Kelly Vets Blog
What’s all this about home vet visits?
Pets are cherished members of the family and, just like any other member, looking after their health is vitally important. Choosing veterinary care can be a daunting task, with so many practices that may offer slightly different services and have different ethos. However, the vast majority of them require bringing your pet out of their familiar space and into a clinic. Veterinary home visits can be a great alternative to this traditional model.
Are home visits right for my pet?
Though some pets enjoy going to the vet, many will find this unsettling and may even become fearful or anxious around this experience. Vets in practice work hard to overcome this, but a home visit can be a low-stress way for your pet to access the veterinary care they need by allowing them to stay in their safe space.
Home visits are also beneficial for older or arthritic dogs, who may experience mobility issues and are more difficult to transport to a bricks-and-mortar vet practice. Being examined in their own home, on soft, comfy bedding that they are used to, can be much easier for them, and less stressful for their humans as well.
Lastly, some pets have behavioural issues or dislike other animals, making a visit to the vet very stressful – for both the animals and their people! Additionally, most cats find traditional practices (where dogs and other cats are being treated) inherently stressful. For these pets, home visits are a great alternative, where they do not have to be confronted with the sights, scents, and sounds of other animals.
Are home visits right for me?
Even with a pet who loves going to the vet, some owners may prefer the convenience of home visits.
Owners with mobility issues may struggle to access a vet practice. Not all practices are designed for wheelchair-accessibility, or there may be limited parking spaces, making it challenging for some people to physically get into the clinic. Depending on their proximity to a vet practice, some clients may face transportation barriers – it can be difficult to take pets on public transport, including restrictions with some taxi and bus services. Having a home vet visit removes these obstacles and allows you and your pet easier access to veterinary care.
A vet practice can also be a busy, noisy, and overstimulating place sometimes, and this can make it a challenging environment for people who are neurodivergent, have mental health conditions, or are simply don’t feel comfortable in a clinical setting. A home visit allows the consultation to be carried out in a calm and familiar space, making the experience less daunting and more relaxed. Home visits also offer longer appointment times, so owners do not feel rushed through the process.
For some owners, it may be a question of time. Life can be very hectic and taking your pet to a vet appointment can be the last thing you need during a busy week! Home visits make it a little bit easier to juggle all of your commitments - from work to kids to caregiver responsibilities - while still ensuring your pet receives the care they deserve.
Why Kelly Vets?
Home visits can be a life-changer in veterinary care for many owners and their pets. At Kelly Vets, we strive to make all of our consultations a smooth and stress-free experience. Our longer appointment times allow us to build lasting relationships with clients and their pets in the comfort of their own home. This is essential for us as we believe that caring for your pet should be a partnership – after all, you know them best! Our compassionate and thorough approach will ensure your pet receives high quality vet care, as well as plenty of treats and affection! We use calming pheromone sprays on all of our uniforms and equipment, wear separate dog and cat scrub tops to minimise stressful scents, and always use low-stress handling techniques. We are dedicated to accessibility and as part of our registration process, we will ask you about any ways in which we can make our home visits more comfortable and convenient for you and your pet.