House Calls

We know that nobody can be everything for everyone, but we can try! We recognized the need for a house call service quite a while ago, but the logistics were just a bit overwhelming. We think we have the kinks ironed out, so we're happy to offer this great new service to Upper West Siders (alas, only the UWS for now).

Can't Get to The Vet?

We know there are a myriad of reasons why people can't get to the vet. Sometimes it's because the cat just won't get in the box. We've had people come in with their cat in the box and their arms ripped to shreds. Other times it's because a pet might be too sick, or can't walk that far, or it's too stressful.

Sometimes the owners themselves might be too sick to come to the vet, or for senior citizens, lugging a cat carrier is just too much sometimes.

How We Do It

We'll send over one of our doctors and a veterinary assistant, carrying a "StatPack". This "StatPack" is a medical backpack similiar to what is used on a battlefield (not that we expect many battles, most pets feel pretty good in their own house and rarely get aggressive)

The team will come to your house and treat your pet on a table in your house (for cats) or anywhere your dog might feel comfortable. The only thing we really need is some good lighting.

The doctor will give a full comprehensive examination, decide on treatments needed, draw blood if neccessary, and give you medications that are appropriate. If we don't have the medication you need in the StatPack, we'll either overnight them to you or have them delivered by our staff if you're close enough. Most pets are started with injections for faster and surer relief, in any case. We almost always have all the injectable medications that we useon a daily basis in the Statpack. If we need to draw blood, we can do that and bring it back to our office to send off to the laboratory.

Sometimes, pets need to be hospitalized. If that is found to be the case, then our veterinary team will take your pet back to the hospital with them. If that's not possble then we'll arrange for another team or a Pet Amulance to pick up.

Scheduling a House Call

If you'd like to have a Veterinary House Call, simply call our office at Riverside Animal Hospital (212-865-2224) and request it. We're happy to take new clients on, and we'll ask you to fill out some forms over the phone with us. We will need any medical history from other vets you may have seen, so please have their phone numbers handy so we can call and get medical records.