Quck answer
Yes, veterinarians do make house calls. House calls are a convenient option for pet owners who are unable to bring their pets to a veterinary clinic or who prefer the comfort and familiarity of their own home. During a house call, veterinarians can perform routine check-ups, administer vaccinations, provide medical treatment, and even perform minor surgeries. House calls also allow veterinarians to assess the pet’s living environment and provide personalized advice on pet care. However, not all veterinarians offer house call services, so it is advisable to check with local veterinary clinics or search for mobile veterinary services in your area.
Do you have a pet? If you do, then you probably know about a local veterinarian (or “vet”). Most pets need to go to the vet at least once a year. They may go for checkups, annual vaccinations, or when they are sick. If you love animals, you might have wondered what it would be like to be an animal doctor.
Would you enjoy seeing different types of animals every day? Many aspects of being a vet sound like a lot of fun. However, becoming a vet is not easy. It requires a lot of advanced education, similar to becoming a human doctor. And why shouldn’t it?
Think about it! Most doctors only treat humans. A vet might have to treat many different animals in one day. They might see a dog, a cat, a pig, a chicken, and a lizard—all one after the other!
In all seriousness, vets need a vast amount of knowledge and skill. This helps them successfully treat a variety of animals. They also have to do something that not many human doctors do these days: make house calls.
Veterinarians who treat large animals, like horses or cows, usually do not do so in an office. Can you imagine a farmer putting a leash on a cow? It would also be challenging to bring a horse into a waiting room! Instead, vets usually visit these animals at their homes.
Large animals are not the only ones that may receive house calls. Many vets have mobile clinics. These clinics can serve different types of customers. For example, some pet owners have disabilities and cannot easily take their pets to an office. House calls make it much easier for their animals to receive the necessary care.
Some pets simply do not do well in an office setting. Those with mobility or behavioral issues may also prefer a house call. This is especially true if the vet needs to observe the animal in its home environment.
However, house calls are not always the best solution. Most mobile clinics provide less comprehensive examinations and fewer diagnostic and treatment options. That is just the way it is, since vets cannot bring their entire office in a van. House calls also tend to be more expensive.
Maybe you want to be a vet but do not want to work in an office. There is another option for you! You can become a wildlife vet. They also work with various types of wild animals. Their patients can include mammals, birds, and reptiles. Wildlife vets work with these animals in their natural habitats.
Some wildlife veterinarians also work in zoos. Others may work with conservation groups worldwide. How amazing would it be to help save endangered species? You could assist all sorts of exotic animals every day!
Give It a Try
Are you ready to make a house call? Make sure to try out the following activities with a friend or family member:
- To learn more about the various animal projects conducted by trained wildlife veterinarians worldwide, you can visit the Wildlife Vets International website. If you had the opportunity to be a wildlife vet and work closely with an endangered species to aid in its survival, which animal would you choose and why?
- Arrange a field trip to a local state or national park with the help of a friend or family member. While at the park, seek out someone who is involved in the management of the park’s wildlife. Have a conversation with them about their approach when they encounter a wild animal in need of medical attention. Do they have wildlife veterinarians available to treat injured wild animals?
- Are you considering a career as a veterinarian in the future? Many children express an interest in this profession due to their love for animals. However, it’s important to note that veterinarians do not spend their days playing with animals. In reality, they primarily interact with sick or injured animals. Read more about the reality of being a veterinarian and determine if this career path interests you. Write a letter or email to a friend or family member explaining your thoughts.
Sources for Further Reading
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/humankind/2017/07/13/veterinarian-makes-house-calls-ailing-pets/476518001/ (accessed 25 Sept. 2020)
- https://www.petful.com/pet-health/veterinary-house-calls/ (accessed 25 Sept. 2020)
- https://www.wildlifevetsinternational.org/about/who-we-are (accessed 25 Sept. 2020)
- https://www.thebalance.com/wildlife-veterinarian-125820 (accessed 25 Sept. 2020)
FAQ
1. Do veterinarians make house calls?
Yes, veterinarians do make house calls. House calls by veterinarians are becoming increasingly popular as they provide convenience and comfort for both pets and their owners. House calls are especially beneficial for pets that are anxious or stressed by visits to the veterinary clinic. During a house call, the veterinarian will bring all necessary equipment and medications to provide the required medical care for the pet. Some common services provided during house calls include routine check-ups, vaccinations, diagnostic tests, and even minor surgeries. However, it’s important to note that not all veterinarians offer house call services, so it’s advisable to check with your local veterinary clinic to see if this option is available.
2. What are the advantages of veterinary house calls?
Veterinary house calls offer several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the stress and anxiety that some pets experience when visiting a veterinary clinic. Pets feel more comfortable in their familiar environment, reducing their fear and making the examination process easier. Additionally, house calls are beneficial for owners who have multiple pets, as it saves time and eliminates the need for multiple trips to the clinic. House calls also allow veterinarians to observe the pet’s behavior and living conditions firsthand, providing a more holistic approach to their healthcare. Finally, house calls are particularly useful for elderly or disabled pet owners who may have difficulty transporting their pets to the clinic.
3. How can I request a house call from a veterinarian?
To request a house call from a veterinarian, you can start by contacting your local veterinary clinic. Inquire whether they offer house call services and if so, ask about their availability and any specific requirements. Some veterinary clinics have designated days or time slots for house calls, while others may offer flexible scheduling. It’s important to provide detailed information about your pet’s condition and the reason for the house call request, as this will help the veterinarian determine the urgency and appropriate equipment to bring. Finally, discuss the fees and payment options associated with the house call service to ensure you are aware of the costs involved.
4. Are house calls more expensive than clinic visits?
House calls by veterinarians are typically more expensive than clinic visits. This is due to various factors such as the additional time and travel expenses involved in providing medical care at the pet owner’s home. Additionally, veterinarians may need to carry specialized equipment and medications during house calls, which can increase the overall cost. However, the convenience and personalized care provided during a house call can outweigh the higher price for some pet owners. It’s advisable to inquire about the fees and payment options before scheduling a house call to ensure you are comfortable with the financial aspect of the service.
Leave a Reply