Benefits of House Calls

Did you know that house calls have been growing in popularity in recent years? There’s a good reason for this. Having your vet come to you can be beneficial for both you and your furry friend. Here, a Grundy, IL vet lists some benefits of house calls.

No Transportation Woes

It’s not always easy getting pets into the car, especially if they aren’t feeling well. Large dogs and senior pets can be particularly difficult to transport. Getting more than one pet to the clinic can also be a hassle. There’s also the fact that most of our feline patients absolutely hate car rides. In fact, most cats get more upset about the drive than the appointment itself! Another bonus? You’ll save some gas and spare your vehicle a bit of wear and tear.

Convenience                       

Having your vet come to you is also simply more convenient. If you work at home, are a stay-at- home parent, and/or just have a busy schedule, carving time out to drive somewhere can get tricky. You won’t have to sit in the parking lot or waiting room.

Insight

Another benefit of house calls is the fact that it can provide veterinarians with some key insight about your four-legged pal’s health, care, and behavior. For instinct, you can show your vet your furry buddy’s food, treats, or shampoos. That insight can be invaluable! 

Comfort

Pets are always most comfortable in their own domains. Keeping Fluffy and Fido calm and content can be very beneficial for both them and their veterinarian. Relaxed pets are much easier (and often safer) to examine than nervous ones! Your four-legged pal will only notice a minimal interruption to their daily napping routine, and will be spared the stress of the clinic, with all its strange smells and sounds. 

Dignified End

Nobody wants to think of saying goodbye to their beloved furry companions, but that heartbreaking moment is something all pet owners eventually face. Letting Fido and Fluffy peacefully slip away in their own home, surrounded by their loved ones, is much easier on them than traveling to a clinic. And while it may not make saying goodbye less painful for you, you may find peace in knowing you gave your four-legged friend a comfortable and dignified end.

Our Advice on Benefits of House Calls in 2024

Why are house calls convenient for busy pet owners?

House calls are convenient for busy pet owners because they eliminate the need to carve out time for transporting pets to and from the clinic, a process that can be particularly challenging with multiple pets, large dogs, or animals uncomfortable with travel. This service fits seamlessly into a pet owner’s schedule, whether working from home or juggling a hectic routine, avoiding the additional time spent in clinic waiting rooms. The convenience of having veterinary care come to your door saves time and reduces stress for both the pets and their owners.

Why are house calls less stressful for pets?

House calls are less stressful for pets because they occur in the pet’s own environment, where they feel safest. This familiarity eliminates the anxiety associated with car rides and the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells of a veterinary clinic. Pets, especially cats and sensitive animals, benefit from the comfort of their home, avoiding the distress of meeting other animals or undergoing examinations in an unknown place. This can lead to a more accurate assessment of their health, as pets are more relaxed, making examinations and treatments smoother for both the veterinarian and the animal.

Are house calls typically more expensive than traditional clinic visits?

House calls can be more expensive than traditional clinic visits due to the additional time and resources required for veterinarians to travel to your home. This extra cost covers the convenience of receiving personalized care in your pet’s familiar environment, the elimination of transportation stress for both pets and owners and the direct attention from the vet without the distractions of a busy clinic setting. While the initial cost might be higher, many pet owners find the benefits and reduced stress for their pets justify the additional expense.

Are house calls particularly beneficial for pets with anxiety or aggression issues?

Yes, house calls are particularly beneficial for pets with anxiety or aggression issues. These pets often experience heightened stress when visiting a clinic, due to unfamiliar surroundings, other animals, and the general clinical environment. Receiving care in the comfort and familiarity of their own home minimizes these stressors, making it easier to examine and treat them without the added anxiety. It also reduces the risk of aggressive behavior triggered by fear, ensuring a safer experience for both the pet and the veterinary staff.

Are house calls suitable for emergency medical situations?

House calls are not typically suitable for emergency medical situations due to the immediate and advanced care required in such cases. Emergencies often necessitate specialized equipment, immediate lab tests, and possibly surgery, which are only available at a veterinary clinic or hospital. While house calls provide convenience and reduced stress for routine check-ups and certain treatments, urgent and life-threatening conditions require the comprehensive facilities of a veterinary hospital to ensure prompt, effective treatment. For emergencies, it’s crucial to take your pet directly to a clinic equipped to handle such situations.

Do you want to learn more about housecalls? Please feel free to contact us, your Grundy, IL animal clinic, today!