by Andrea Chancellor
The work of best-selling writer James Herriot (real-life British veterinary surgeon Alfred James Wight, 1916–1995) has delighted readers since 1970 as he shares joyful and tragic experiences treating great and small creatures in their own environments.
Some veterinarians today are exploring new ways to deliver medical care — treating small animals at home or by telephone appointment. The development of new delivery methods could be much like the traveling veterinarian of years ago who arrived at the farm to care for large animals — cattle, horses, and donkeys. Changes in veterinary health-care approaches could help veterinarians distinguish their practices from those of others.
Home health-care delivery can present challenges, but apparently, that doesn’t preclude some providers from thinking about trying something different.
Veterinary Home Care in Oklahoma
We contacted several veterinary practices across the state to determine where they stand on changing health-care delivery options. We learned that most veterinarians already offer home euthanasia services for the privacy of the family, and some offer house calls.
In Edmond, All Care Pet Hospital has a track record of 40-plus years of caring for animals in its brick-and-mortar facility. House calls are offered when necessary, especially if the animal cannot make it into the office.
“It’s very difficult,” said a member of the staff, referring to home pet care. For starters, the veterinarian needs to determine the medical equipment required before reaching the sick animal. “You don’t know what you’ll find on a call.”
Waggin’ Wheels Housecall Veterinary Service, also in Edmond, does house calls exclusively. Tracey Ann Alden, D.V.M., said, “I’m the only game in town. I love what I do. It’s very rewarding.” If possible, she could schedule house calls seven to eight hours a day. However, “I’m too full,” she said.
Alden cautions that mobile veterinarians must be mindful about accepting clients who live beyond a defined service territory. Already, one house-call veterinarian in Alden’s area has retired, increasing her volume of appointment requests. “Retire? I don’t want to retire until I’m dead,” Alden said.
In Tulsa, Dan Danner, D.V.M., of Danner Veterinary Hospital no longer makes house calls as a rule, unless it’s for a longtime client or for euthanasia. “We cherish our longtime patients and are glad to help out in distressing times” for euthanasia, Danner said.
He is proud of his expanded health care for exotic animals.
As for diagnostic telephone appointments, Danner relies on FaceTime, especially for patients living out of state.
Another Tulsa veterinarian offers mobile service from a customized van. Kristie Plunkett, D.V.M., established the Mobile Veterinary Hospital of Tulsa in 2012. The service includes heartworm testing, fecal analysis, ear-swab analysis, complex blood work, digital X-rays, skin biopsy analysis, some surgeries, and dental care and X-rays.
Plunkett specializes in felines and exotics. She finds that pets are definitely calmer when care is delivered in the home.
One veterinarian delivers medical care in the home, but only for one particular dog who suffers from anxiety attacks at the sight of a parking lot.
Mobile versus Traditional Care
Many veterinarians remain lukewarm about full mobile care, preferring a traditional clinic. Others are keeping an eye on developing trends.
“We don’t do house calls, but thankfully, some veterinarians are doing them,” said Lou Anne Wolfe, D.V.M., of Tulsa’s Marina Animal Clinic.
Some veterinarians choose not to offer mobile care for various reasons such as whether it is efficient for a veterinarian to be out of the office driving to see a patient.
In addition to the initial travel time, there could be delays in reaching the patient’s address if it’s in an apartment complex and isn’t labeled clearly.
Advertisements for Mobile Service
Nonetheless, mobile veterinarian services are being pitched online. One Internet statement said, “Count on us to be in your house in no time.” Another selling point on the Internet says mobile veterinarians can “save the day” in some cases.
Dozens of contacts on the Internet advertise traveling veterinarians in locations across the state, but many are listed with nonworking telephone numbers. Perhaps some clinics once made house calls but no longer do.
Financial Investment of House Calls
The financial investment for home-delivered pet care might be one deterrent. The costs add up, including travel time and the expense of stocking medical equipment and supplies dedicated to road trips. There is also the basic expense of operating a separate office. And what about the investment in a dedicated van or other vehicle?
Operating a mobile health-care service can be costly, but many veterinarians do seem intrigued by the possibility of offering house calls. And some of them believe the approach could be the next phase in small-animal care.
