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I recently used a house call vet for the first time with my timid blue heeler. I didn't even know it was an option a year ago! Having someone come to us turned out to be the perfect fit for our situation — while some of my friends still prefer visiting a traditional clinic environment.
Here are some pros and cons to help you decide what kind of veterinarian will work best for you and your pup.
Pros of house call veterinary appointments
No travel required
Does your dog hate riding in the car? Is it hard to find time in your schedule to drive to and from a clinic? House call vets can be the perfect solution. They'll come to you, meaning all you have to do is answer the door at your designated appointment time. No car harness wrangling, traffic, or motion sickness to worry about.
You'll be the only client at a given time
If your dog struggles with fear or over excitement around other pets, you might prefer having a veterinarian provide treatment in your own space. This is a fabulous option for reactive dogs! Instead of navigating a crowded waiting room — blind corners, tight walkways, and lots of social pressure — you can focus all your energy on your pup's actual appointment. This can make the whole experience less stressful for both of you.
Some dogs do best in the comfort of their own homes
Many dogs get overstimulated in busy places. A house call vet experience can:
- Help nervous pups feel more comfortable because there are fewer scary things happening
- Help excited dogs stay calmer because there are fewer distractions
- Give your veterinarian a clearer idea of your pet's typical behavior in their day-to-day environment
Smaller staff can create more personal relationships
It's common for house call practices to be smaller than their traditional-clinic counterparts. The one we used only has two staff members total, meaning we got to meet everyone on the team who might someday be involved in our dogs' care.
A smaller staff can be a great thing if:
- Your dog has a chronic condition that means you regularly need to call and check in with your vet — no more games of telephone and messages getting passed around!
- Your pup is on medication that you often need to get refilled
- Your pet has a few quirks (our heeler struggles with blood draws, for example) that take time to re-explain to new people
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Cons of house call veterinary appointments
It's usually more expensive
Because house call vets come to you, you have to pay more to cover the cost of travel time. This includes both gas and the actual minutes spent driving to your house and back (during which your vet would already be seeing other patients if they worked in a traditional clinic).
Exact prices will vary depending on where you live, but expect to pay between $25 and $100 on top of your dog's actual exam cost.
You'll have to work with a different facility for some diagnostics and emergency care
Standard exams, vaccinations, and bloodwork can usually be performed on a house-call basis without any issue.
More complicated diagnostics like x rays, though? They're often only possible at a designated facility with the right equipment. Most house call vets are also not able to offer real-time emergency care or surgeries. If your dog needs additional tests, chances are you'll be referred to another local veterinarian.
Smaller staff can have less capacity
While fewer employees can make some logistics (like refilling medication and staying in touch about ongoing problems) easier, a smaller practice might also mean more waiting time between visits and phone calls. You'll probably need to schedule your dog's vet appointments further in advance and be patient to hear back.
Some dogs love going to the vet in person
Believe it or not: Some pups find vet visits enriching. Social, confident dogs might love greeting multiple new friends, exploring new smells, and being showered with attention from different staff members! If that's your pet, traditional clinic visits are probably a great fit.
