At Home Veterinary Care

H E A L T H & W E L L N E S S

WRITTEN BY DR. KATE CAPPE, DVM Pet Care Professionals

So you might be asking yourself – why would I use a mobile veterinarian? The veterinary industry is constantly progressing and changing in hopes of providing the best care for pets everywhere. Our world has changed dramatically since the start of the pandemic and this has not only changed the profession as a whole, but it has also greatly increased the demand for veterinary medicine everywhere. Throughout the pandemic, most families have become familiar with the idea of having meals, groceries, and other basic necessities delivered to their doors. While these conveniences may come at an additional cost, many families have found them to be essential to everyday life as we know it now.

So why not have your veterinarian come directly to you? Many pets (and their owners) become stressed at the idea of going to the vet office, understandably so. The lobbies are full of other anxious and sometimes loud pets. There can be very long wait times. Dealing with traffic and lost valuable time adds to the stress too, and many hospitals do not allow owners to be with pets during treatments any longer since the pandemic has greatly changed “acceptable” human interaction. The entire experience can be stressful to both owners and their pets. The concept of mobile veterinary care is nothing new, but we have seen a surge in its popularity since the pandemic.

Mobile veterinary care is a great option for many pets, especially for those who become stressed by car rides and introductions to new people. This way, pets can be seen and treated in the comfort of their own home, and vaccines and blood draws can be performed while pets lay on the couch or in their favorite bed. Owners also have the benefit of more time with the doctor to ask the important questions, many of which are missed when you are stressed and can be rushed in a typical office visit. Care can be tailored to each pet, with more time and focus spent on their individual needs. Some even refer to this type of care as “concierge veterinary medicine”.

Not all pets are the same, and having a trustworthy relationship with your veterinarian is the best way to ensure the best care for your loved furry friends. Mobile veterinary services allow the veterinarian to have adequate time to assess their patients and formulate treatment plans in the most personal setting. Many mobile veterinarians also offer doorstep delivery of medications and foods!

While the cost of having your veterinarian come to your home may be more than a typical office visit, the benefits are well worth the expense. Mobile veterinary care can range from general wellness and surgery, to hospice and endof-life care. So many cities now have mobile veterinarians ready and available to take the best possible care of your pets. So the next time your pet is due for vaccines or needs to be seen by the veterinarian, consider a mobile veterinarian - you may even find you won’t want to visit the office again!■