Answers to Common Questions
What does a veterinary house call look like?
Veterinary house calls refer to veterinary services provided in the comfort of a pet owner's home rather than in a veterinary clinic. These services can include routine check-ups, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and even emergency care. House calls can be beneficial for pets who experience stress or anxiety when visiting a clinic or for owners who have difficulty transporting their pets. They also offer the convenience of not having to leave home, especially for elderly or disabled owners. Additionally, house calls allow veterinarians to observe pets in their natural environment, which can provide valuable insights into their behavior and health. Overall, veterinary house calls offer a personalized and convenient approach to veterinary care.
How long does the appointment take? What happens at the appointment?
Appointments typically range from 30 to 90 minutes. This is a completely individual experience—you should take as much or as little time as you need at each stage. The first step is to go through some paperwork to make sure he has accurate information about you and your pet. This will include payment collection and providing a receipt and invoice if you need. If appropriate, your pet will receive a safe and low dose of a sedative to alleviate their fear, ease their pain, and provide relaxation. If your pet has ever had a vaccine before, the injection will be just like that—simple! Any treatments or diagnostics will be discussed thoroughly beforehand and performed to your preferences.
What is included?
We strive to make this an all-inclusive price and there is only one additional fee, addresses outside of our normal service area, that ranges from $50 to $150. The goal of concierge medicine is to charge a flat rate and take care of the logistics for you so that you can focus on quality time with your pet. Any diagnostics or treatments outside of those listed on the website will be quoted to you before you are charged.
What is humane euthanasia?
Veterinary euthanasia is the humane process of deciding to end an animal's life to relieve them of suffering or prevent further pain and discomfort. It is typically considered as a final option when an animal's medical condition is incurable, and their quality of life has significantly deteriorated. The process is performed by a licensed veterinarian who administers an injection of a euthanasia solution, which causes the animal to lose consciousness and peacefully pass away without any pain or distress. Euthanasia is a difficult decision for pet owners to make, but it can be the kindest and most compassionate choice you can make for your pet.
What is hospice care in pets?
Veterinary Hospice care is a specialized form of care for elderly or terminally ill animals. It focuses on providing comfort and maintaining quality of life for the animal during their remaining time. Hospice care can include chronic pain management, nutritional support, and emotional support for both the animal and their owners. Hospice care allows owners to spend quality time with their beloved pets and say goodbye in a meaningful way. It can be a compassionate and supportive option for those who want to ensure their animal's comfort and dignity in their final days.
How will I know when it’s time?
Deciding when to euthanize a beloved pet can be one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner may face. To make this decision, it is important to consider your pet's quality of life. Factors to consider include their ability to eat, drink, and move without pain, and their overall enjoyment of life. It may be helpful to consult with a veterinarian to discuss your pet's condition, prognosis, and potential treatment options. Additionally, talking to other pet owners who have gone through similar experiences can provide emotional support and guidance. Ultimately, the decision to euthanize should be based on what is best for your pet's well-being and quality of life—it is common to “never feel ready”.
What happens after the visit?
We hand-deliver your pet’s body to the funeral home’s facilities. Once there, they will begin the process of curating the elected memorial items, such as paw prints or fur clippings and their remains in a custom urn if elected. You have the option of picking the memorial items up directly from the funeral home, having them shipped, or having them hand-delivered back to you.
What is private aftercare?
Private aftercare is a type of pet cremation or aquamation where only one pet is processed at a time, ensuring that the remains returned to the owner are exclusively those of their pet. This option guarantees a more personalized and intimate experience for the pet owner, who can choose to keep the remains in an urn or scatter them in a meaningful location.
What is communal aftercare?
Communal aftercare is a type of pet cremation or aquamation where pets are not processed individually. The remains are typically not returned to the owner and instead are either scattered in a designated location like a garden or farm or disposed of in an environmentally-friendly manner.
Which pet species do you care for?
While we primarily work with cats and dogs, it’s not uncommon for us to work with other species. Give our team a call or get in touch with us to discuss your pet’s needs and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request on a case-by-case basis.