Expert Veterinary Care at Your Doorstep
At WanderVet, we understand that a visit to the vet can be stressful for both you and your pet. We strive to create a comfortable, relaxing environment for both you and your furry friend by offering a range of services to cater to your pet’s needs. Our team will work closely with you to develop a personalized care plan that meets your pet’s specific needs.
What to Expect
We understand that it is not always possible to bring your pet to a clinic. That is why we are proud to be a mobile veterinary service that offers house calls to see animals in your own home.
Seeing animals in their home allows us to treat the animals in a comfortable environment. Please let us know of any specific requests or conditions that will require special attention. We promise to communicate with you throughout the process to make sure it goes smoothly for you and your pet.
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We’re a house-call practice. Most of the time, our entire visit will take place in your home, where your pet is most comfortable.
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We typically schedule each appointment for 20-30 minutes per pet. Your pet will have our doctor’s undivided attention during this time. It can be helpful to prepare a list of questions or concerns in advance. We also appreciate if you can tell us what your pet is eating, along with the names and dosages of any medications or supplements your pet is taking.
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Please allow us a 15-minute grace period before or after your scheduled appointment time; traffic and weather can lead to unpredictable driving conditions so pinpointing our exact arrival time can sometimes be challenging. If we are going to be more than 15 minutes early or late we will call you to make sure that the appointment still works with your schedule.
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If we are seeing your pet for their annual exam or because they have intestinal issues (diarrhea, constipation) please save a fresh (less than 24 hours old), unfrozen fecal sample for lab testing. For dogs, we prefer samples that have not had extended contact with the ground, as this can sometimes lead to contamination with environmental organisms.
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If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can accommodate other clients. Appointments rescheduled in advance of 48 hours will be refunded the $100 house call fee required for booking.
For Clients with Cats
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If your cat is shy, or has had less than positive experiences at the vet in the past, we recommend that you confine them in the bathroom about 15 minutes before we arrive. This eliminates wasted time searching for your cat, or the stress of a cat chase through the house. We prefer the bathroom to other rooms in the house because there are no large pieces of furniture for the cat to hide under. Typically, for these cats, we will just perform the entire exam in the bathroom.
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If your cat is so fearful that they become defensive or aggressive, then we strongly believe that pre-medicating them with a mild sedative or giving them a short-acting anesthetic injection is the safest and least stressful way to handle the visit. We have seen hundreds of these types of cats and have found sedation is the key to providing them with a low-stress, comprehensive exam. Please let us know if your cat falls into this category.
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PLEASE NOTE - If you are unable to catch your cat prior to the visit and an examination is not able to be performed, you are still responsible for the house call fee.
Euthanasia and After Life Care
The Process of Euthanasia
We start a euthanasia appointment with a sedative to ensure a pain- and stress- free passing. This puts them into a comfortable and gentle sleep. Dogs are generally fully sedated after ten or twenty minutes while cats may only take a few minutes. Once they’re sedated, you can take a moment to say your goodbyes however you feel is best for you and your family. We will then proceed to the next step. After your pet is relaxed and comfortable, we will then administer a series of injections that will allow your beloved friend to pass away quietly and peacefully. We will respectfully allow you and your family (including housemate pets) to spend adequate time before and after the procedure, then we will arrange transport your pet for cremation, according to your wishes.
Who Should Be There?
This question is best answered by those who know your pet most intimately. Witnessing the change from life to death is a powerful experience and often helps begin the healing process. Because euthanasia is so personal, you should allow whomever you feel is appropriate to share in this special time, but no one should be made to stay. There are many factors that can complicate grieving, so family and friends should be able to choose what is right for them. If children are present, we will explain the procedure in a way they will understand. Other pets can also be present as long as everyone is comfortable. We have never seen negative effects from other animals bearing witness to a companion’s passing.
Pets with Restraint Concerns
If your pet requires special handling with strangers present or when receiving veterinary care due to anxiety or pain, it is helpful for you to inform our staff before the scheduled appointment. This information will help our veterinarians understand the situation and accommodate your pet’s specific needs. We find that having this discussion before the appointment results in smoother appointment planning and a less stressful experience for all. Know that our mission is to provide the best experience possible for the entire family. Our veterinarians are Fear Free certified and we strive to give those more anxious pets the most stress free experience possible.
What if I have a pet who has bitten or may bite?
If your pet may bite due to behavior, anxiety, or pain, please let our client relations team know when you are speaking with them on the phone. The safety of our clients, veterinarians, and patients is of primary concern. One of our veterinarians may speak with you on the phone before an appointment is scheduled. For such cases, we have a protocol in place for communication with the pet owner and pre-medication the pet before we arrive for a euthanasia appointment. If a bite to a human has occurred and euthanasia has been determined to be the best decision for a pet, we must speak with you regarding the North Carolina Department of Public Health’s rabies requirements.