Veterinary medicine has many career opportunities, from general practitioners to specialists, each with unique challenges and benefits. In this series, veterinarians in different fields discuss the realities of their daily work and help bridge the gap between specialties.
The mobile veterinary care industry is quickly expanding. Practicing outside of a traditional brick-and-mortar building offers flexibility for owners and clinicians, but this freedom can also present unique challenges. Amy Cottrille, DVM; Sarah Corbin, DVM; and Kristie Hartle, DVM; provide a glimpse into the life of a mobile veterinarian.
What brought you to mobile practice?
“The profession was not as family friendly when I entered it. Finding part-time work was difficult, and it was unusual for a woman to open a clinic by herself,” Dr. Cottrille said. The ability to have a flexible schedule inspired her to open her own mobile practice.
“I had been in practice for 4 or 5 years, but I hadn’t found the right fit,” Dr. Corbin recalls. “During the [coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic] lockdown, I started enquiring whether relief clinicians were needed in my area.” She was encouraged by a colleague to try mobile practice and eventually opened a mobile clinic with her husband.
“There wasn’t anyone in my town who performed house calls for fractious patients or at-home euthanasia, so I decided to go for it,” Dr. Hartle said.
What does your mobile practice look like?
“My mobile practice focuses on wellness, basic diagnosis and treatment, and hospice and euthanasia care,” said Dr. Cottrille. “I work from my van, which is outfitted as an examination room, or in the client’s home. I am a solo practitioner and usually work without an assistant, relying primarily on Fear-Free methods for handling patients and topical and local anesthetics for minor skin procedures. I refer patients that need imaging or procedures involving sedation. I try to build trusting and collaborative relationships with clients and provide individualized treatment for patients in the comfort of their home.”
“I operate my mobile practice out of my own vehicle with 1 or 2 assistants,” said Dr. Corbin. “We are equipped for everything except surgeries and radiography. I partner with a local brick-and-mortar clinic, where I work 2 days per week to perform surgeries and radiography as needed.”
“My mobile practice consists of a large van equipped with blood analyzers, digital dental radiography, high-speed dental equipment, gas anesthesia with isoflurane, a tonometer, a cryoprobe, a microscope, a centrifuge, a surgery table, and a dental wet sink,” said Dr. Hartle. “I hope to add ultrasound capabilities soon. I see most cats inside the home to reduce potential fear and aggression. I prefer seeing dogs in the van because of the quick access to equipment and supplies, but I also see them in the home for various reasons (eg, mobility issues, epilepsy, euthanasia). All anesthetic procedures are performed in the van.”
In a few words, life as a mobile veterinarian is …
"Slower paced,” said Dr. Cottrille. “Driving between appointments gives you time to think and take an emotional break, which is really beneficial, and you develop a closer relationship with clients.”
“Flexible,” said Dr. Corbin. “Being mobile allows flexibility for me and my patients.”
“Unique,” said Dr. Hartle. “Each day is different and interesting, and the stress is not as high as often seen in other specialties.”
How does mobile practice differ from other specialties?
“Hospitalization isn’t an option in my mobile practice, so if a patient needs surgery or hospitalization, I refer them to someone who can provide that care, or I simply don’t see them,” said Dr. Cottrille.
“One of the biggest differences is having less time constraints and the ability to linger and spend more time on an individual patient than is usually possible in a brick-and-mortar practice,” Dr. Corbin said.
“Clients are typically there with you as you perform laboratory tests in your truck, and you don’t have space to mull anything over,” said Dr. Hartle. “Decisions must be made quickly and medication administered immediately.”
What are the best parts about working in mobile practice? What are the challenges?
“Client and patient relationships are my favorite,” said Dr. Cottrille. “I love that I know clients and their living situations well, so when they describe what they’re seeing with the patient, I know exactly what it looks like in their home. I also enjoy having calmer patients.”
“I’m much happier in mobile practice,” said Dr. Corbin, “and being happy in your position rubs off on your clients and patients. I have a better work-life balance, but I’m still giving my all to my patients.”
“I see many patients that wouldn’t receive veterinary care due to their or their owner’s inability to travel,” Dr. Hartle said. “Some patients have seizures when they travel, can’t get into a vehicle, or have elderly or disabled owners who are homebound. Seeing these patients is very rewarding.”
With the best parts also come challenges.
“Because we’re walking into people’s homes, safety is a consideration,” Dr. Cottrille said. “Although I have rarely felt unsafe in my career, it’s important to trust your gut and be vigilant.”
“I tend to get the most badly behaved dogs and cats because it’s easier for me to come to them,” Dr. Corbin said.
“Technical difficulties can affect timeliness with patient care. The blood machine may require adjustments before it can run tests,” said Dr. Hartle. “The truck breaking down or the generator going out can result in a substantial financial hurdle and delayed appointments. Boundaries are harder to set, as clients constantly try to reach you and expect a prompt reply. Because there is no office to leave at the end of the day, there’s no physical separation from clients, so it can be difficult to set boundaries and create downtime. It’s important to assess for a sense safety during an appointment, taking into account the location, the client, and the patient. There were some instances when I first started my practice that I didn’t feel safe. Now, I don’t take the appointment if there’s a chance I may feel unsafe or if the client isn’t willing to premedicate a potentially aggressive patient.”
Mobile veterinarians often share safety tips and recommendations (eg, taking self-defense classes) in online forums (see Suggested Reading).
Do you have any advice for those considering mobile practice?
Dr. Cottrille echoed the usefulness of online forums, “Online groups are a great resource, asking questions on house call forums and seeing what other mobile veterinarians are doing can be really helpful.”
“Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Most other clinicians want to help, even if you are technically their competition,” Dr. Corbin said, adding that online veterinarian groups are an excellent resource, especially for those considering mobile practice.
“You must be willing to go with the flow and work at a slower, but still busy, pace,” said Dr. Hartle.