Veterinary House Calls

Pet Hospital Michigan Washtenaw County Ann Arbor Old West Side West Washington Street

211 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA

1.0

I found Dr. Theisen's phone manner to be very brusk but overlooked it because her website resume sounded so good and her fees were so affordable; I was upfront about my location and she agreed to travel to my home providing I was willing to pay extra to which I readily agreed. When I started to explain my cats condition she cut me off and said she didn't need to know the details and confirmed the appointment was for euthanasia of my cat. When she arrived, her manner was almost resentful, like she really did not want to be there. She was mostly concerned about whether we had covid and when I began to say I wanted to sit with my cat without a facemask while she was falling asleep (most vets will step out to allow owners this time with their pet) she cut me off and got almost confrontational and threatened to leave immediately if I refused to wear a mask (which isnt what I had attempted to communicate) and she wanted the windows opened. Honestly I almost asked her to leave right then but instead took a deep breath and continued. Dr. Theisen then wanted payment upfront and asked for cash or check only--this was not discussed on the phone but luckily another family member had a check book (I'm all electronic!). The worst was yet to come...when I started to tell her about my cats recent history with current medications--in particular the heavy dose of steroids in case it made a difference to type/quantity of drugs she would be using to sedate my cat but she again cut me off saying she didn't need to know. Dr. Theisen gave my cat a sedative and left the house to sit outside so I could sit with my cat without a mask. My cat lost her balance after a few minutes but after 15-minutes her ears were still perked and reacting to all sounds and was still trying to get off the bed (although slowly). Dr. Theisen evaluated and said she was "out of it enough" to move on. Although instinctively I disagreed and felt she should have been further sedated I said nothing (I will have to live with that regret for the rest of my life) and Dr. Theisen proceeded to blow out the vein in the first leg while I had to hold my growling crying cat down, then she couldn't get the needle in the vein on the second leg, so finally jabbed my cat in the rear thigh and said it would take longer but it should work. After about 10 minutes my little cat did finally lose consciousness to whatever extent but she was still breathing quite normally. After about 20 minutes total Dr. Theisen evaluated again and said she could give her another dose or leave and let [nature take its course]. I asked for another dose as I didn't want my poor little cats body still alive hours later (honestly, why was this an option??). Her cold and distant manner was very off putting. Throughout this experience Dr. Theisen kept saying my cat didn't feel anything and that the experience was worse for me like that was supposed to make me feel better or assuage her guilt in knowing she missed the mark on what should have been a gentle passing. My growling crying struggling cat might disagree with you Dr. Theisen, as do I! In summary this was the worst, most stressful euthinization experience I've ever had and I would not recommend this vet to anyone. I'm still crying over my sweet little cat's last hour and a half on this earth. I'm so, so sorry Tiny Cat!

Jennifer Schemke

Overview

(734) 547-6115

Pet Hospital

State

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Welcome to Veterinary House Calls

Welcome to the local introduction of Veterinary House Calls, a mobile veterinary service based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, serving the surrounding areas. Operating under the platform category of a Pet Hospital, Veterinary House Calls aims to provide pet owners with the convenience of professional veterinary care in the comfort of their own homes. This introduction will delve into the services offered, potential features based on the nature of a mobile veterinary practice, and present an objective overview incorporating available information, including customer reviews.

About Veterinary House Calls

Veterinary House Calls, located at 211 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA, offers a unique approach to pet care by bringing veterinary services directly to your doorstep. You can reach them at (734) 547-6115 or via mobile at +1 734-547-6115. As a mobile pet hospital, the core concept revolves around eliminating the stress and inconvenience often associated with transporting pets to a traditional clinic. This can be particularly beneficial for pets that experience anxiety during travel, have mobility issues, or when owners have time constraints.

Potential Services Offered

Based on the nature of a mobile veterinary service and the category of Pet Hospital, Veterinary House Calls likely offers a range of essential services. These may include:

Wellness Exams: Routine check-ups to monitor your pet's overall health, including physical examinations, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.
Sick Pet Visits: Diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses and minor injuries in the familiar environment of your home.
Geriatric Care: Specialized care for senior pets, focusing on their unique health needs and comfort.
Palliative Care: Providing comfort and support for pets with chronic or terminal illnesses.
Euthanasia Services: Offering compassionate end-of-life care in the pet's home, aiming for a peaceful and comfortable experience.
Medication Administration: Providing necessary medications and instructions for their use.
Minor Procedures: Depending on the mobile setup, some minor procedures like wound care or sample collection might be performed at home.
Health Consultations: Offering advice and guidance on pet health, nutrition, and behavior.

It is important to note that the specific services offered by Veterinary House Calls would be best confirmed by contacting them directly.

Potential Features and Benefits

The mobile nature of Veterinary House Calls inherently provides several potential features and benefits for pet owners:

Convenience: Eliminates the need for travel, saving time and effort for pet owners.
Reduced Stress for Pets: Many pets experience anxiety in unfamiliar environments like veterinary clinics. Home visits can significantly reduce this stress.
Personalized Attention: The veterinarian can focus solely on your pet during the home visit.
Comfort and Privacy: Especially during sensitive times like end-of-life care, being at home offers a more comfortable and private setting.
Suitable for Multi-Pet Households: Easier to manage multiple pets needing care simultaneously.
Reduced Exposure to Illness: Minimizes the risk of your pet being exposed to other potentially sick animals in a clinic waiting room.

Customer Experience: An Objective Look at Reviews

The provided customer review offers a detailed account of one individual's experience with Veterinary House Calls, specifically concerning a pet euthanasia service. It is crucial to consider this review as one person's perspective and not necessarily representative of all experiences. However, it highlights several areas of concern:

Communication and Demeanor: The reviewer noted a "brusk" phone manner initially and a "resentful" and "cold and distant" demeanor during the home visit. The reviewer also felt cut off and not listened to regarding their pet's condition and their own preferences (e.g., mask-wearing during euthanasia).
Payment Policy: The requirement for cash or check payment upfront was not communicated during the initial phone call, causing unexpected inconvenience.
Sedation and Procedure: The reviewer expressed significant concern regarding the level of sedation achieved before the euthanasia procedure and the difficulty encountered with vein access, leading to distress for the pet. The option presented to "let nature take its course" after the initial euthanasia attempt was also deeply troubling to the reviewer.
Empathy and Support: The reviewer felt a lack of empathy and support from the veterinarian during a sensitive and emotional time. The comments made by the veterinarian about the experience being "worse for me" were perceived as unhelpful and dismissive of the pet's distress.

This detailed negative review raises significant concerns about the communication, professionalism, and execution of services provided in this particular instance. Potential users should carefully consider this feedback alongside any other available information when making decisions about their pet's care.

Promotional Information and Call to Action

While specific promotional information is not provided in the given data, mobile veterinary services often emphasize the convenience and reduced stress for pets as key selling points. Veterinary House Calls may highlight their commitment to providing personalized care in a comfortable home environment. To learn more about their current promotions, service areas, and specific offerings, interested pet owners in the Ann Arbor area are encouraged to:

Call: (734) 547-6115 or +1 734-547-6115 to speak directly with Veterinary House Calls.
Inquire about Service Area: Confirm if they serve your specific location.
Discuss Service Details: Clearly outline your pet's needs and inquire about the specific procedures and protocols followed.
Ask About Payment Options: Clarify accepted payment methods and any upfront payment requirements.
Seek Additional Information: Request information about the veterinarian's qualifications and experience.

Conclusion

Veterinary House Calls offers a mobile pet hospital service in Ann Arbor, potentially providing a convenient and less stressful alternative to traditional veterinary clinics. The concept of in-home care can be particularly appealing for certain situations and pet temperaments. However, the detailed customer review presents serious concerns regarding communication, procedural execution, and overall bedside manner. It is essential for potential clients to be aware of this feedback and to conduct thorough due diligence by directly contacting Veterinary House Calls, asking detailed questions about their services and procedures, and seeking additional references or reviews if available, to make an informed decision about their pet's veterinary care.