Frequently Asked Questions
Note: More answers to FAQs can be found on the homepage and questions about logistics and scheduling can be found further down on this page
What diets do you recommend?
While they are far from the only options, I recommend diets from Science Diet, Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Iams, and Purina (specifically Purina Pro Plan, although most Purina diets are great). These brands conduct feeding trials before introducing their diets to the market, ensuring they meet high standards for nutrition and safety. Additionally, they have strong internal regulation systems in place and minimal to no reported cases of nutritional related dilated cardiomyopathy (NM-DCM) linked to their diets. This gives me confidence in their quality and their commitment to your pet’s health. I want to emphasize that grain-free diets are NOT RECOMMENDED due to the risk of nutrition related dilated cardiomyopathy. Read more here
For more information on pet nutrition or for resources related to home-cooked diets click below:
How do I protect my pets from parasites?
Parasite prevention is essential for your pet’s health and well-being. Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites, like roundworms and hookworms, can cause serious health issues. Some of these parasites and infections can be contagious to humans. Ideally, aim for ‘4 quadrant coverage,’ which protects against heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites. Products like Simparica Trio, NexGard Plus, and the Sentinel/Bravecto combination offer comprehensive protection across all four quadrants. Alternatively, pairing a heartworm preventative like Heartgard or Sentinel Spectrum with a topical flea and tick preventative, such as a Seresto collar, can also be effective. Regular parasite prevention helps protect your pet from these risks, keeps them comfortable, and reduces the chance of parasites spreading to your home or family. It’s a simple and effective way to ensure your pet stays healthy and your family stays safe.
What vaccines does my pet need?
The vaccines your pet needs depend on factors like their age, lifestyle, and risk of exposure to certain diseases. Core vaccines are recommended for all cats and dogs and include: rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and parainfluenza) and leptospirosis vaccines for dogs and rabies and FVRCP (herpes, calicivirus and panleukopenia) in cats. Non-core vaccines may also be recommended based on your pet’s lifestyle. These include bordetella and influenza vaccines for dogs that are frequently in contact with other animals and feline leukemia virus for outdoor cats. I recommend a personalized vaccination plan tailored to your pet’s unique needs to ensure they stay protected throughout their life.
More information on vaccines can be found here
Does my pet need bloodwork?
Bloodwork is an important part of your pet’s overall health care, and whether or not it’s needed depends on your pet’s age, health status, and the situation at hand. For young, healthy pets, routine bloodwork may not be necessary, but as pets age, blood tests can help catch potential health issues early, even before symptoms appear. Bloodwork is also important before certain procedures, like surgery, to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. Additionally, a yearly heartworm test is recommended (even for pets on regular prevention) to ensure your pet remains free of this serious parasite, and to ensure prompt treatment should your pet become infected. Regular blood tests can provide valuable insights into organ function, blood cell counts, and overall health, helping us provide the best care possible for your pet.
How often should my pet have a checkup?
Routine check-ups are an important part of your pet’s preventative care and help us catch any potential health issues early. For most pets, an annual exam is recommended. However, senior pets or those with specific health concerns may benefit from more frequent visits, such as every six months. During these check-ups, we’ll assess your pet’s overall health, update any vaccinations, and perform routine screenings to help prevent health problems down the road. Regular exams allow us to maintain a proactive approach to your pet’s well-being
What are your operating hours?
In general, hours are 8AM-6PM Monday through Friday. Appointments are available by pre-scheduling only. Unfortunately I cannot always accommodate urgent or same day appointment requests. However, please reach out if you have an urgent concern. If I am unable to accommodate a visit, I’ll help arrange emergency care. For after-hours questions or emergencies, please refer to the emergency resources or contact VetTriage for virtual veterinary support.
What areas do you cover?
I provide house call services in Alachua and Gilchrist Counties. If you’re unsure whether your location is covered, or you are outside of this service area feel free to reach out! In some cases, I may be able to travel beyond my usual service area for an additional fee.
What if my pet is anxious or aggressive?
If your pet is anxious or fearful about veterinary visits, don’t worry—you’re not alone! I commonly use pre-visit pharmaceuticals like gabapentin and trazodone to help keep pets relaxed and make the experience as stress-free as possible. For pets who need extra support, sedation can also be an option. However, in cases of severe aggression or dogs that are highly territorial, a house call may not be the safest option. In these situations, I may recommend a clinic setting where additional handling and sedation options are available to ensure the best care for your pet
What if my pet needs surgery or x-rays?
I do not offer surgery or x-rays on a house call basis, but if your pet requires imaging or a surgical procedure, I will help coordinate a referral to a trusted veterinary clinic or specialist. My goal is to ensure your pet receives the best possible care, and I’m happy to guide you through the process to find the right surgical option for their needs
What payment options do you accept?
Payment is due at the time of service. I accept cash, check or credit/debit card. Since I operate as a house call practice, I am unable to offer billing or payment plans. If you have pet insurance, I’m happy to provide an itemized invoice for you to submit a claim. If you have any questions about payment options, feel free to reach out!
