Aging Pet Owners Find Relief with Mobile Veterinary Services
In the cozy confines of his home, Lloyd Scott, aided by his walker, shares his space with Ramon, an elderly Chihuahua mix. As they sit together, veterinarian Renée Bufkin, from Vet to Pet, engages with Ramon by rubbing his ears, a gesture that quickly wins over the 18-year-old dog.
Scott, well into his late 70s, has long relied on the convenience of Vet to Pet’s mobile services. “I’m telling you, walking for me has been a real journey, and not a pleasant one,” Scott explains, highlighting the challenges he faces in mobility. His recent acquisition of Ramon, a gift from a friend, prompted another call to Bufkin’s mobile clinic.
Having launched Vet to Pet in 2006, Bufkin sought to redefine her work-life balance. “We’re all wanting to start families, get married and have a home life…,” she notes, reflecting on the demanding nature of traditional veterinary roles. Her mobile clinic offers flexibility and caters to pet owners who prefer home-based care, reducing stress on both the pets and their owners.
During her visit, Bufkin carries essential tools like a scale, stethoscope, and chip reader to assess Ramon’s health within the comfort of Scott’s living room. Observing Ramon’s movements and discussing his health, Bufkin informs Scott of the dog’s blindness and dental issues, acknowledging the mobility challenges Ramon faces due to age.
Homeward Bound Veterinary Services, another local mobile clinic, offers comprehensive care for cats and dogs, including pharmacy services, wellness exams, and genetic testing. Henry Bell, co-owner and practice manager, emphasizes the advantage of observing pets in their home environments. “There are certain anomalies that people can’t explain…,” Bell remarks, sharing insights from house visits that reveal hidden hazards like poisonous plants.
Despite the benefits, mobile veterinary services do come with drawbacks such as travel fees and limited on-site capabilities. In Scott’s case, the potential cost of dental treatment for Ramon presents a financial challenge. As a retired veteran, Scott finds the expense prohibitive, yet Bufkin assures him that love and attention are vital as Ramon ages.
As Bufkin prepares to leave, Ramon receives a gentle pat and an encouraging word to “be a good boy.” With everything packed, Bufkin departs, having provided essential care to Ramon without burdening Scott with the logistics of a clinic visit.
