Rebecca Melinger and Andrew Grone are first-time pet owners.
The slightest cold from their Bernedoodle Finley makes them nervous. And the long wait to see a vet doesn’t help.
“We would call and not get an appointment for 20 or 30 days. At this point, it’s a little stressful as a parent of a new puppy, knowing the signs and knowing if he’s okay,” Melinger said.
The couple were therefore delighted to discover a mobile veterinary clinic. For $75, they paid a vet to come straight to their house. Finley’s wellness exam was an extra $80. If Finley needs injections or blood work, the mobile vet can also do that for an additional fee.
If you have pet insurance, be sure to ask your mobile carrier if they accept it. Not Finley’s.
Dr Sy Woon of The Vets said working in a van is not much different from a traditional setting.
“Having practiced for several years, you become familiar with many of the cases you come across. If there are any issues or cases that I think a certified specialist needs to look at, I will refer them,” he said.
There are a handful of mobile vets in the Los Angeles area, and they must meet the same standards and licensing requirements as a traditional clinic.
When it comes to the downsides of mobile care, experts recommend doing a price comparison with your traditional veterinarian.
For Melinger, any extra cost is worth it.
“I think the vet environment for her was a little stressful. So finding the opportunity to bring her home, to a less stressful environment, was a good option for us,” he said.
Some free and inexpensive clinics are: