Housecall Vets: Alternate Way to Care for Pets
By: Jo Singer
Do your cats or dogs fight you tooth and nail when it's time to visit your veterinarian? I don't know about your pets, but my cats hate riding in cars more than anything! They make it apparently clear from the moment they spy their carriers, giving me "dirty" looks. Once we are in the car, their incessant cacophonic vocalizations hurt the ears of any unfortunate driver and passengers who are unlucky enough to be riding with them.
But it doesn't really matter what the destination may be, traveling by car is not something on the top of their hit parade. Silent only when the "automobile monster" ceases its undulating motion for a traffic light, my cats express anxiety speaking "cat", which is understood universally!
While routine veterinary exams are just part of my cats' essential health care, I abhor adding the stress of travel for these sensitive felines, especially if the destination is the vet clinic. So I thought it wise to seek an alternative. I began my quest for a local veterinarian who makes house calls.
By no means novel, House call veterinarians have been around for a long time. The pioneer on the scene was the first ever feline-only veterinarian, Dr. Louis J. Camuti. He practiced until his death at the age of 87. His fascinating book, "My Patients Are Always under the Bed." is definitely worth reading.
While mobile veterinary practices may be hard to find in some areas, there is a growing group of vets who provide this service. Not only is mobile veterinary care a preferable way to diminish stress for pets, there are many owners who are home bound or unable to travel for many reasons.
Additionally, the risk of contagion of disease from other animals in a clinic setting is greatly diminished. Many House call-only veterinary services may be less costly than clinic visits, due to lower overhead costs. In light of today's fuel costs, it would be wise to discuss traveling fees. House call veterinarians do have limitations; they may not be available for emergencies, and some services may require travel to the clinic for services which a traditional House call veterinarian may not be able to provide. If you are considering a House call veterinarian for your pet, I highly recommend that you find one who provides full clinic services as well.
After searching our area thoroughly I was extremely fortunate to locate a veterinarian near our home. Dr. Erin Holder, owner of Florida Wild Veterinary Hospital in Deland, Florida. http://www.floridawildvethospital.com/
In addition to having a full-service clinic performed, she has a busy House call practice. Combining both traditional and alternative care, her healing repertoire is extensive. Acupuncture and herbal remedies are an essential part of her practice, which adds great flexibility to her services.
An open and trusting relationship with a veterinarian is one, which is crucial. One of the things that I appreciate most is how she makes me feel that I am her most important client and that my cats are her favorite patients. She gives excellent information, which keeps me up to date about feline health .
Most importantly my cats genuinely like her. Our white Oriental Shorthair, Hubble is not overly fond of veterinarians. The moment he hears her at the door, he flies under the bed like greased lightning. I can only imagine how comical it must be to those not involved, to watch two women on opposite sides of the bed inducing a nervous white cat out of hiding. We have since learned to communicate in whispers and greet each other at the door with sign language.
But once she touches him and starts gently talking to him, he quickly relaxes. Hush Puppy, our other Oriental Shorthair is much braver, often rubbing affectionately against her legs. His seal of approval overrides Hubble's "scaredy cat" tactics, which is reassuring to all.
My top three reasons for using the services of a house call vet are
1. Less anxiety associated with travel
2. The convenience and comfort of remaining at home.
3. The reduced risk of contagious illness.
To find a House call veterinarian in your area, visit The American Association of House call Veterinarians website. A member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, their mission is to promote the services of House call veterinarians within the United States. They promote safety, public awareness, health, and the highest quality of veterinary care for pets.
Recent Posts
Shakti: The Cat that Lived Up to her Name
"You're Fat": Vet Hits Me With Hard Truth
The Cat who Owns an R.V.: Luxurious Travel
Lazy Dog Owner Arrested for Walking His Dog
WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPION: Gizmo the Papillon Puppy
Check MEOWT: Cute Tee For Great Cause
Molly: The Little Dog with Huge Courage
Pioneer State: Massachussetts House Passes Dog De-Barking Ban Bill
Petside: Get Started
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
-
- Locate a Hospital
- Find the nearest accredited animal hospital.
-
- Puppy Life
Register with Puppy Life to get the most for your puppy.
Specials
Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!
Comments (4)
Anonymous February 16, 2009 11:55 AM
Most of the time I take my animals to the clinic.But when the need arises, my vets do come to my house. I have horses, and when I have need, they do come to the house to treat them. If for some reason they need to go to the clinic, I have them transported. But when they do come to my home, it is a service that I really do appreciate.
Anonymous February 16, 2009 1:41 PM
You are so lucky to get your vet to call so easily.We have to go on bended knee to get ours to make a house call and they charge the earth too. But our boyz are worth it,they deserve the best we can afford ! Ruth
Anonymous February 16, 2009 5:02 PM
I found a local 'housecall' vet...most of my cats just go kicking and screaming in the car, but Pirate (who has a heart murmur) I won't chance. I need to call and get an appt with them for while I'm on vacation. ::::ties string around finger::::
Anonymous February 17, 2009 4:26 AM
Oh buy do I like this topic you bet!
The only time my pets go anywhere is to the vets or to the groomers. Needless to say they get very stressed out. In a lot of cases dogs seem to adapt to the automobile easly if they are especially when they young. The more they are socialized by outings and stuff does make the stress easier for them to handle.
Now the cats of course are another problem in its self. My only solution is to throw treats in a room and close the door quickly. This room is strictly for the cats and has no real hiding places for them to scramble under. Then it is grab the ones who I am taking and put them in carriers which I keep in the room at all times.
Are they happy no way but it does make it a lot less of a chore to get them. Once they are done at the vet we bring them home and just open the carrier door and let them run. Of course they head to "their" and hide for a while.
I don't think having the vet come to my house would make it easier because anyone new in the house makes them scatter for the hills.
add your comment