home visits vet

• Los Angeles
• San Antonio

How to get ready for a home visit?

You’ve booked your first appointment with a mobile veterinarian.  Exciting! So what’s next? 

We’ve prepared a list of tips that will set you and your pet up for success.

Prepare veterinary records

If you haven’t done so already, please email us a copy of your pet's medical records to [email protected] prior to the appointment. If you do not own a copy of the records, please contact your previous veterinary clinic or hospital and request a copy.

Allow for time flexibility

Our Vets always aim to arrive on time. But just like the weather, we can’t accurately predict traffic. Please allow our Vets arrival flexibility of roughly 30 minutes before/after the confirmed appointment time.

Find a safe, enclosed place

Pets mirror the emotions of their owners. As such, your pet will notice if you are nervous about your vet visit. Being mindful of your voice and body language will help keep your pet at ease.​

Keep calm and carry on

This helps to ensure your pet is as stress-free as possible and avoids the chance of them hiding when the team first arrives. Failing to do so means we might not be able to complete the exam. ​

Avoid distractions

Please keep distractions to a minimum, including television, music, and other pets. Kids are welcome to learn from a safe distance while the vet examines the pet .

Ensure 2-3 hours of fasting

Please avoid feeding your pet before the visit. You're welcome to keep their favorite treats nearby, so our veterinarian can use snacks as a tasty distraction.

If needed, talk to the vet

If your pet is still anxious, your vet may suggest prescription medication that can help them relax during the visit or sedation to ensure they can be seen safely. Speak to your vet for specific recommendations.

Are you a feline parent?

Some cats may get anxious and will try to seek shelter upon the vet’s arrival. Thus it is recommended to place your feline friend in a small room or a carrier prior to the appointment.

Those simple yet extremely helpful tips will make sure we make the most of the upcoming visit. 

See you soon!

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• Home Visits

8am – 6pm (Mon – Sat), varies by location

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8am – 9pm EST (Mon – Sat)

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Contact Us:

• [email protected]
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[email protected] (844) 722-VETS

Working Hours:

Home Visits: 8am – 6pm (Mon – Sat), varies by location

On-call Support: 8am – 9pm EST (Mon – Sat)

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In-home veterinary visits are officially on the rise

The popularity of in-home veterinary care is growing fast for many reasons and can be a great solution for certain pets and families.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a growing number of pet parents are choosing veterinarians who make house calls over traditional veterinary practices.

Why should I choose an in-home visit?

• Provides convenience and personalized care
• Gives your veterinarian a more complete picture of your pet’s behavior and health , along with potential environmental and lifestyle challenges
• Allows a stress-free environment of their own home to avoid the anxiety associated with carriers, car rides and vet offices

Is it right for me?

Pet parents are choosing in-home vet care for many different reasons , and there’s not just one “type” of pet parent that prefers this service.

For some younger pet parents, ease , convenience , and personalization are top reasons for the in-home visit. Older adults with mobility issues who are concerned for their own and their pet’s safety during challenging and stressful visits to the vet’s office tend to choose in-home visits to alleviate the stress of their concerns.

Is it right for my pet?

In-home veterinary care can be an ideal solution for pets who are:

• Shy, scared or skittish
• Large, with mobility problems
• Aggressive or unsocialized

Having your vet come to you can also be beneficial for:

• Multi-pet households
• People with hectic or unpredictable schedules
• Couples with a new baby or young children at home
• People without reliable transportation
• Peaceful euthanasia for your pet

How does it benefit my pet’s health?

At-home visits allow your veterinarian to see the whole picture. Visiting your pet in their own environment and not under stress gives your vet a more complete picture of your pet’s health , which can mean the difference between catching a problem early and a potential misdiagnosis .

Here’s an example of how this service helped a cat with a previous misdiagnosis:

During an at-home vet visit for a kitty with a serious ongoing hairball problem, the visiting vet noticed immediately that the house was filled with cigarette smoke and the poor kitty had developed asthma as a result. Her dry, hacking cough sounded like gagging or retching, which  falsely led to a hairball diagnosis by three separate veterinarians who saw the cat at their clinics.

Identifying the true cause of your pet’s health issues is what veterinarians always strive to uncover in order to provide the best possible care. At the same time, your vet can offer practical tips to help the entire household.

When should I try an at-home visit?

For routine check-ups and less-urgent medical attention , at-home visits can be a great experience for your pet and your family.

The most frequently requested in-home visits are for at-home euthanasia services. Dr. Hatt provides a touching ceremony for the family and their beloved pet in the comfort and privacy of their home. (See below)

At-home euthanasia: quality of life

Euthanasia isn’t just a medical procedure. It is the act of peacefully ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. Many pet owners choose to make it more ceremonial, like a funeral . It’s important to know that everything is done at the pace you and your pet dictate.

As the only medical profession licensed to perform this most important gift, we take the pride in the technical, medical, and soft skills associated with ending the life of a beloved family member.

Our at-home euthanasia service includes:

• A discussion with you and your family about your concerns, thoughts, or questions
• Mild sedation to help ease any discomfort
• Transportation of deceased
• Cremation arrangements
• Complimentary pawprint keepsake

As veterinarians, we have dedicated our lives to helping pets and the people that love them , so please reach out whenever you are ready to learn more, not just when “it’s time.”

Pawsh Place provides the best vet care in the comfort of your home.

For more information, contact us at 707-203-0574 or schedule your appointment online

MOBILE VETERINARY SERVICES

In-home Wellness & Mobile Veterinary Care

Our mobile vet team brings high-quality, compassionate veterinary care to you, keeping your pets healthy in the comfort and convenience of your home.

Wellness Care

Because of the shorter lifespan of our pets, we stress the importance of semi-annual physical examinations (every 6 months) and age appropriate wellness testing with a veterinarian.  Thorough check-ups and preventative care can help alleviate serious health problems. Wellness testing includes bloodwork, fecal exams, and urinalysis to catch issues before they become a problem for your pet.   Preventing disease and early disease recognition will add quality and years to your pet’s life. We offer a wide range of veterinary services to keep your companions feeling their best.

More about Wellness Care

Semi-annual physical examinations.

These are extremely important to your pet’s good health. We pride ourselves on looking at your pet as an individual and then discuss medical treatment, health maintenance and lifestyle with you about what is best for the pet and your family. A full exam is done at every visit, and this includes an assessment of your pet’s eyes, ears, mouth and skin, as well as an evaluation which includes the following body systems: cardiac, respiratory, abdominal, urogenital, and lymphatic.

Wellness and Preventative Care Plans

We evaluate pets as the individuals they are.  Each pet’s care plan is   developed carefully after evaluating the pet’s history, lifestyle and risk factors. A pet care plan will typically include nutrition, customized vaccine protocols or titer testing, wellness testing, and behavior counseling, among other topics. We look comprehensively at the factors that go into your pet’s health and invite your questions and concerns.

Customized Vaccination Protocols

We believe less is more. Vaccines are necessary to prevent disease. However, vaccines can also cause problems for your pet’s immune system if not managed in conjunction with overall health. Once yearly, we will assess your pet’s risk factors and determine if your pet needs vaccines, and if so, which ones are necessary. It is important for you to have a clear understanding of which vaccines are offered, what your pet is at risk for, and the relative risk-to-benefit ratio of giving the vaccines to the long-term health of your companion.

Titer Testing

Titer testing is available and helps assess the need of the pet for a vaccine. In a titer test, a blood sample is tested to see if the pet has an appropriate antibody level against the disease in question. If the antibody level is adequate, we can rely on the pet’s immune system to combat the disease and skip the vaccine at that time.

Wellness Testing

Wellness testing includes blood work, fecal analysis, and urinalysis. Wellness testing gives individual baseline data that we can use later as a reference for faster, more accurate diagnosis and treatment, as well as serving as a detector of early disease. Depending on the age and health of your pet, we can recommend which wellness profile is best suited.

Individualized Flea and Tick Programs

During in-home appointments, we can create an individualized treatment program with you to help keep your pet protected from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other potentially disease-bearing pests.  Because many of these pests are now adapting to warming climates in our service areas,  they are a year-round concern requiring a year-round plan. Heartworm, Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis are just a few of the very serious diseases that can be prevented through treatment programs.   We offer a variety of conventional and natural products and will recommend the products that work best for the protection and well-being of your pet.

Sick & Emergency Care

With skilled doctors and well-stocked transits, we are able to treat about 90% of common medical conditions during in-home appointments.  We can take samples for many types of laboratory services in your home and often have the results back to you in 24-48 hours.  Additionally, in-home appointments can provide our veterinarians with the opportunity to observe environmental conditions that may be related to pet illness. Our Receptionists and Patient Care Coordinators are trained to triage emergencies to help you get the best care needed for your pet.  Most things we can handle at home but in some cases we may recommend coming to one of our facilities or going to a specialty center based on the severity of the situation. For laboratory samples that we take at your home, we get pick-up twice a day from the same laboratories that all the local vet hospitals use, which gives us a quick turn-around for results.   We also have capabilities to run blood tests on site at our hospitals for more time-sensitive emergencies.  Visit our Emergency Services page to determine if you have an emergency and for contact information for area emergency veterinary affiliates. 

Veterinary Counseling Services

We offer a wide scope of consultations for both acute and chronic conditions.  Pediatric care, allergies, senior health, lameness evaluations, second opinions, oncology, and behavior are just a few.   If you have any questions about your pet’s health, please don’t hesitate to contact us—you know your pet best and there are no bad questions when it comes to your pet’s health or your peace of mind.

More about Consultations

Chronic disease management.

HousePaws offers in-home consultations to help manage chronic diseases or conditions your pet may have and reduce the number of stressful trips he or she needs to make to the veterinary hospital. We can help manage conditions related to heart, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes, cancer, arthritic conditions and more, and make recommendations of how to keep your pet as healthy and comfortable as possible in their own environment. HousePaws is happy to offer second opinion on diagnosis on chronic conditions which can be challenging for both pet and pet parent, alike.   

Behavioral Counseling

This is a frequently encountered need and one where our mobile practice has distinct benefits to clients. The ability to see the pet in her own environment is a significant benefit when developing a plan of action to defeat a behavior problem. We can provide advice regarding the correction of problems such as excessive barking, chewing, spraying, scratching, digging, house soiling, anxiety, and aggression. Most behavior problems can be solved with behavior modification techniques. Infrequently, natural alternatives or prescription medications may be needed for a short period of time. 

Quality of Life

As pets age, their needs change, too. The benefits of a veterinary housecall allow us to see the environment that your pet lives in. We may see things that you may not which impact the every day quality of life of your pet, or conditions can can present special challenges to your pet, particularly as they age or their health changes. 

Diabetic Home Management

Teaching the owner how to manage diabetes at home is important to having a stress-free diabetic pet. We offer training on obtaining your pet’s blood sample, and utilization of a home glucometer system. Frequent communication/consultation between the owner and veterinarian will optimize your pet’s success with this disease.

Dietary Counseling

We will provide guidance regarding your pet’s nutritional needs for each life stage, including dietary requirements for growth, weight maintenance and performance. A few of our veterinarians have advanced training in Chinese Medicine to take nutritional counseling to the next level!

Mobile Diagnostic and Treatment Services

HousePaws employs a range of diagnostic and treatment techniques in our mobile practice that can be tailored to the needs of you and your pet. In most of our practice areas, our doctors have access to state of the art mobile radiology equipment for advanced diagnostic efforts. A number of our doctors are certified in traditional healing methodologies as well as newer technologies such as cold laser therapy that we have found to have consistent positive results. We are constantly adding to our inventory of knowledge and equipment to offer you the most effective modern and traditional therapies to treat the extensive range of medical conditions we see every day.

Specialized Diagnostic and Treatment Services

Veterinary acupuncture.

Acupuncture is available at South Jersey and Pennsylvania Locations.  (Acupuncture is not yet available in our Bergen County service area). 

Cold Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is an FDA cleared modality that reduces inflammation and pain.   Laser therapy is effective at treating a wide range if conditions including acute pain, arthritis pain, aid in post-operative healing, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions often without use of medication or surgery.

Cold laser, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive procedure that uses visible and near infrared (NIR) light to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. Overall cellular function is increased, allowing for rapid absorption of nutrients, elimination of wastes, growth for new cells. 

The many benefits of cold laser therapy include:

• Alleviating chronic or acute pain
• Reducing inflammation
• Reducing swelling
• Increasing circulation of blood and healing factors
• Speeding up healing and recovery
• Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever.
• Joint injuries
• Back injuries and intervertebral disc issues
• Ligament or tendon injuries
• Muscle sprains or strains
• Skin lesions or abrasions
• Post-trauma wounds
• Post-surgical incisions
• Musculoskeletal diseases
• Nerve injury

Radiology at South Jersey Locations: X-Ray & Ultrasound Services

In the event your pet needs radiology services, we have high-tech mobile equipment that we can utilize in your home, or you can come in to one of our hospitals for tests. HousePaws South Jersey and Pennsylvania service areas offer mobile x-ray and ultrasound units that can perform tests in your house. (Mobile x-ray and ultrasound are not yet available in our Bergen County service area.) Results are obtained immediately and can be sent to specialists if necessary.    

Domestic/ international Health Certificates

These are needed before you can travel on an airplane with your pet. To obtain a health certificate, your pet must be examined 10 days before you travel indicating that your pet is free of communicable diseases.  We have several veterinarians on our team who have special certification for international travel requirements.

Home Delivery of Medications, Food and Nutraceuticals

Medicine and food deliveries are offered three times a week. Please see our Order Medication/Supplies page for more details.

Prescription Medications or Natural Remedies/Supplements:

These are often given at the time of the visit on a patient need basis. If you need a refill, please call us to order.

Individualized Flea and Tick Control Programs

We develop programs for the specific needs of your pet and your own particular environmental situation. We will review with you the best ways to control fleas in your house, in your yard and on your pet.

Appointment Cancellations

To enable us to provide the best care to all of our patients, please see below for details regarding cancellation of appointments with our veterinary practice.

HousePaws Cancellation Policy

HousePaws Appointment Cancellation Policy

We understand that there are times when you must miss an appointment due to emergencies or unexpected obligations for work or family.  Cancellations prevent us from treating another patient in need.

We request 12 hours notice for any cancellation.   If a mobile appointment is not cancelled at least 12 hours in advance we will require a cancellation fee equivalent to a travel fee for your area that must be paid prior to scheduling your next appointment.   After a second cancellation of a mobile appointment, without 12 hours notice, you will be responsible for the cost of a doctor’s exam for each pet scheduled and the travel fee. 

In hospital appointments we also require a 12 hour cancellation notice. If an in hospital appointment is canceled for a second time in less than 24 hours you will be responsible for the cost of an exam for each pet we were scheduled to see. 

We thank you for your understanding in this matter.

10 Best In Home Vet Tech Services

While we’ve been staying home, our pets have been right there with us. Spending time with you at the office, the gym and cuddling on the couch to binge watch Netflix - isn’t it true that your pets are always there for you when you need them the most?

Since they’ve stuck by your side through the trials and tribulations of the last several months, it’s about time we checked in on them and made sure that our pet’s health and wellness is in the best condition.

Luckily for you, there’s no need to rush to the veterinarian’s office to have your pet checked out. Instead, you can easily schedule an appointment with an in-home vet tech service that will come right to your door.

New to the in-home vet scene? No worries, let’s talk about the benefits of using an in-home vet service for your pet.

Why Should You Use An In Home Vet Tech Service?

There are many benefits to using an in home vet service rather than a boarding facility, day care or typical veterinarian's office. They include:

• Less risk of health issues such as bacteria and viruses that often live in boarding facilities. At home, your pet is less likely to endure such health scares.
• Reduce stress for you and your animal. A handful of pets feel stress and anxiety when having to visit the doctor’s office. By having a vet come to your home, your pet will feel at ease being treated in their place of comfort.
• Affordability. Depending on whether you have  pet insurance  - visits to the vet’s office can often result in expensive medical bills. At home vet services tend to be a more affordable option for any pet parent.

So, as you can see, using an in-home vet service is not only convenient for you, but it’s an overall better experience for your pet’s comfort and stress levels.

Here are ten of the best in-home vet tech services in the United States that you can hire from the comfort of your couch.

Fuzzy is health care for a longer pet life. They are, “comprehensive, one-stop pet health,” offering virtual veterinary consultations and home delivery for pet essentials - medications, supplements and nutrition.

They offer personalized treatment, have the expertise of US-Licensed Veterinarians and are a licensed pharmacy affiliate. In addition to their virtual consults, Fuzzy has an online shop for you to purchase the essentials for your pet. Some of their products include monthly protection from fleas, ticks and parasites, as well as necessities for stress, anxiety, skin, dental and diet.

Fuzzy’s pricing is as follows for a 30-day subscription (you can cancel at any time):

• $9.95 for a Virtual Vet: Chat consults and personalized advice
• $12.95 for Essential Care: Flea and tick meds, chat consult and personalized advice
• $24.95 for FuzzyRX: Prescription parasite meds, chat consult and personalize advice
• $25 for a virtual veterinary consult
• $150 for an in-home physical exam

To learn more about Fuzzy and chat with one of their consultants, visit their  website .

My Virtual Veterinarian

My Virtual Veterinarian is another way to access flexible veterinary care for your pet.

“Our mission is to help pet parents access virtual veterinary appointments so that pets are able to receive the care that they need, when they need it.”

This is How it Works:

• Step 1: Download their iOS app or request an appointment online
• Pricing will vary based on the veterinarian, but you will be able to see the pricing when scheduling your appointment.
• Step 2: Select the right veterinarian for you and input your availability
• You will receive an email confirmation for your appointment
• Step 3: If you’re using the app, you can join the appointment through there or if online, you can join through the email sent to you

According to their website, the three pillars of My Virtual Vet are:

• Flexibility: You can choose a time, date and veterinarian that is best suited for you.
• Continuity: All of your conversations and medical records are stored for you to access at any time.
• Easy Payments: Payment is done through the app and My Virtual Vet pays the veterinarian for you.

To see if My Virtual Veterinarian is right for you and your pet, visit their website  here .

Professional Vet Tech Services

Professional Vet Tech Services brings over 17 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician.

They offer the following services:

• Pet / House Sitting
• Horse Exercising
• Toe Nail Trims
• Anal Gland Expression
• Microchipping
• Diabetic Care
• Administer Medications
• Ear / Eye Cleaning
• Physical Therapy / Rehab
• Post Op Care
• Hospice Care

They do not give any medical advice or prescribe medications, but they can work with your current veterinarian to properly treat your pet at home.

They are located in Colorado and service the following areas, 10 miles from the zip code 80003:

• Westminster
• Wheat Ridge

If you live greater than 10 miles from the office, there is a $2/mile fee (round trip).

To contact:

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: 303-246-0786

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Sitters for critters.

Based in Philly, Sitters for Critters is a mobile vet tech service. Their slogan is “Furs, Feathers, Scales or Tails - we take care of your all legged and non-legged friends.”

“We have the best knowledge and expertise in pet nursing care and pet first aid in Philadelphia. Our certified veterinary technicians can provide small or large animal services.”

They are backed by the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and can take care of puppies, kittens, sick pets and older animals. They work within the areas of Bucks County, Philadelphia, Lehigh County and North Jersey.

Some of their services include:

• Dog Day Care
• Dog Walking
• Emergency On Call
• House and Pet Sitting
• Pet Boarding

Phone: 215-431-5093

Vet Pro Pet Care

Located in Dover, New Hampshire - Vet Pro Pet Care helps, “Busy Seacoast pet parents care for their kids.” They help families in the areas of Dover, Rollinsford and Somewesowth, NH: Berwick and South Berwick, ME.

They have been in business since 2014 and offer the following services:

• Dog Walking and Playtime
• Dog Hiking and Adventures
• Pet and House Sitting
• Personal Concierge
• Post Surgical Recovery

With Vet Pro, their in home services are a guaranteed low stress alternative to boarding or daycare for you and your pet. Some of their key features are:

• Online booking and payments
• Team of experts
• Available year round
• Detailed updates after each visit
• Insured and bonded
• Trained in CPR and first aid

To get in touch:

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: 603-609-7006

Pet Care in the Comfort Of Your Home | Photo by  FLOUFFY  on  Unsplash

Pet n’ Vet is a pet care service in San Diego, California. They provide in-home medical care, certified pet massage and general pet care services. They are trained RVTs who specialize in caring for older pets with special needs or advanced medical conditions.

Their services are:

• Contracted RTV Relief
• Mobile Diagnostics & Therapy
• In Home Medical Pet Sitting and Visits

They are available year round, including weekends and holidays.

For more information and to contact Pet n’ Vets:

Phone: 619-208-4637

Address: 2358 University Ave. #1011, San Diego, CA 92104

Pet Pro Services

Pet Pro Services is an in-home vet tech service operating around the United States.

“Pet Pros provides home health care services to your pet in the comfort of their own home. There’s no place like home for healing. When your pet is ill or recovering from an injury, there’s no place they would rather be than home with the people it loves.”

Some of their service options include:

• Pet Nurse and Rehabilitation Care
• Physical Therapy
• Disease Management
• Pet Transport
• Infusion Therapy
• Post Surgical Care

Their caregivers are trained in cardiac management, diabetes, pain management, geriatric management, wound care, injections and more.

To learn more about Pet Pro, you can contact them at:

Phone: 1-888-973-8748

Email: Fill out this form -  https://petprosservices.com/pet-home-health-care/

Melissa’s Mobile Pet Care

Melissa’s Mobile Pet Care services the Pennsylvania area. She is a mobile veterinary nurse and pet sitter.

“With 9 years of professional experience, you can rest assured that your pet will receive the proper care. Eliminate the stressful trip to the vet and have the services done in the comfort of your home.”

Her most popular services are:

• Ear Cleaning
• Medication Administration
• Subcutaneous Fluids
• Mat Shaving
• Blood Glucose Reading
• Blood Glucose Curve

She also offers dog walking and pet sitting.

To contact Melissa:

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: 484-995-9299

Vet Tech Pet Care

Established in 2008, Vet Tech Pet Care is made up of Veterinary Experienced Animal Care Professionals, Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters.

Their services include:

• Overnight Stays
• Companionship, Love and Lots of Affection
• Anal Glands
• Administration of Medications

They offer their services for California in Contra Costa County including Clayton, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martine, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Lafayette, Pittsburg and Rossmoor.

To get in touch, you can contact them at:

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: 925-899-7354

Neighborhood Vet Tech

Neighborhood Vet Tech is located in Maine - Freeport, Augusta and Damariscotta - offering fear free in-home nursing care to pets.

Their mission is to: “Cherish the human-animal bond, be an asset to surrounding veterinary clinics, provide a fear-free environment, treat your companions as family members, and work as a complete care team with your veterinary clinic.”

• Pet Care: nail trim, ear cleaning, anal gland expression
• Medication administration
• Nursing Care: wound bandage, post op care, hospice care and glucose check
• Pet Taxi and Exam Report

Before Neighborhood Vet Tech can see your pet, they will receive a preliminary physical exam to ensure they are fit for care. Additionally, your pet must be up to date with their rabies vaccination and annual examinations.

Get in touch:

Email:  [email protected]

Phone: 207-504-7549

There you have it, our list of the ten best In Home Vet Tech Services for your pet’s proper care and health.

In Home Vet Tech services offer you the stress free, affordable pet care you need. So, now that you know how to take the best care of your pet, have you covered all your bases on pet insurance?

FURSURE HELPS PET PARENTS FIND THE BEST PET INSURANCE POLICY

No need to worry, at Fursure our pet insurance advisors have everything you need to get set up quickly with personalized pet insurance for your furry friend. We create easy, fast and customized plans for you to choose from and will help determine which insurance is best for you.

To get your pet protected and covered in just a few minutes , buy a pet insurance policy today!

MEET FURSURE Pet INSURANCE

Say goodbye to out of pocket vet payments., introducing pet insurance that pays your vet directly. we let you keep your cash on hand, so you can focus on giving your pet the best care possible. give your pet the coverage they deserve..

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Northgate Vet

Northgate Veterinary Clinic

How Can A Home Visit Vet Help Your Pet’s Health?

A home visit vet can help with the problems of families with pets. A family can have a hectic schedule that they may neglect their pet’s health. With this concern, more families are now turning to the option of scheduling these home veterinarians. Also, if your pet is having some difficulties getting disciplined while traveling, this method proves useful. In addition,  some vets can examine your puppy at home  for any signs of diseases and give appropriate medication. No matter what the age of your pet is, you’ll surely get to see the differences between a home visit and a clinic visit. What other ways can these vets help your pets? 

What Sets Home And Clinic Vet Visit Apart?

If you want to know the difference between a home visit vet and a clinic-based one, you should check their approaches. A pet may have calm behavior during a vet clinic visit due to the change of environment. Thus, it creates a barrier from the real health needs of your pet. That said, a veterinarian on-call can check your furry friend’s behavior at home. It is essential to have a full check-up when your pet is relaxing. This process will help the veterinarian check any signs of disease or injury. Being at home also creates a personal bond between the pet and the veterinarian. It can benefit from future visits and can also  allow the vet to give the best recommendations for your pet’s health . 

Why Do Pets Need A Home Visit Vet?

The benefits of getting a professional vet to visit your home are quite a lot. Aside from its convenience, the pet owner can also get specific treatments for their dogs. Some veterinarians can give dental cleaning for  pets with a severe case of cavities and plaque buildup . It is also less stressful for families with many pets. Moreover, a home visit vet can check all of the pets with the least amount of time. For families who also have a new pet, it may be beneficial for new puppies or kittens. It may also help older dogs with difficulties in walking or breathing. Lastly, a pet owner has more security, knowing that the pet is at their home instead of leaving them elsewhere. 

Some Limitations For Home Visits

Future of home veterinarians.

With the challenges previously mentioned, the future of home veterinarians is still developing. Developments of less disease transmission are one of the goals of home visits.  Vets are also looking towards the use of digital technology for their practice . Digital imaging, 3D technology, as well as VR, are one of the rising trends in medicine. Data protection is also one of the main concerns for pet owners as well. More pet owners are looking forward to mobile vets housing the right surgery equipment for their pet’s health.

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Visiting Vet

Professional, compassionate veterinary care for every phase of your pet’s life

Phone Appointments

Serving Solano County & parts of Napa, Sonoma, Contra Costa & Alameda

Main Content

Your pet is a beloved member of your family. You want to give them the comfort and compassion they deserve. Dr. Sybil Murray and the experienced staff of Visiting Vet provide an extensive range of professional veterinary services – all in the comfort of your home.

Our mobile veterinarians are here to support you and your pet.

Professional, compassionate veterinary care for every phase of your pet’s life.

Healthy Pet Care

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Preparing a Pet for a Home Vet Visit: 9 Essential Tips

Table of Contents

Home veterinary visits are changing the game for pet care , allowing our furry friends to receive expert medical attention without leaving their favorite lounging spot. Gone are the days of stressful car rides or anxious waiting room moments!

But as with all good things, preparing a pet for an in-home visit makes things even smoother. Setting the stage for your pet and the veterinarian helps to achieve a successful checkup, ensuring everyone's comfort.

Here's how to prepare your pet for an at-home vet visit:

1. Gather Medical Records

Before the veterinarian arrives, it's a good idea to have your pet's medical history on hand . This includes previous visit summaries, vaccination cards, and any prescribed medication details.

A comprehensive view of your pet’s health journey helps the veterinarian offer the best care possible.

2. Designate a Safe Place

Choose a quiet and familiar space in your home for the veterinarian’s visit. This could be your living room, a spacious bedroom, or any area your pet feels relaxed in.

Make sure that the area is clear so that there is room for the veterinarian to examine your pet as well as no hiding places.  Close doors to other spaces to ensure your pet is present when the veterinarian arrives.

🏆 The goal is to keep the environment calm and stress-free.

3. Stock Up on Supplies

Have essentials like treats, toys, or even their favorite blanket ready . These items can comfort or distract your pet during the examination.

Remember to keep things like favorite treats, towels, muzzles or crates (for pets that might become anxious), and leashes within reach.

🐱 New Kitten Checklist

🐶 New Puppy Checklist

4. Prepare Your Questions

Like a regular veterinary visit, you'll want to maximize the time you have. Jot down any questions or concerns you might have about your pet’s health or behavior.

Being proactive ensures you don’t forget to address any pressing issues.

5. Communicate with Your Veterinarian

It’s important to communicate with your veterinary team before your home visit . Let them know if your dog or cat tends to become highly anxious or tries to bite.

Share anything other information you think is important for your veterinarian to know about your pet. This helps your team to prepare in advance and be better equipped for the safety and care of your pet.

6. Keep Distractions at Bay

Reduce potential stressors by minimizing disruptions . This might mean keeping other pets away, turning off loud appliances, or letting family members know in advance so they can either be present or give space as needed.  

7. Practice Calming Techniques

Some pets are naturally more anxious than others. If your pet tends to get stressed, consider calming techniques .

This could include playing some gentle music, using pheromone sprays, or introducing them to a calming collar before the veterinarian’s arrival.

Does My Dog Have Anxiety?

1. does your dog bark a lot when you’re not at home, 2. is your dog panting a lot more than usual, 3. is your dog destructive when left alone (chewing, digging, or shredding), 4. is your dog having accidents inside the house more than usual, 5. is your dog drooling more than usual, 6. is your dog shedding or losing hair in patches more than usual, 7. does your dog seem like they are on high alert (can’t relax, overly watchful, or pacing), 8. is your dog demonstrating repetitive behaviors (spinning, digging, biting their paws or tail), 9. has your dog experienced sleep changes recently (sleeping a lot more or less than usual), view results, 8. familiarize your pet with the veterinarian.

Let your pet have a casual meet-and-greet with the veterinarian before diving into the medical procedures. A simple hello, accompanied by a treat from the veterinarian, can set a positive tone for the actual checkup.

Our veterinarians use a Fear Free® approach, ensuring a calm and friendly start to each visit. 

9. Provide Quiet Time Post Appointment

After the veterinarian leaves, give your pet some quiet time or a favorite activity to help them relax. Monitor them to ensure there are no post-visit issues and reward them with a treat or play session.

Bringing the veterinarian into your home isn't just about convenience —it's about creating an ideal environment for pet care .

In the familiar and relaxed home setting, your pet remains calm, making it easier for the veterinarian to get an accurate read on their health. For all the busy pet parents, home veterinary services save time and reduce stress, taking out the hectic trips to the clinic.

Remember, when your pet is comfortable, they can truly be themselves, making each checkup much more effective.

Ready to make veterinary visits cozy and hassle-free? Book a home vet visit with BetterVet and let your furry friend receive the gentle care they deserve in their favorite place—their home!

Get Your Pet’s Health Checked Out at Home

Say goodbye to stressful vet visits and hello to a comfortable wellness exam in your pet's favorite spot.

Written by Dr. Joshua Montgomery

Medically reviewed by Laura Fontana, DVM

How to Prepare for a Virtual Vet Visit

Kitten First Vet Visit: What You Can Expect

Puppy First Vet Visit: What You Can Expect

Why You Need To Find Yourself A Vet Who Does Home Visits Now!

By Phillip Mlynar

A few years ago, I was at a traditional brick-and-mortar vet for a check up with my cat, Mimosa, when I was told that one of her blood test levels was slightly higher than usual.

“What usually causes that?” I asked.

“Oh, it’s often stress,” I was told by the technician.

“Well, yeah, she’s scared and doesn’t want to be here,” I responded. I then politely turned down a recommendation to get more blood tests to check against that one tiny discrepancy.

Happily, those days have become a thing of the past now that I’ve embraced the calm world of home visit vets. It’s safe to say, when it comes to routine yearly wellness exams and minor feline ailments, I won’t be carting Mimosa off to a traditional vets any time soon.

I’ve now been using home visit vets for three years. Mimosa’s last yearly exam took place back in August. It was a breeze. There was no hint of her sensing a nervy atmosphere in the air or any grand chase around the apartment in a bid to stuff her into the cat carrier. Instead, I was simply told by the vet and his assistant to put Mimosa in a small room before they turned up — mainly so she wouldn’t run and hide under the bed or couch.

Trust me, it’s a lot easier to tempt a cat into the bathroom with a couple of treats than trying to entice her to venture through the jaws of a cat carrier.

If you’ve ever booked a home vet visit, the formal benefits are readily apparent. It’s less stressful for the cat, and it takes less time out of your own day as you’re not traveling to and from the vets (which, in my case, involves a cab fare both ways). There’s also no chance your cat’s going to inadvertently pick up another illness or ailment from being in an environment packed with other possibly sick (and definitely yapping) animals.

In my experience, the format of home vet visits also mean they end up being cheaper. For a start, when you’re sitting in the comfort of your own home, you’re less likely to be pressurized into ordering a never ending series of tests for your cat. (And, much as they do great work, we all know how vets love nothing more than to tell you that your cat should really get that extra blood test, just to be sure of ruling out, you know, feline leprosy or potential kitty OCD.) Also, you’re not going to find the cheap shot of a “waste disposal” entry on your bill when your cat’s being examined at her own home.

If a course of medicine or a type of supplement is recommended for your cat, the home vet is similarly less likely to be concerned with hawking the product to you at an inflated price. I’ve been in a traditional vets office where I’ve been given the hard sell about lysine — which Mimosa takes for the feline herpes she picked up during her wild stray days — knowing full well that the exact same brand of powder is a third of the price at any pet store. The home visit vet seems to have realized that carting around cases of medicine to up-sell to pet owners will just make them look like a snake oil salesperson.

While traditional vet visits can be formal and even stuffy, home vet visits come off as friendlier experiences. Mimosa’s first home vet was easy going and would tell great anecdotes, like the one about the woman in Manhattan who had taken in a pigeon and let it live in the apartment. (After I asked, the vet confessed that she was none the wiser about how the pigeon fancier cleared the poop up.)

When Mimosa seemed to be congested one fall, I contacted the same home visit vet only to be told she was booked up for a couple of weeks. Wonderfully, the vet then emailed me back some advice about things to try before taking her to another vets. The tips worked (and there was no mention of any sort of a fee). I suspect if I’d had called up another vets, their only advice would have been to bring her in for an examination.

Most of the time, the welfare of your cat is as much about keeping her happy and stress free as it is about prescribing courses of medication and exposing her to alien environments. Sure, if you suspect your cat has a serious, deep-rooted illness — or she’s suddenly decided to stop eating — then hurrying her off to a physical veterinarian facility with an emergency department is obviously the responsible thing to do. But for yearly check ups and occasional sniffs and scratches? Do the right thing and get on board with the home vet visit movement.

Phillip Mlynar spends his days writing about pets, music, and craft beer (and sometimes the overlap between them). He's won numerous awards at the annual Cat Writers' Association Communication Contest, some of which are proudly on display at his local dive bar.

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Benefits of At-Home Veterinary Care

Take advantage of at-home vet visits.

There are many different reasons pet owners prefer a mobile vet clinic over a traditional office. Whether it’s difficult to find time in your busy schedule, you have trouble getting around yourself or you have pets that would be more comfortable in a familiar environment – Stay @Home Mobile Vet Clinic offers a number of benefits to both you and your pets.

Convenience, Comfort and Cleanliness

Save yourself the hassle of finding a time that works with your family’s busy schedule for your pet’s vet visits. By coming to your home, you can schedule a time for your appointment and forget about transporting your pet, making multiple trips if you have more than 1 pet or trying to fit everyone in the car without a melt-down.

Beyond the convenience for you, your pets will be more comfortable in a place they know, without the added distractions – like waiting for 15 minutes with other pets in the waiting room and taking multiple trips outside to ensure there are no accidents on the floor. Before you even walk into the waiting room, the car trip is likely enough to put some cats and dogs over their limit with fear and anxiety.

Also, by scheduling an at-home vet visit, your pets will have less exposure to contagious diseases and parasites. This is especially important for the very young, geriatric or immune compromised patients.

More Personalized Care

Veterinary professional rely heavily on owners to provide information about their pet’s behavior and medical symptoms. However, pets rarely exhibit the same signs when they are stressed at the clinic (magically their limp is cured!).  We often find that we are able to see the issues you are describing first-hand when the pet is in its environment and provide a tailored treatment plan.  Additionally, seeing first-hand that a pet is living in a two-story home where they must negotiate stairs or running on a wooded lot can change recommendations for medications or preventive care.

The best part about the at-home visit is you are the only client there and you have the vet’s full attention!  There is no running room to room, and we can build a strong bond with you and your pet.  You will not spend 2hrs at the appointment to only see the vet for 5 minutes.

Comfort and Peace at the End

When it’s time to say goodbye, being able to do so at your home is always a better choice for you and your pet. We provide a humane and peaceful at-home euthanasia for our clients, to allow you the time and space to say goodbye. From end of life counseling to euthanasia, we will walk our clients through the process to ensure we can provide the most peace possible for them and their pet.

Call 330-904-2129 or contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah Ford .

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AS many of you will have heard there is an online petition to feed into the RCVS’ call for evidence on out-of-hours provision. The petition is calling for the removal of mandatory home visits. I have written on this subject before after vets have been struck off for not doing a home visit (usually out-of-hours, […]

The RCVS and ‘mandatory’ home visits

Gareth Cross talks to Jo Dyer about the online petition she started in response to the Royal College’s request for comments on the provision by practices of 24-hour emergency care…

AS many of you will have heard there is an online petition to feed into the RCVS’ call for evidence on out-of-hours provision. The petition is calling for the removal of mandatory home visits.

I have written on this subject before after vets have been struck off for not doing a home visit (usually out-of-hours, but home visits can happen at any time). I have limited column space and enough to say here for a year’s worth of Cross-words columns.

The petition has been set up by a practitioner called Jo Dyer. At the time of writing (the beginning of February) the petition has had over 2,000 signatories. This is a huge response for a UK veterinary issue, that would be similar to a national online petition gaining 12 million signatories (i.e. approaching a fifth of the population). Surely the RCVS cannot ignore that?

I interviewed Jo…

Gareth: This has been a grumbling issue for years, what prompted you to start the petition?

Jo: I’ve been a small animal vet for over 27 years, first as an employee, then a practice owner, and now I’m a practice management consultant who also does some locumming.

Ten years ago I told my employed vets not to perform house visits out- of-hours. I had a duty of care to look after their health and safety; and whilst I have my doubts about, for instance, having to have a box of plasters available in a building full of bandages, and other such H&S trivia, it seemed to me to be a clear and present danger to send people out on their own at all hours to strangers’ homes.

I also told them I would defend them to the hilt if they should have any RCVS complaints about this. They, however, told me they could not obey because of their personal responsibility under the Code. Ironically, the very next OOH visit someone felt obliged to go to was at 2am to a filthy bedsit occupied by heroin addicts to see a sick parrot.

So when I heard about Mr Chikosi, I really felt the time had come to stop moaning and do something. As far as I can remember, his is about the fourth such case in the last 10 years where a vet has been struck off for refusing or delaying attendance at a home visit.

However, his case seemed even worse than the others, and I was ashamed that he was treated as he was by a profession that I am part of. I could entirely imagine myself in his position in my younger and less confident days – trying to keep his employer, his staff, his client, his patient and the RCVS all happy at the same time – a clearly impossible task.

I thought he acted very sensibly, and in line with his employer’s protocol. The dog was seen and put to sleep – although she would have been seen more quickly if Mr C had been able to say, “No, I am not coming out, get her here as soon as possible.”

There was also the fact that I finally had time in my life to be able to do something about it. As vets we all work extremely hard over long hours so I thought if I could make it easy for people to contact the RCVS in response to the “call for evidence” then that might give everyone who felt the same as me a voice.

Gareth: A few technical points re the petition: how long is it up for, does it feed directly to the RCVS? How do readers access it?

Jo: Originally I had in mind to close the petition on 17th February, the deadline for the “call for evidence”. However, it has been suggested to me that it could be treated as a stand- alone issue anyway so it will be available for the foreseeable future.

It can be accessed at www.change.org/en- GB/petitions/royal-college-of- veterinarysurgeons-remove-mandatory-house-visits-from-the- code-of-professional-conduct or just go to change.org and search “code of professional conduct”.

Each time someone “signs”, an e- mail is sent to RCVS.

Although the headline is about removing mandatory house visits, the actual message is a request to modify the Code to make it much clearer that owners are the ones responsible for their animals. This would, incidentally, bring the Code into line with the Animal Welfare Act of 2006. At the moment, for some bizarre reason, as soon as the owner contacts the vet, they “place the onus of decision- making onto the veterinary surgeon”.

We are asking that this responsibility is not until they have undertaken a physical examination of an animal. This examination may take place at the surgery or other address entirely at the discretion of the veterinary surgeon on duty. We also want to delete Clause 3.13 altogether, i.e. the one with the woolly wording about “on rare occasions it may be necessary to visit”, etc.

[For full details please see the online petition; for reasons of space I cannot rewrite it all here – Gareth ]

Gareth: The RCVS has responded to the petition and said that OOH visits are not mandatory if clear reasons are given to refuse; what would you say to this?

Jo: I would say, “actions speak louder than words”. Clear reasons for refusal have been given in the past but people were still struck off. In the Code it makes clear that “risk to life and limb” is the only acceptable reason for refusal. My risk assessment for my employed vets was that visiting OOH was a H&S issue. They did not trust the RCVS to agree with that view.

Neil Smith (the Royal College president) in his statement has relied heavily on the fact that the word “mandatory” does not appear in the Code. However, through their actions, the DC have made people believe that it is not possible to refuse visits. Also, the word “mandatory” does not appear in the e-mails the RCVS have been receiving from the petition, so it seems convenient for him to latch on to the one word which is not actually going directly to them.

The College started the “call for evidence” because they were reportedly unaware of much unrest and wanted direct feedback. So now they need to listen carefully to that direct feedback and not put up smokescreens based on semantics.

[There are also explicit instructions in the practice standards scheme manual that it is not acceptable for a practice to have a “No home visit policy”. So with the double negative there, logically this makes them mandatory – Gareth ]

Gareth : I have been made aware of a case where a dog eviscerated after an op and the vet from an out-of-hours co-operative refused to attend, the owners felt unable to cope and the dog died. This is one of the few cases when an out-of-hours visit being mandatory (possibly status epilepticus would be another) and basic animal welfare are indivisible; how would you defend giving the vet the right to refuse any visit in any circumstance?

Jo : Clearly, cases of evisceration, impalement and entrapment are likely to need visits. At no point have I suggested the abolition of visits. However, the Code should not be a list of all the possible things we must and must not do, it would be extremely long if it was! Vets are conscientious and highly intelligent individuals; it is insulting to treat them like naughty children. The necessity “not to bring the profession into disrepute” would of course still be present.

I would like to say that none of this would have come about if the RCVS DC had followed their own lawyer’s advice at Mr C’s hearing. Quoting from the transcript: “It has to be shown that no reasonably competent veterinary surgeon in general practice, providing an out-of- hours service would have done what the respondent is alleged to have done.”

No “reasonably competent veterinary surgeon working OOH” was asked for their opinion on this, and a DC comprising three academics, a referral ophthalmologist and a retired large animal practitioner made their own decision.

Gareth: Following on from that, I also think that in previous cases the RCVS DC have applied hindsight to visit cases with comments like “it was a quiet night on call otherwise”. No vet on call, at the time you have to make a decision, knows what will happen in the next 10 seconds on call, never mind the rest of the night. When the dust has settled it’s easy to say “It was quiet after all.”

There are plenty of on-call nights when, in hindsight, I could have gone out to the pub, but if I was found blind drunk on call I would expect to be struck off. I would not expect “Well it’s OK because the phone never rang” to work as a defence, but the RCVS have used this hindsight as part of their condemnation of refusal to do a visit. This all adds to the fear we feel when that drunkard calls at 2am for his coughing dog and we all think

“I’ve got to go.” Can you sum up in one or two sentences why home visits should not be mandatory?

Jo: (a) the maintenance of the mental and physical health and safety of veterinary professionals; (b) the welfare of the vast majority of our patients whose owners bring them to our premises and who may be neglected while we are out on a house call, and the welfare of any in- patients we may also be responsible for during that time; and (c) as vets we are all passionate about animal welfare, but vet welfare is important too, and we cannot continue to provide a service if we do not look after ourselves and our colleagues.

Also, the ambiguity we have at the moment means that the welfare of the patient can be compromised while waiting for the vet to arrive, when it would have been more quickly seen and more effectively treated if it had been taken straight to the surgery.

Often the vet just acts as a taxi service anyway. And one of the commonest reasons I have had for requesting a house visit is that the owner cannot afford a taxi.

Gareth: Are there precedents from other developed countries?

Jo: I have asked groups of vets from all over the world, and the UK appears to be the only country where the vet’s responsibility for the animal starts at the moment of contact with the owner, rather than at the surgery doors.

Gareth: Do you think that if we remove this from the Code then people will no longer do house visits?

Jo: Changing the wording of the Code would not mean that no one did house visits (as I say in the petition). Also, clients would be able to choose their practice on the basis of availability of visits if that was important to them. House visits are a customer care issue, not an animal welfare issue, and therefore many practices will always offer them where possible.

Gareth: Your petition currently has 2,000 signatories. For the RCVS Council election, this will be enough votes to get elected, are you going to stand?

Jo: No. When I read that “The role of RCVS Council is not to represent the veterinary professions, I ruled that one out! I would, however, very much like to be invited to the standards committee meeting which is being held to discuss the findings of the “call for evidence”. I have asked a couple of times but not had a positive answer yet! If anyone else would like to request RCVS that I attend then please feel free.

Gareth: Thanks Jo.

Comments on petition

I want to end by quoting some of the comments on the petition. You often read that the risks to vets doing out-of-hours visits are theoretical, or that it “could happen”.

What is unique about this petition is that it has drawn out real experiences of vets.

After this has run its course, the next time a vet is assaulted I would not want to be the RCVS when the victim’s employer/father/mother/brother brings the RCVS to court and in front of the HSE for causing the incident.

When the HSE looks at accidents and fatalities, one of the main things it looks at is how the organisation in question deals with near misses and warnings.

RCVS,if you are reading this: this is your warning, these real experiences listed in the panel are your near misses. Take action, listen to the petition.

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Interested in housing a veteran? Erie VAMC has a program for you

Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center will soon offer a Medical Foster Care program for veterans, and hospital officials are looking for hosts.

The VA program, which started 22 years ago in the western United States, is designed for qualified veterans who require a nursing home-level of care. Instead of living in a long-term care facility, they reside in a private home with a designated caregiver.

"There is such a need for nursing homes and there simply aren't enough beds," said Kamie Mazza, Medical Foster Home coordinator for the Erie VAMC. "It also benefits the veteran, who is able to live in a home environment."

The program has expanded to 46 states and territories, with more than 700 veterans and about 500 caregivers enrolled. The Cleland Dole Act, passed in December 2022, requires every VA health system to offer the program by the end of 2025.

Mazza has not placed any veterans in the program yet. She is currently interviewing potential caregivers.

"We are looking for people who can make a commitment for 24/7 nursing home-level care," Mazza said. "They can have either formal or informal experience in caregiving, such as being a retired nurse for a group home, or someone who was the primary caregiver for a loved one."

Caregivers paid directly by veterans

Caregivers must provide a background check, prove financial stability and be certified in CPR. They must live in a house, not an apartment, and the residence must pass fire safety and kitchen/nutrition inspections.

Caregivers are paid a monthly rate by the veteran. The rate is negotiated and based on the typical cost for similar services in the area, the veteran's care needs and their financial situation.

"The average rate nationally is between $2,500 and $3,500 a month," Mazza said. "If the veteran can't afford it, the VA tries to help to see if they qualify for additional benefits."

From 2023: Erie VA undergoes another multi-million dollar round of expansions, renovations

Erie VAMC care team visits veteran regularly

Once the veteran is placed in a medical foster home, they are visited regularly by an Erie VAMC home-based primary care team. It includes a nurse practitioner, pharmacist, dietitian and physical therapist.

Up to three veterans can be placed in a single medical foster home, if there are no other residents in the home receiving care, Mazza said. A veteran's spouse can live in the medical foster home, but their care will not be supported by the Erie VAMC unless they are also a qualifying veteran.

"This is designed to be a long-term arrangement that allows the veteran to keep some of their independence," Mazza said.

If you want to learn more about the VA's Medical Foster Care program, visit va.gov/geriatrics or call Mazza at 814-780-2347.

Contact David Bruce at  [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter,  @ETNBruce .

4-legged lifesavers: Service dogs are working wonders for veterans with PTSD, study shows

TOMS RIVER, N.J. − Before Anthony Certa began talking about his three deployments in Iraq as a U.S. Marine and military police officer , he gave a gentle command to his service dog.

"Mando, on my lap," the veteran said. Mando, a black 2½-year-old England Labrador, hoisted his massive paws onto Certa's legs, then Certa lifted the dog all the way into his lap and began petting the dog, who remained still and quiet.

It was obvious the effect the dog had on Certa, who recalled his experiences guarding convoys and protecting explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) personnel as they worked. Emotional as he spoke of losing comrades, Certa remained calm and spoke softly, in measured tones.

While for years there has been anecdotal evidence of the benefits of emotional support dogs for veterans such as Certa, a new national study offers more definitive proof.

Maggie O'Haire , one of the study's co-authors and a researcher with the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, and her colleagues followed 156 veterans over three months. The study, funded in part by the National Institutes of Health and released June 4, found veterans with dogs reported decreased severity of PTSD symptoms, anxiety and depression and higher psychosocial functioning. The dogs were provided by a nonprofit, K9s for Warriors .

"We know veterans are struggling," O'Haire said. "They have much higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts (than the general population)."

'Really rough coming home' after combat in Iraq

Certa, who enlisted shortly after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, was just 19 when he was first deployed to Iraq in 2003. He was in Fallujah during the most intense fighting of the war; his final deployment ended in 2005.

After seeing the human cost of war, from service members killed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to urban warfare and house-to-house "cordon and knock" operations, Certa found it difficult to adjust to civilian life.

"It was really tough coming home," he said. "You had certain expectations. When you’re in the Marines, you don’t really talk about things."

He struggled, engaging in what he called "reckless behavior" and leaning on alcohol. "You mask a lot of the problems," Certa said, petting and squeezing Mando. "You get reckless; you feel invincible. You feel like, well, you didn't die (in combat), but you also feel guilty that you didn't die, and other guys did."

The 40-year-old, who was worried about becoming a statistic, is not alone. According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs , suicide is the second-leading cause of death among veterans under the age of 45. In 2021, 6,392 veterans died by suicide – an average of more than 17 lives lost per day.

'Something in me wasn't right'

In 2007, Certa followed the advice of concerned family members and stopped drinking. It helped. He went back to school, earned a graduate degree in education and began teaching.

But a few years ago, he found himself struggling again. The then-superintendent of the Matawan School District, Joseph "Jay" Majka, was himself a Marine Corps veteran and understood the struggles vets sometimes face.

"I didn't realize how far I was spinning out of control," Certa said. "But my colleagues saw something in me wasn't right, and (Majka) came to me and said, 'Let's get you some help.'"

Mighty Oaks, a faith-based program for military veterans , helped Certa get his life back as he reconnected with his Christian faith. He learned to forgive himself and let go of past mistakes. He still gives back through his church and charities such as Semper Fi & America's Fund and Dylan's Wings of Change .

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Saving lives 'at both ends of the leash'

K9s for Warriors, which paired Certa with Mando, is one of several nonprofits that helps veterans obtain service dogs. It was founded in 2011 by a mom who saw her son struggle with PTSD when he returned from Iraq – but she also noticed he seemed more relaxed when he was with his dog.

Most of the animals K9s for Warriors pairs with veterans are rescue dogs, spokesperson Dani Bozzini said.

"We say we are saving lives at both ends of the leash," she said. "(Rescue dogs) have so much love to give; they're smart and cuddly and we believe in second chances, for the veterans we serve and the dogs."

Dogs are screened for temperament and their ability to obey commands and trained for six to eight months.

The dogs' training includes three main cues: "Look," which tells the dog, in military parlance, to "watch my six," helpful for people wary of enclosed spaces or being unable to see all around themselves; "on my lap," in which the dog acts as a comforting weight and calming presence; and "front," which tells the dog to form a buffer between the veteran and others, mitigating hyper-vigilance they might feel in crowds.

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Veterans, too, go through a screening process, Bozzini said. Once they're matched, veterans and dogs spend three weeks at one of two K9s for Warriors sites, in Florida and Texas, bonding and learning to work together. There's no cost to vets; the expense of training the dogs (around $70,000 for each dog, Bozzini said) and hosting veterans is supported by donors and philanthropic organizations.

Mando and Certa have been together for a year, and Certa said they're nearly inseparable. Mando accompanies him to work each day – the dog has his own school ID card – and he's a hit with students at the middle school where Certa teaches and members of the church youth group Certa leads. About the only time they're apart is when Certa, an ultramarathon runner, is on a long run.

"He helps me so much and it’s awesome that he brings such a positive element to wherever he’s at," Certa said. "There’s no crummy attitude around a dog, you know? He's the best."

Positive outcomes for veterans with dogs

O'Haire said using dogs to help people with physical challenges is nothing new, but having dogs ease mental health conditions such as PTSD and anxiety is a relatively recent innovation. That's part of the reason it hasn't really been studied in depth, she said.

But research was needed, O'Haire said, because funding sources, policy makers and insurance companies all rely on evidence and data. The dogs might not work for everyone, she noted, and they're not the only intervention – talk therapy, medications and continued support also help people struggling with mental health – but dogs can be part of the solution, the study shows.

"As I reflect on almost a decade that I've been studying veterans and service dogs, it's not uncommon for me to hear veterans tell me they wouldn't be alive if not for their dog," O'Haire said.

Certa, who married and became a stepdad to two boys in 2022, said Mando is more than a pet. The dog, along with faith and family, helps sustain him.

"The way he looks at me, the way he nudges me," he said, his voice trailing off a bit. "He needs me as much as I need him."

If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at  988lifeline.org . Veterans can also visit www.veteranscrisisline.net/ or text 838255 . You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits or services to receive help.

Contact Phaedra Trethan by email at [email protected], on X (formerly Twitter) @wordsbyphaedra, or on Threads @by_phaedra