Picture the dog who shakes the moment the clinic scent hits his nose, or the cat that vanishes under the bed the second the carrier appears. That’s thousands of pets, every single day. Surveys consistently show around 40–50% of cat owners delay vet visits because of stress or logistics, and seniors or multi-pet households face extra hurdles getting everyone to the clinic. Having a veterinarian come to your home can change the equation completely—less fear, more accurate observations, and care that fits your pet’s routine. You’ll learn how to set up a house call properly, what services are realistic in a living room versus a hospital, what it typically costs, and how to avoid common missteps. If you’ve ever wished the vet could see your pet as they really are—calm, in their own space—this is a practical way to make that happen without turning your day upside down.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can call a vet to come to your house by searching for mobile veterinarians or asking your regular clinic if they offer house calls. Expect a house-call fee ($50–$100+), plus exam, travel, and service charges; it’s ideal for routine care, hospice, anxiety-prone pets, or multi-pet households. For life‑threatening emergencies (severe bleeding, collapse, trouble breathing), go directly to an emergency hospital.
Why This Matters
Bringing the vet to your home can dramatically reduce stress for pets and people. Many cats avoid the vet altogether because the carrier and car ride trigger panic; dogs with arthritis struggle with loading and slippery clinic floors. Home visits mean a calmer patient, which leads to more accurate exams and blood pressure readings and fewer stress-related spikes that skew results.
There’s also the reality of schedules and mobility. Parents juggling work and kids, folks without cars, and caregivers of large or frail pets can save hours and physical strain. Multi-pet households benefit too—one travel fee often covers all pets examined at that visit, making the per-pet cost more sensible.
Quality of life matters. For hospice or end-of-life care, home visits preserve dignity and comfort, allowing your pet to stay in their favorite spot. Behavioral issues are easier to evaluate in context: the vet can see the setup, feeding routine, litter box location, and environmental stressors live, not just as a description. When logistics stop being a barrier, pets get care sooner and more consistently.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Decide if a house call fits the situation
House calls are perfect for routine exams, vaccines, minor skin or ear issues, hospice care, behavior consults, and medication checks. They are not for life-threatening emergencies like severe breathing trouble, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden collapse—head straight to an emergency hospital or call ahead to your local ER. You might find you call a vet to come to your house kit helpful.
- Good candidates: anxious cats, large dogs with mobility issues, seniors, multi-pet households.
- Borderline cases: vomiting/diarrhea without lethargy, mild limping; ask the vet to triage by phone first.
- Not suitable: surgeries, complex imaging (X-rays, ultrasound), intensive care.
Step 2: Find and book the right provider
Search for "mobile veterinarian" plus your city, or ask your regular clinic if they offer house calls on certain days. Confirm credentials, service area, and pricing before you book.
- Ask about the house-call fee ($50–$100+), exam ($75–$120), vaccine costs ($25–$45), and any mileage surcharge (often after 10–15 miles).
- Clarify what equipment they bring (portable scale, vaccines, basic lab kits) and what they can’t do at home.
- Share your pet’s age, meds, current symptoms, and goals (e.g., pain control, updated vaccines, end-of-life planning).
Step 3: Prepare records, the space, and your pet
Collect recent records, vaccine history, medication list, and a short symptom timeline. Choose a quiet, well-lit room with a table or floor space the vet can use, and keep other pets away during the exam.
- For cats: confine to a small room 30–60 minutes before arrival; use a towel and pheromone spray 15 minutes ahead.
- For dogs: leash before the vet arrives; have a muzzle ready if your dog is reactive (basket muzzles allow panting).
- Have fresh stool/urine samples if requested; fast 8–12 hours for planned bloodwork unless the vet says otherwise.
Step 4: Communicate clearly at the start
Open with your top concerns and the outcome you want today. Share videos of symptoms (coughing, limping, pacing) and any changes in appetite, water intake, urination, or behavior. You might find you call a vet to come to your house tool helpful.
- List concrete observations with dates: "Stopped using left front leg on Monday, worse after stairs, no yelp."
- Note environment factors: new foods, visitors, construction noise, litter box changes.
- Ask what’s feasible at home and what would require a clinic follow-up.
Step 5: During the visit—set the vet up for success
Keep the space calm and minimize distractions. Hold off on cleaning the area until after the vet sees anything relevant (like stool consistency or vomit), unless it’s unsafe or unsanitary.
- Provide a clean towel or non-slip mat; good lighting helps with ear and skin exams.
- If your pet is nervous, ask about minimal restraint and using treats; for cats, a towel wrap can be gentler than a tight hold.
- Confirm dosing instructions on any medications and watch the first dose demonstration.
Step 6: Aftercare, payment, and follow-up
Pay attention to the aftercare plan: when to call back, what to monitor, and timing for rechecks. Many mobile vets take cards; some require deposits for longer trips or end-of-life services. You might find you call a vet to come to your house equipment helpful.
- Get written instructions and dosing times (set phone reminders).
- Ask about side effects to watch for and specific thresholds that should trigger a clinic or ER visit.
- If labs are sent out, clarify when results will arrive and the follow-up plan.
Expert Insights
Veterinary house calls are less about convenience and more about better data. An anxious animal can mask or exaggerate symptoms in a clinic—blood pressure and heart rate can jump 20–40% in stressed patients, and cats, in particular, may appear "fine" simply because they freeze. Seeing a pet move through their home gives cues you won’t get in an exam room: how they navigate stairs, jump, find the litter box, or settle on their bed.
Misconception: house calls are only for euthanasia. They’re routinely used for wellness, vaccines, medication checks, behavior consults, and hospice planning. Another misconception: it’s wildly more expensive. Yes, there’s a house-call fee, but multi-pet visits often amortize that cost, and you save on time and transport stress.
Pro tips from the field: confine cats to a bathroom or small bedroom well before the appointment—ten minutes is too late for a determined hider. Use a top-opening carrier or place a towel on a stable surface for a calm, secure exam. For dogs, a basket muzzle trained with treats can turn a risky situation into a safe one; ask the vet for desensitization guidance ahead of time. If bloodwork is planned, ask about fasting—8–12 hours can improve certain results. Bring a fresh stool sample, label it, and store cool until the visit. And shoot short videos of concerning behaviors—the 30 seconds you capture can be more revealing than any description.
Quick Checklist
- Confirm your pet’s issue is suitable for a house call; use emergency care for life-threatening signs.
- Ask for pricing upfront: house-call fee, exam, vaccines, travel surcharge, and potential lab costs.
- Gather records, medication list, and a brief timeline of symptoms with dates.
- Prepare a quiet, well-lit room and confine your pet 30–60 minutes before arrival.
- Have a leash, towel, and (if needed) a basket muzzle ready; remove other pets from the room.
- Collect requested samples (stool/urine) and confirm fasting instructions for bloodwork.
- Write specific goals for the visit: diagnosis, pain control, vaccine updates, hospice planning.
- Set follow-up reminders for meds, rechecks, and lab result calls.
Recommended Tools
Recommended Tools for you call a vet to come to your house
Frequently Asked Questions
Do vets still do house calls?
Yes. Mobile veterinarians and many brick-and-mortar clinics offer scheduled house calls, especially for routine care, hospice, and anxious pets. Availability varies by region; urban areas have more providers, while rural areas may have broader travel ranges but fewer appointment slots.
How much does a home vet visit cost?
Expect a house-call fee of about $50–$100+ depending on distance, plus an exam ($75–$120) and any services (vaccines $25–$45, basic labs vary). Some mobile vets add a mileage surcharge beyond a set radius, and multi-pet visits can reduce the per-pet cost since the travel fee is shared.
What can be done at home versus what needs a clinic?
At home, vets commonly perform exams, vaccines, deworming, ear and skin treatments, nail trims, hospice care, and basic diagnostics (blood draws, fecal tests). Imaging, dental cleanings, surgeries, and intensive treatments still require a clinic or hospital. Some mobile vets have vans with more equipment, but major procedures are rarely done in a living room.
Is a house call okay if my pet is having an emergency?
If your pet is struggling to breathe, collapsing, bleeding heavily, or extremely lethargic, go to an emergency hospital immediately. House calls involve setup and travel time and aren’t designed for critical resuscitation, oxygen therapy, or urgent imaging. Call the ER ahead so they’re ready when you arrive.
How do I keep my anxious cat from disappearing before the vet arrives?
Confine your cat to a small room 30–60 minutes before the appointment and set out a towel or top-opening carrier. Use a pheromone spray 15 minutes before the visit and avoid chasing or pulling from hiding spots. Quiet voices, minimal movement, and a stable exam surface make the experience gentler.
Can pet insurance cover house-call visits?
Most accident/illness policies reimburse eligible exam and treatment costs regardless of location, but the house-call or travel fee may not be fully covered. Check your plan’s fine print and submit itemized invoices; wellness add-ons are more likely to cover vaccines and routine exams.
How long does a home appointment take?
Plan for a 30–60 minute window, longer for multi-pet households or hospice discussions. The vet may need extra time to set up, draw labs, and complete medications. Ask about arrival windows and text updates—traffic and prior appointments can shift timing slightly.
What if my dog is reactive or may bite?
Tell the vet at booking so they can plan safe handling, bring appropriate equipment, and discuss muzzle training. A basket muzzle paired with treats allows panting and is the safest option for most dogs. Sedatives are only used under veterinary guidance and with proper monitoring.
Conclusion
A house call brings veterinary care to your pet’s comfort zone, reduces stress, and can make routine or hospice care far more humane. Decide if your situation fits, get clear on costs and capabilities, and set the space and your pet up for a smooth visit. If you’re ready, gather records, confine your pet to a calm room, and book a vetted provider with the services you need. The first time you see your pet relax during an exam at home, you’ll understand why house calls are worth the extra planning.
Related: For comprehensive information about Ask A Veterinarian , visit our main guide.