From veterinarians to groomers to massage therapists, animal care professionals offer mobile pet services to cater to the needs of their four-footed clients and their families.
"My dog should have a check-up, but she's terrified of going to the vet clinic." "I have a Shih-tzu that needs regular grooming, but I'm a senior and don't drive anymore." These are just two people who would benefit from the many mobile pet services springing up across the country. These businesses and organizations cater to people who, for one reason or another, need help transporting their animals or caring for them at their own homes. They're also invaluable to those with busy schedules who just don't have the time to shuttle their animals back and forth to appointments. Here's a look at a few mobile pet services that can make life easier and more enjoyable for you and your companion.
"Dogs and cats can be stressed at the prospect of going to the veterinarian's office," says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, an integrative veterinarian who makes house calls. "For some animals, it's one of the few times they get into the car or pet carrier. Even properly seat-belted, an anxious dog can injure himself during a trip to the vet's office." Veterinary house calls can be a godsend to easily-stressed animals or those who are older or have health issues that may be compromised through exposure to other animals.
When Lynn Edwards took Dirty Dogs Pet Services on the road, she groomed dogs for elderly clients or stay-at- home moms with young children – both groups had trouble transporting their dogs to the grooming salon.
Lynn finds dogs are more cooperative when groomed at home, and Rick Arevalo of Aussie Pet Mobile agrees. Aussie's vans are equipped with hydraulic lifts so dogs are raised to tub level – this means they aren't stressed by having to jump into the tub, and their people don't risk hurting their backs by lifting them. "Everything we do is in the best interests of the dog," says Rick.
Aussie also works for the best interests of the planet; solar panels supply power for keeping the van cool during grooming appointments, and the company uses all-natural shampoos and even recycles clipped hair. "We have been quite active in sending hair to help in the absorption of the Gulf oil spill," says Rick.
When animals get old and start to ail, multiple vet trips are sometimes necessary – and that just adds to the stress. Dr. Mary Gardner's practice, Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, focuses exclusively on end-of-life issues. She works with families in their homes to assist animals with pain management and appetite stimulation, and helps people know when it's time to say goodbye. Wound dressing, fluid therapy and other treatments keep the animals comfortable in their own environment.
It's the ice cream truck!
One of the main reasons for using mobile pet services is to save time. But some services are geared toward just brightening your dog's day. Canine companions in New Hampshire, for example, know that when they hear an ice cream truck, they won't be left out. Located in Exeter on the seacoast, Yoghund creates organic frozen yogurt treats for dogs. The treats are carried by a local vendor with two fleets of ice cream trucks traveling in three territories – customer Sue Onufer says her 14-year-old beagle loves having these delicious treats delivered almost to their door.
To help control animal populations, the ASPCA offers mobile spay and neuter clinics in New York's five boroughs. Each mobile unit has the ability to operate on 25 dogs and cats per day. Low income families or those with pit bulls or pit mixes are eligible for no-cost surgeries. Microchipping is available as well, and all animals are tattooed to identify them as spayed or neutered.