Mobile Veterinary Care

This is such a difficult question as a pet-parent, and I struggle with this decision for my own pets. There are so many factors that can impact quality-of-life as our pets age. Some of the many important questions to ask include:

- Are they eating, drinking, urinating, and defecating normally?

- Are they interacting normally with family and other pets?

- Are they able to enjoy their usual activities (fetch, play, walks, training)?

- Are there changes to their nighttime behaviors (waking, restlessness, pacing)?

- Are there signs of cognitive decline and anxiety (wandering, pacing, panting, staring)?

For pet-parents who think it may be time but are unsure, I will provide consultation at the time of the appointment and we can work together to decide if it is the right time to say goodbye. If so, I am ready to support you in that process. 

For pet-parents who do not feel it is time to say goodbye yet, but see that their pet could use recommendations and medications to provide comfort in the short-term, I recommend a hospice appointment

Hospice care is medicine and requires a doctor. Veterinary hospice focuses on treating the symptoms that are impacting your furbaby’s quality of life so that we improve it. The hallmark of which is prescription palliative care options if-appropriate to help until euthanasia is indicated. 

But pet hospice is also about diagnosing and understanding the disease(s) impacting your beloved furbaby. I will help you to anticipate how things will change for your pet moving forward, and know how to respond in those moments. 

I will perform a thorough physical examination, review your pet’s medical records (if applicable), and we will complete a quality of life assessment. Together, we will decide what the next right steps are for your furbaby, and prescribe medications to help. You’ll receive a copy of your medical record with a thorough summary of our discussion and my recommendations.

From there, you keep in contact with me, and we adjust and alter as-indicated by your pet’s response and progression of symptoms. I text frequently with my hospice patient’s families, and I do NOT charge for ongoing communication. 

This is something that we will discuss at-length at the time of your appointment, so that everyone feels prepared. The process that we use truly does create that *fall asleep and pass in your sleep* sensation that we wish on all of our loved ones. 

To do this, I use a 2-step injection process. The first medication is given like a flu shot, so it is as low-stress and pain-free as possible. This medication creates a state of relaxation, sedation, and euphoria. I will collect a clay paw-print and lock of hair at this time, should you desire. Once your pet is "floating" and feeling an ease of whatever ails them, I administer the second medication. This second medication is typically given into the vein, and it induces a state of anesthesia before helping your pet to pass. 

If you elect to use our crematory services, your pet will come with me at the end of the appointment. I will help make this transportation smooth, but I do require assistance lifting (1 person) for any pet 40lbs and greater. 

For those slower, age-related changes, we are often able to plan ahead for our pets. This typically means selecting a day that works for your family and your pet's loved ones. But most importantly, this also means selecting a day that is ideally not your furbaby's worst day. Our goal is always to look ahead and prevent suffering to-come.
Appointments are most commonly scheduled by text message or through the online system above. If you'd prefer, we can absolutely set up a phone consultation to discuss your baby's case. 

Sometimes, things change rapidly for our older pets, and we need to move quickly. In that case, I recommend that you text me at (530) 444-4356 to see if I am able to accommodate something same-day.

Due to the nature of mobile work, all appointments are scheduled with an *arrival window* of 1 hour (example: 12:30-1:30pm arrival window). I will always  text you when I'm about 10-20 minutes out as I'm headed your way so that you know when to expect me.

I help families in their homes 7 days per week. I will make every effort to help you and your pet family during this difficult time. I am typically able to help families same-day, if not within 24 hours. However, we are not an emergency service. If at any point you feel your pet cannot wait, I recommend that you contact your local veterinary hospital. 

I recommend that you select a location that is comfortable for your pet. This location should allow for us to gather around your pet, typically with a comfortable bed or blanket for them.  Some pet-parents like to surround this area with mementos, toys, and treats that their pet may find comforting.  

I also recommend that you take your pet to the bathroom about 30 minutes prior to the appointment. ONLY do this if you are able to do so without causing distress or discomfort to your pet; do not worry if you are unable to do this.

If your pet is on any medications prescribed by their normal veterinarian, continue to give these as prescribed (including pain medications, seizure medications, heart medications, etc).

If your pet is still eating, I recommend thinking about an extra yummy treat that we can give to help them feel comfortable during the first "feel-good" injection. Think burgers, chocolate cupcakes, ice cream, etc. This will be such a special treat for you and your pet to share. 

Finally, consider who will be in attendance - see below for guidance on children and other pets. All of your- and your-furbaby’s family and friends are welcome to be present. 

For-profit support services are only welcome to join after our appointment has concluded. 

There is no one right answer; the selection of aftercare is a personal one for the family. Some families like to perform a home burial to keep their pet close. I can help make recommendations on how to do this correctly and respectfully for your pet*. 

If you prefer, I do offer cremation services through Paws on Hearts Cremation in Grass Valley. This service is owned and operated by Kate, and she is so compassionate and caring. I trust her with my own pets when they cross the rainbow bridge. She is able to offer both communal cremation - where ashes are spread in the beautiful foothills with a group of other animals - as well as private cremation - where ashes are returned to you individually in the urn of your choosing. 

If you elect for cremation, your pet will come home with me after the appointment, before being transported to the crematory. If your pet is larger than ~35lbs, then I will need 1 person able to help me lift my stretcher. If your pet is larger than ~100lbs, then we may need 2 people available to help me with my stretcher.
I am also able to bring my helper with me if-needed. 

 If you elect help with aftercare services, your beloved pet will come home with me after your appointment.

For communal cremation, your furbaby's ashes are scattered in the foothills with a group of other pets. 

For private cremation, your furbaby will be returned home to you with the urn of your choosing. Most commonly, families will pick their furbaby up directly from Paws on Hearts Cremation in Grass Valley; Kate will reach out when your sweet baby is ready to come home. You can also elect to pick up at my home in Grass Valley (for 24/7 access via a Cozzy Cobby system), or at your local veterinary clinic. All of those options are hand-delivery at every step and your furbaby stays local in Grass Valley through the entire process. 

Understandably, some families are either unable to pick-up locally, or would prefer a different option. The crematory does also offer shipping directly to your home ($35). This is a tracked shipment with a signature at delivery.

Whether children should be present during your pet's passing is a personal decision that depends on various factors such as the child's age and maturity, the family's preferences, and the specific circumstances. 

Some parents may choose to include children in the process to help them understand and cope with the loss, and I think using clear and correct language is the most appropriate. However, others may choose to shield them from the emotional stress and potential trauma of losing their beloved furry-friend. It is important to make a careful and informed decision with the best interests of both the children and the pet in mind. Seeking advice from a counselor or professional can be helpful in making the decision. 

Other pets are welcome to be present, as long as their presence is not disruptive to the process or to the pet that we are helping to transition. 

Most commonly, the whole human- and fur-family will be present to see their beloved furbaby off to their next adventure surrounding by all who matter most <3

At the time of service, I am able to accept: checks, Venmo, Zelle, Google/Apple Pay, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). 

I can also accept Care Credit, but this will need to be processed before your appointment  as their system can be finicky: https://www.carecredit.com/go/273GTX 

 Mobile veterinary care brings most of your pet’s medical needs to the comfort of your home. You can schedule online through the online booking system, or you can reach out to me by call/text. Your appointment will be scheduled as an arrival-window of 1 hour (example: a 12:30pm appointment is a 12:30-1:30pm arrival window). This allows for the variability of driving times between mobile appointments. 

At the appointment, my husband/helper Justin and I will perform an examination on your furbaby. I will discuss a treatment plan with you and go over pricing so there are never any surprises. We can administer treatment there, and leave you with prescription medications if-needed, just as you experience at your neighborhood veterinary clinic. 

Following the examination, I will send you a copy of your pet’s medical record for your files every time; this includes a “discharge summary” of everything we discussed and my recommendations for your reference later. 

You also have access to these summaries and your pet’s reminders in your online pet portal.

 I can provide annual (wellness) examinations, including all routine preventative care like vaccinations, heartworm testing, laboratory diagnostics, and renewal of prescription medications/online pharmacy access.

For illnesses, chronic medical conditions and mild-to-moderate urgent-care conditions lend themselves well to mobile care too. I am able to provide in-home prescriptions and treatment, more thorough laboratory diagnostics, in-home sedation if needed, and online pharmacy access available as-indicated by your pet's condition. 

It is important to note the difference between urgent care and emergencies. 

Examples of urgent-care include limping, frequent urination, diarrhea, and skin rashes. Conversely, emergency care is for critical, life-threatening crises like acute breathing issues, ongoing seizures, major trauma, collapse, etc. These require immediate, 24/7 specialized hospital attention.

Think urgent for "needs same-day care" and emergency for "as severe as life-or-death". Hearts at Home does NOT provide emergency care.

Additionally, x-rays and surgery requiring full anesthesia are not able to be performed in-home. When these may be indicated by your pet’s condition/examination, I have local clinics that I work with for referral for those in-hospital diagnostics and treatment.  

I carry many of the commonly prescribed medications with me, so many pet-families get everything they need to treat their pet right at the appointment. 

For cases where specialty medications are needed, or for ongoing maintenance medications, I utilize an online pharmacy: https://heartsathomevet.bluerabbitrx.com/

I help families in their homes 7 days per week. I will make every effort to help you and your pet family as soon as possible. I am typically able to help families within 1-2 days for medical care. However, we are not an emergency service. If at any point you feel your pet cannot wait, I recommend that you contact your local veterinary hospital or ER clinic. 

You’ll see that the base examinations fees above. After my examination, I will discuss a treatment plan with you and go over pricing so there are never any surprises. I have included some common examples below to give you an idea of pricing.

Generally I find that my pricing is equal-to (or often less-than) a typical clinic’s pricing. As a small clinic I’m charged more for my medications and supplies, but without ANY corporate overhead, I’m still able to keep things very cost-effective for my furfamilies. 

I've included some sample treatment scenarios below to give you an idea of costs. However, all medical cases are unique and medication costs change, so note that these are general estimates:

A 9-year-old cat needs a wellness examination and vaccinations. Their owner lives in Nevada City, and there are no abnormalities found on exam. 

• Estimate: $100 exam, no drive-fee, $32 FVRCP vaccine, $37 rabies vaccine = $169

A 5-year-old dog needs a wellness examination and vaccines. Their owner lives in Marysville, and we find a surprise ear infection during the exam. 

• Estimate for the wellness care: $100 exam, $50 drive-fee, $35 heart-worm test, $27 lepto
• Estimate for gold-standard ear treatment: $173 - ear cytology, prescription ear wash and ear ointment. 
• Estimate for budget-conscious ear treatment: $40 long-acting medication applied (per ear)
• Total visit: $252 - 385 depending upon owner wishes

A 2-year old dog is limping suddenly. Their owner lives in Grass Valley, and we don’t find any evidence of fractured bones on exam.

• Estimate: $150 exam, no drive-fee 
• Less-is-more route: $35-45 for anti-inflammatory medication 
• If-indicated or if-desired: referral to a local vet clinic for x-rays
• Total visit: ~$150 - 190 (vs referral)

A 6-year-old cat has swelling and is lethargic. Their owner lives in Brownsville, and we find evidence the swelling is an abscess on exam.

• Estimate: $150 exam, $75 drive-fee
• The abscess is already open: excellent, just liquid antibiotics (~$53), +/- anti-inflammatories for pain & fever (~$45)
• The abscess is completely closed: small bummer, we need a little procedure. I am happy to refer them to a local clinic if they prefer the additional safety of sedation in a clinical setting. But if they prefer to address the issue at-home, we use a little injectable sedation, do the procedure, and reverse the sedation to wake the kitty up. (Sedation & procedure ~$155)
• Total visit: ~$278 - $479 depending upon owner wishes (vs referral)

A 13 year-old cat needs a senior check-up. Their owner lives in Yuba City, and I note some moderate arthritis on my examination

• Estimate: $100 exam, $50 drive-fee
• Estimate for recommended senior lab-work: $140-220 depending upon size of panel elected
• Options discussed for arthritis: oral gabapentin 1-month trial (~$35-45) vs Solensia 1-month injection ($100) 
• Total visit: ~$190 - $470 depending upon owner wishes

Once I have an established relationship (examination) with a patient, I am absolutely able to come out for just injection-only visits. This includes ongoing injections like Librela and Solensia, as-needed injections like Cytopoint, and those odd vaccines that just don’t line up with your furbaby’s annual exam/other vaccinations. The cost of these visits is $40 plus the medications (similar to the “tech time” you’re charged at your neighborhood clinic).  

At the time of service, I am able to accept: checks, Venmo, Zelle, Google/Apple Pay, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). I can also accept Care Credit.