New On-Site Clinic Elevates Care at K9s For Warriors

The Duffield Veterinary Clinic brings comprehensive medical services to the nonprofit’s Ponte Vedra campus, improving health oversight and readiness for future service dogs.

K9s For Warriors recently opened the Duffield Veterinary Clinic, its first on-campus veterinary facility at the Davis Family Mega Kennel in Ponte Vedra, Florida, marking a major expansion in care for its service dog program. The new clinic brings comprehensive medical services directly to the nonprofit’s training operations, allowing dogs to receive diagnostic, surgical, preventive and routine treatment without leaving the campus.

“Our mission has always been to deliver the highest standard of care to the service dogs who go on to support veterans with invisible wounds such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma,” said Wyatt Haynes, K9s For Warriors chief K9 and business officer. “As our organization continues to grow, so have the number of dogs training on campus each year.”

Relying solely on off-site veterinary partners became increasingly inefficient, so building an on-site clinic was a natural next step, Wyatt said. “It allows us to remove barriers to care, respond more quickly to medical needs and ensure every dog receives consistent, high-quality treatment. Ultimately, healthier dogs mean stronger, more reliable service dogs for the veterans who are counting on them.”

The 4,284-square-foot state-of-the-art clinic includes exam rooms, radiology, ultrasounds, foreign body surgeries, mass removals, dentals and in-depth diagnostic workups that previously required referrals to outside hospitals. “Having these services in-house reduces wait times, minimizes stress on the dogs and allows us to address medical concerns as soon as they arise,” Haynes said.

Continuity of care is one of the most meaningful benefits of having an on-site clinic, Haynes continued. “Our veterinary team now has full visibility into each dog’s medical history, training progress and daily environment. That holistic view allows for more informed decision-making and consistent treatment plans throughout a dog’s time on campus. It also strengthens communication across departments, ensuring medical care and training are always aligned, which ultimately leads to better-prepared Service Dogs and better outcomes for the Veterans they serve.”

Photo courtesy of K9s For Warriors