Maui’s traveling vet makes house calls for your pet.For many Maui pet owners, taking the family dog or cat to the veterinarian can be a harrowing experience for all involved. Fragile pets may not travel easily, and those with multiple pets may find it challenging to “herd” them to the vet at one time. The time involved getting to and from the facility may also cause problems for the busy pet owner.
Now, there is another option for dog and cat owners.
Dr. Danielle Dewey of At Home Mobile Veterinary Services offers her expertise to residents islandwide, from South Maui and Upcountry to the West Side, for the cost of the appointment plus a flat-rate travel fee of $25.
Graduating from vet school in 2002, Dr. Dewey spent an extra year completing a veterinary internship in medicine and surgery at one of the foremost small animal hospitals in the country, the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
“Only 10 percent of all veterinarians do internships, so it was an extra measure of training that makes a difference in the quality of medicine I practice,” she said.
While her business is relatively new, Dr. Dewey has extensive experience on the Mainland and on Maui. She is pleased to learn how grateful many pet owners are for her service.
“There are a lot of differences between a house-call practice and a brick-and-mortar-type practice,” she said. “The house call is a longer and more personalized appointment. There is a different level of attention given to the pet because there is time allowed for it.”
Dr. Dewey spends about an hour with each client and is able to make a thorough evaluation of the pet in a more relaxed atmosphere. She finds pet owners and pets to be much more comfortable and stress-free at home. For those with terminally ill pets, or pets with manageable chronic illnesses, like diabetes and thyroid problems, Dr. Dewey’s visits offer an appreciated alternative to the hospital environment of a clinic.
“That’s an important part of my service,” Dewey added. “After all, where else do you have the luxury of sitting in the client’s own living room to discuss pertinent issues?”
A call to Dr. Dewey is a call answered personally. Call-backs are prompt, and critical points are discussed before the first visit. At Home Mobile Veterinary Services is also available on weekends, making it easier for those clients who are unable to leave their weekday jobs.
Whether treating a sick animal or administering preventive care and client education, Dr. Dewey offers a comprehensive range of products and capabilities. Services range from general health and wellness exams, vaccinations and lab testing, to health certificates, microchip implants and in home euthanasia with transport to the Maui Humane Society, if needed. A full pharmacy is available as well. And although Dr. Dewey does not perform operations, she is able to provide immediate surgical referrals if necessary.
As At Home Mobile Veterinary Services’ client lists continue to grow, Dr. Dewey hopes to have specific days designated for travel to each area of the island. For the time being, she is available to travel to any area of the island where a dog or cat is in need.
In addition, she looks forward to assisting Maui Humane Society in the Animobile, its mobile adoption bus.
For more information, visit the At Home Mobile Veterinary Services Website at www.mauimobilevet.com, or schedule an immediate in-home visit by calling 344-2378.