The decision alone to euthanize a pet is profoundly difficult—but can you imagine having it done in your own home?
Some pet parents choose to euthanize their pets at home, especially when their pet is too sick to be transported to a veterinary practice or when the family simply wants the privacy and comfort of their own home.
In fact, there’s been enough demand for at least one veterinarian to start a business catering to exactly this preference. Dr. Lori Gibson started Compassionate Care, an in-home mobile pet euthanasia and aftercare service, two years ago.
And, according to The Oregonian, a growing number of veterinarians offer other types of in-home care across the US.
We recently told you about Dr. Rebecca Saria of Gold Coast Mobile Veterinary Service, who started her mobile practice to examine pets in a relaxed home setting and to diagnose problems more effectively.
“Pets can be terrified to leave the comfort of their surroundings. With Gold Coast, I’m able to go into the home and personally connect with animals as a part of the family,” Dr. Saria says.
Dr. Saria is not alone. Many veterinarians who make house calls focus on general practice care, which is especially convenient for parents of multiple pet households and families with finicky felines or large dogs. Services can include everything you would find in a traditional office, with the possible exception of a few procedures, such as X-rays, sedation and anesthesia.
But there are some drawbacks. For instance, the cost of an in-home veterinary visit can start at $65, while traditional veterinary practices charge around $40 for a general check-up, depending on the practice’s location. Also, a lack of proper lighting in a house can be an issue, so many in-home veterinarians bring their own lighting equipment.
Remember, with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, you can use any licensed veterinarian in the US or Canada. This includes in-home veterinary services when the treatment provided is covered under your plan. If you have questions about your plan, please call our Customer Satisfaction team at 1-866-204-6764.
Have you ever scheduled in-home veterinary care for your pet? What was your experience like?
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