By Barbara ScottStaff Writer
Why is it that there are certain things we never think of until it’s late in the evening or maybe a Sunday afternoon? Remembering to pick up or drop off the dry-cleaning, needing to return a movie — remembering to call for a vet appointment. Of course when you do remember to call for a vet appointment you must have some idea what your own schedule looks like so you don’t have to cancel and reschedule time and time again. In today’s busy world, most of us can use all the assistance we can find and beginning on Monday, Feb. 1, there will be a new service being offered — The Pet Vet — a traveling vet for domestic pets.
Dr. Lori Brown, a Maine-licensed veterinarian is launching her business, through which she will be scheduling house calls traveling the countryside from Houlton to Fort Kent and Madawaska seeing domestic house pets (cats, dogs, birds and rabbits). Dr. Brown will provide regular veterinarian services including full examinations, vaccinations, treatments for minor injuries or concerns as well as some lab work.
“I think this will be a great convenience for many people, not just those who are elderly or those who have pets who don’t travel well.” Dr. Brown commented. “My coverage area, will most likely extend along Route 1 and 11 corridors, but more isolated locations are possible if there is enough need for it.”
A native of Kansas, Dr. Brown graduated from Oklahoma State and had decided that she didn’t want to work with farm animals mostly due to her lack of experience with larger animals. “I’m not a city girl. I was looking to work in a small rural area. I interviewed at North Country Animal Hospital which went very well and I already loved the area,” she said.
For the past 10 years Dr. Brown has tended to patients at the North Country Animal Hospital but recently decided “it was time for a change. I became interested in making house calls after I came to know Dr. Johannes, a veterinarian in the Long Lake and St. John Valley area who makes house calls. I always thought about having my own business but it’s very expensive when you get looking at the cost of a building and everything else. I was very fortunate that I discovered the program, “Women, Working, Community. This program provides information to individuals who are interested in starting a new venture, the direction and guidance is just wonderful.”
According to the Pet Vet, “House call and mobile veterinarians are able to bring personalized care to patients at their homes, reducing stress for both patients and owners. They are able to arrange appointments at more flexible times than standing clinics which have established hours. Pets who need surgery, X-rays or extensive care will be referred to a full-service hospital.”
“As the Pet Vet, I will focus on being affordable and accessible to as many people as possible,” Brown said.
Once the Pet Vet settles into a routine she will concentrate on certain locations within her coverage area on specific days.
For more information regarding the Pet Vet or to schedule an appointment for your companion pet call 498-2930.
