Farm Calls

Responsible animal ownership includes having a plan for your animal’s care and being able to transport them as needed, whether for care or for relocation in the event of weather emergencies.  However, we understand that there are times that animals cannot be transported, or that it simply makes more sense for us to come see multiple animals.

Our availability for farm and house calls is extremely limited, but we do our best to prioritize for emergencies.  With that in mind, your animal will always get treated faster with more services available if you bring them to the clinic, rather than wait for us to come to you.

How to make your on-farm or at-home appointment go well:

Please be specific about which animals we are treating! Do you need service for one horse or 3?  Do you also have 1 goat, 2 dogs, and 6 feral cats that need care? Keep in mind that we allot certain amounts of time for certain procedures; it is extremely difficult to add procedures or ‘just take a quick look’ at anything additional once we’re at your property.  

Write down the procedures or questions you have, especially if there are multiple problems with one animal or multiple animals that we will be seeing – send us an emailed list at least 3 days in advance!  Please also send us relevant records, and a list of any medications or supplies you’d like us to bring. We keep limited supplies in the truck, so knowing what we are treating in advance allows us to be prepared.

Make sure we can get there!  Accurate addresses and good directions are of utmost importance.  Also, answering your phone prior to the appointment is critical if we have questions while on our way

Make sure we can treat your animal!  Tell us about your animal’s unique or difficult temperament in advance so we can be prepared. Animals need to be caught prior to our arrival.  This means horses are haltered and tied or in a small pen or stall.   Cattle should be in a corral with suitable working facilities.  Cats need to be trapped or kenneled.  Cattle down in a pasture need to have a rope around their head/neck and be tied to something; it’s amazing how many animals find the strength to get up and run off when the white vet truck pulls up!  

SVC is primarily a walk-in clinic, so our in-clinic schedule is unpredictable.  Despite our best efforts to get to you on time, we may run late, call to come early, or have to reschedule.  Please plan to be flexible or have someone else available for your scheduled farm call.

We cannot emphasize enough that you’ll get quicker and more comprehensive service in-clinic.

Be prepared for additional expense!  It costs more, not less, for us to come to you.