What to consider when taking into account a home visit:
Home visits can be precious when you and your pet have displacement difficulties.
Most pets react differently at home than at the vet office. Safety issues are important for the pet and the vet too. Some pets are not approachable at their homes. Some animals are very anxious about the visit. Please make contact some days before if anxiolytic treatment can be an advantage.
Owners should be able to hold, restrain and control their pets. Dogs, weather big or small, should be trained to wear a muzzle.
An owner and patient registration form will be completed on your initial visit.
Please bear in mind that home visits are associated with limits. Technical equipment or assistants are required for certain diagnostic tests.
Generally home visits are suitable for:
→ Check-ups and follow-ups (general health check, chronic diseases, bloodwork, blood pressure, rapid tests, changes of bandages, other…)
→ Vaccinations (or evaluate whether to have a shot or not, blood titer check)
→ Parasite treatments
→ Chipping and registration (passport, travel planning*, certificates)
→ Help for medical administration (by mouth, injections)
→ Administration of subcutaneous hydration
→ Cleaning ears / Otoscopy
→ Emptying anal glands
→ Small interventions where animals can be handled easily
→ First approach to evaluate further diagnostic tests
→ Managing advice (nutrition, training)
→ When you are planning euthanasia (think about what should happen to the animal afterwards. There are various funeral and memorial options).
*Planning a journey abroad where you have special requirements (es. Echinococcus treatment, rabies titer, certifications, etc.). Consider the timing, sometimes you need up to 3-4 months before travelling to some countries or just some hours before (24-120 hours). Contact the ambassy/consulate for the latest information, for departure. Investigate for important return home restrictions.
Don’t forget:
→ General blood work and sedation: adult animals should fast for 8-hours and be 4-hours without drinking water. This is not valid for puppies, rabbits and rodents or some other diseases. Please get in contact if you have questions.
→ If your animal is on medication: the timing of the administration and the visiting hour can be important. Pease get advice in case of medicines like hormones (thyroxine, insulin), anticonvulsants/antiepileptics or other important medicines.
→ Prepare any clinical records you have at home and note the medications and complementary treatments/supplements your pet is taking (including homeopathic, herbal products, nutritional supplements,…) or has taken recently.
→ Make notes of the questions you want to have answered.
→ Check all escape routes before the vet arrives (back doors, cat flaps, half-open windows,..). Make sure your cat will be in the visiting room before on time. Cats tend to run away more easily.
→ Prepare a quiet place with a non-slip surface for the visit (carpet, table, other).
Vet Help Agape