A mobile veterinarian clinic provides high-quality, affordable onsite pet care, for all kinds of animals. The services offered vary between different clinics, as do the terms of financial assistance, which clinics may offer to qualified pet owners. As a resource, the American Association of Housecall Veterinarians offers a mobile clinics directory, as well as a directory of veterinarians who make housecalls. To give animals needed wellness services, while providing convenience for their owners, many veterinary offices provide onsite clinics.
Many onsite clinics provide the same services that owners would receive at a veterinary office. For cats and dogs, clinics offer vaccinations, along with first wellness visits for kittens and puppies. In addition to wellness exams, some clinics offer diagnostics, and administer medications for heartworm and fleas. If equipment and facilities are available, some onsite clinics will offer dental and surgical services.
Clinics may also service other animals, in addition to cats and dogs. Reptiles, birds, rabbits, and ferrets are a few examples of animals that may be treated at onsite clinics. Services may depend on staff availability, because often specialists provide surgical and medical care for exotic pets. In addition to caring for exotics, some mobile clinics offer services to farm animals and equines.
Some mobile programs are dedicated to special services. For example, in New York City, Operation Pit is conducted by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Operation Pit spays, neuters, or offers vasectomies to pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Along with reproductive surgeries, pit bulls and mixes may receive vaccinations and microchips. Owners receive Operation Pit services for free, regardless of place of residence or income level.
For owners who utilize public assistance, onsite clinics will often provide services at a heavy discount. Owners who utilize Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), food stamps, Social Security disability, Medicaid, Medicare, or other forms of welfare, will usually receive lower prices on animal care. Sometimes, facilities extend assistance to owners who are unemployed, or to families with low incomes.
Mobile clinics offer services at a variety of sites. In some cases, vehicles will park in central neighborhood locations, where owners will then bring their pets. In other cases, vehicles will even come directly to the owner’s home to provide services. Owners should call their nearest service to find out if vehicles will come to the house, or if they should bring pets to a neighborhood location.
At some clinics, pets may receive walk-up services. For surgeries, however, owners should make an appointment in advance, by calling the office, or utilizing an online form. When owners arrive for appointments, they should be on time, and pets should be in carriers or leashed. Some clinics require animals to remain inside a vehicle, until they are admitted.
A mobile veterinarian clinic will provide a reasonable pet care solution, particularly to owners who are homebound, or who have no access to transportation. To people on public assistance, or to people below certain income levels, many clinics will offer reduced pricing. For more information, pet owners should consult the American Association of Housecall Veterinarians, or contact their local veterinary clinic.
Source by Sadie Glevy Siekierski
