropped off and boarded the day of their treatment of no charge.
