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Can't get pet to the doctor? These vets make house calls

San Antonio Animal Hospital's new mobile unit offers dentistry, shots, microchip identification and more.

By MICHELLE JONES
Published January 16, 2006

SAN ANTONIO - Pet owners now have the option to have their animals treated at home.

The veterinary doctors at San Antonio Animal Hospital can use their newly purchased mobile unit to make house calls.

On Saturday, most of the visitors touring the fully equipped pet care unit in the San Antonio City Park were interested in East Pasco's only veterinary service on wheels.

By noon three visitors took advantage of the microchip identification the unit offered during the first of three community stops.

"I heard about it on the radio and wanted to see it," said Gene Richardson of Zephyrhills. "I have three cats and it's hard to transport them; but my dogs, all I have to do is whisper in their ear that we're going for a ride and they are ready."

Convenience is one advantage of the mobile service. Quality veterinary service in the comfort of your home, states San Antonio Animal Hospital's mobile unit brochure. For families with multiple pets or with large dogs the convenience is almost a luxury, but the cost is reasonable. The trip fee is $45, no matter how many pets, plus cost of the treatment.

Other advantages include less stress on the pet, especially ones who dislike riding in cars; and no more waiting rooms where animals mingle or have ugly confrontations.

The unit run by Dr. Diana Mattox and associates offers dentistry, dermatology, pain management, simple surgery, spaying and neutering, vaccinations and wellness care. Microchip identification is available for $25 plus trip fee.

"We would also like to do some outreach so this can be used as an educational tool as well," said Mattox.

People would learn the importance of regular vet care and reducing pet overpopulation through spaying and neutering.

Mike and Carol Cruz brought their dog Murphy for micro-chipping Saturday. First Mattox scanned the dog to make sure he had not been previously microchipped.

She inserted the microchip with a needle while her assistant cuddled Murphy in her arms. Not a flinch or a yip from the mini schnauzer during the relatively painless procedure.

"He is such a sweet dog, but he doesn't like squirrels," said Carol Cruz. "I'm afraid he will get away and now he can be identified."

Mattox said Pasco Animal Shelter scans strays brought in for identification.

"As long as your paperwork is up to date, you can be located," she said.

The mobile unit is also good for people who are disabled or shut in and want care for their pets.

"One large dog had a severe ear problem," Mattox said of one of her three house calls on Friday. "Without this unit, some pets probably wouldn't get the care they needed.

Mattox also had a dog available for adoption. Red Dog, the name the vets gave him, is free to a good home. He had his shots, been wormed and would be microchipped for his new owner.

The unit was spotless with up-to-date equipment. Within the unit is a surgery and dental suite, a lab and exam room. Three cages are available for housing the four-legged patients.

The unit is scheduled for people to visit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Home Depot in Zephyrhills and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kumquat Festival in downtown Dade City on Feb. 28. Adoptable pets will be available.

For information call (352) 566-3132.

[Last modified January 16, 2006, 00:41:10]