If you’ve never had a veterinarian come to your home before, you might be wondering what the whole thing actually looks like. Does a van really show up? Where do they see my pet? What if my dog runs and hides or gets really anxious when strangers come to the door?
These are all fair questions, and we hear them often. So here’s an honest, straightforward walkthrough of what a visit with Trace Crossings Veterinary + Pet Wellness looks like from start to finish.
Step 1: You Book Online
Scheduling is done either online through our booking system at tracecrossingspets.com or by calling us at (205) 509-1499. You’ll pick a date and time that works for you, select the type of appointment, and add your pet’s basic information. Most clients hear back from us within an hour or two to confirm the appointment. If you have questions before booking, you’re always welcome to call us at (205) 509-1499.
Step 2: We Confirm and Send a Reminder
The day before your appointment, we send a reminder so you’re not caught off guard. We’ll let you know what to expect and answer any questions you have in advance. If your cat likes to hide when guests come over, it might be a good idea to have them in a room they will be comfortable in so Dr. Miller can find them! Beyond that, there’s nothing special you need to do to prepare.
Step 3: We Arrive at Your Door
Dr. Miller and Kelsey, our Practice Manager and Technician arrive in our fully equipped mobile clinic. The clinic is stocked with a full surgical suite, digital X-ray and ultrasound, an onboard diagnostic lab, and everything else you’d find in a traditional hospital. It just pulls up to your driveway.
For most wellness visits and routine care, we come inside and see your pet where they’re most comfortable. That might be on the couch, on their favorite bed, or on the floor. For procedures that require our equipment, we’ll step out to the van. If you want to do everything in the van, that’s fine too! Whatever makes you and your pet the most comfortable.
Step 4: The Appointment Itself
This is where things feel different from a typical vet visit. There’s no waiting room. No other animals. No clock ticking. Dr. Miller takes the time to do a thorough nose-to-tail exam, ask about your pet’s history, talk through any concerns you have, and answer your questions fully. Most wellness appointments run 30 to 45 minutes. Sick visits run 45 to 60. You will not feel rushed.
One thing clients often notice right away is how much calmer their pet is at home. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, up to 38 percent of dog owners and 58 percent of cat owners report that their pets show significant fear at traditional vet visits. At home, that stress is dramatically reduced, which means a more accurate exam and a better experience for everyone. Our team is Fear Free certified, ensuring we are following the latest research and techniques to ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible.
Step 5: You Get the Full Picture
Before we leave, you’ll know exactly what we found, what it means, and what the next steps are. If lab work was done during the visit, most results come back the same day. Dr. Miller follows up by email or phone to share findings and check in on how your pet is doing. You’ll have her direct contact for questions after the visit.
What About Cost?
Our prices are all very comparable (and sometimes cheaper!) to your traditional brick and mortar veterinary clinic. Our focus is on your pet, not profits and production. One difference you will notice is that as a mobile veterinarian, our visits include a house call fee of $75 in addition to the service fees.
For clients who want to make their bills more predictable, our VIP Pet Membership program waives the house call fee entirely and includes your annual wellness exam, quarterly nail trims, and a 10 percent discount on all services and products. Most members save more than $500 annually compared to fee-for-service pricing. You can learn more about membership at tracecrossingspets.com/membership.
For clients who prefer to pay as they go, we’re completely transparent about pricing before every appointment. No surprises.
Ready to schedule your first visit? Book online at tracecrossingspets.com or call us at (205) 509-1499. We’d love to meet your pet!