Mobile Veterinarian West Los Angeles — Elite Veterinary Care

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hOW DOES A CLIENT PREPARE FOR A MOBILE VISIT FOR THEIR PET?

Every client receives an email from me letting them know exactly what to do to prepare for their appointment. This ensures we make the best use of our time together. For example, I ask that they gather all food, treats, and medications so I can evaluate them during the visit. If it’s the first time I’m seeing the pet, I also have them collect their veterinary records for the past three years so I have a thorough history to work with.

Preparing in advance reduces wasted time so that you may have more direct communication with Dr. Kent during your scheduled appointment. We hope to answer all your questions during your visit. We also briefly summarize the visit in an email that sent along with your paid invoice at the end of the day.

What can you learn about your patients from a home visit that you can’t in an office setting?

I get to see exactly how they live. This is especially beneficial for senior cats and dogs as well as puppies and kittens. With cats, I can see their food, water, and litter box set-up. This can help identify the cause of all kinds of medical and behavioral issues from house soiling to poor appetite. Small changes to the home setup can make a huge difference in an animal’s physical and mental well-being, so it’s very rewarding.

Home visits are also ideal for new puppies and kittens. I get to see everything they are eating, where they are sleeping, every toy they are playing with, their crates and enclosures and make recommendations accordingly.

How do you handle challenging cases? Wouldn’t it be easier to deal with aggressive dogs and cats in a clinic with extra staff and equipment at your disposal?

Actually, it’s quite the opposite. The more fearful the pet, the better off they are at home. In fact, I have found that many dogs and cats classified as difficult or aggressive, do just fine with a mobile visit.

I have all cat parents enclose their kitties into a small bathroom or a carrier before I arrive to keep them from running off or hiding. When my two technicians and I get there, we gently wrap the cat in a towel, a safe, Fear Free method of handling. We then move them to a counter or table, where we chat with the owner, pet the cat, and offer some tasty treats. It’s all very relaxed.

In my experience, most dogs and cats do great just being in their own home with their owner close by. Of those that are frightened or aggressive, some will benefit from anti-anxiety medications to take the edge off. But if that’s the case, I’m happy to come back in a few hours or even reschedule for another day to ensure the pet is safe, calm, and as happy as possible during my visit.

Are there any services you cannot offer as a mobile vet?

Things such as spay/neuter procedures, dental cleanings, X-rays, ultrasound imaging, and hospitalization for critically ill pets require a hospital. Luckily, with decades of experience in the Los Angeles area, I have many trusted colleagues I refer my patients to, including urgent care vets, specific dental practices, behaviorists, surgeons, and specialists of all kinds.

What is your favorite thing about being a mobile vet?

What I love about mobile visit is the longer, uninterrupted and calm exams. I also get a more thorough history and accurate overview of diets and prescriptions since they are present in the home.

I also love working with senior pets in the home. Again, it’s an opportunity to make a huge difference in their lives. I can greatly improve their comfort and well-being with little tweaks to the environment and aging care such as physical therapy, appetite stimulationand other palliative care, and osteoarthritis treatment.

Why does a home visit provide more value for your expense?

Elite veterinary care brings a personalized medical service to your home, we also provide products that Dr Kent has researched and found to be most effective to your pets. A $250 in-home exam with Elite Veterinary includes a thorough review of your pet’s previous records, a detailed medical history, and a complete physical exam of the ears, eyes, teeth, skin, lymph nodes, abdominal organs, auscultation of heart and lungs, and evaluation of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

These are some of the services we provide at home: