I saw this van driving through the WalMart parking lot a couple of weeks ago, and wondered about it. Then I saw this feature on the Cleveland news, so I wanted to share it with you. Do you have this service where you live?
Dr. Julia Morrow travels around Stark County in the van and will examine and treat your pet inside the mobile hospital or even inside your home. I’ve talked to people before who have had a vet come to their house, and they say it’s amazing how much easier it is on everyone involved. The pet is so much more relaxed, making the exam easier on the vet, the animal, and you, the pet’s family.
Dr. Morrow says she likes seeing animals and their families interacting in their home environment. I would imagine it allows her to assess behavior and check out how symptoms manifest themselves when the pet is not so stressed out due to the strange environment of an office call.
Think you’d like to try a housecall vet visit? The American Association of Housecall Veterinarians has a searchable list of vets who offer the service.
The Association points out that many animals release pheromones (chemical scent signals) under traumatic conditions that linger in the air and may cause fear reactions in animals that detect them. In addition, animals with compromised immune systems may be at less risk of contracting an infectious disease by being treated at home rather than in a vet’s office.
No word on how the cost compares to a regular office visit. I suppose it depends on the individual practitioner.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!