Call:
(269) 274-1127
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will Dr. Borders treat my pet if I already have a regular veterinarian?
Dr. Borders will be happy to treat any patient even if they already have an existing veterinarian. Dr. Borders feels it is important to have options for veterinary care and at the same time have a well established relationship for your pet’s well being and your peace of mind.
2. Why a house call instead of a veterinary hospital visit?
Not only will you, the owner, avoid the hassle of driving to the veterinary office for most of your pet’s needs, your pet will appreciate not having to go to an unfamiliar place where there are strange sounds and smells that are often upsetting to pets. This is especially true for cats. Dogs, however, also will be less nervous and excitable and easier to examine and treat in their home environment.
3. Aren’t house calls expensive?
While there is an additional charge for a veterinary house call visit (the travel charge) most clients have found that house call fees are very comparable to their regular veterinary fees because as a house call veterinarian there are fewer overhead expenses than are required of a full-sized veterinary hospital.
4. What if I have an emergency?
Depending on the situation, Dr. Borders is available for emergency examinations in your home and consultations over the telephone. Some emergencies are easily taken care of by a home visit, while others require a full service veterinary hospital. For those emergencies Dr. Borders would be happy to refer to an appropriate veterinary facility.
5. How do I make an appointment?
Appointments may be scheduled by telephoning Dr. Borders at 269-274-1127. You may leave a message to have your call returned if Dr. Borders is not readily available when you call, as he checks his voice-mail frequently.
6. What types of services does Dr. Borders offer as a house-call veterinarian?
Just about anything that can be done through a veterinary hospital is possible through a house call visit. Only ultrasound, radiography and surgery are not possible through a house call visit. However, if these are warranted Dr. Borders is happy to recommend a local veterinary hospital that can help with these services.
7. What are the payment options?
At this time cash and personal checks are the only methods of payment accepted.
8. Can Dr. Borders do surgery on my pet?
Since most surgeries require specialized equipment and a sterile environment it is not possible to do surgery in a house call environment. Simple procedures such as minor lacerations, abscesses and others may be successfully treated in the home so it is always best to call first and inquire.
9. What is palliative care?
Palliative care is something that can be done in a home environment with veterinary supervision for terminally ill or chronically ailing pets. The idea is that certain therapies can be done by the owner after they have been trained in proper procedures by the house call veterinarian. This might include such things as antibiotic injections for chronic and non-responsive infections, fluid therapy given under the skin for dehydration or chronic kidney disease, pain medications for terminally ill patients so that their final life-stages are comfortable and less stressful. All of these things can be accomplished by the owner with a minimal amount of training and regular supervision by the attending veterinarian.