April 19th 2024.
According to veterinarian Luke Ainsworth, pets are creatures of habit and comfort who prefer to be in their own home and routine. As someone who has been in the field for 20 years, Luke has witnessed the anxiety that pets can experience leading up to a visit to the vet. While some pets may enjoy the trip, others may become aggressive or extremely stressed. Luke has seen dogs lash out and cats become visibly petrified.
He explains that pets are used to their familiar surroundings and taking them out of that comfort zone, whether it's putting them in a carrier or taking them to the vet's waiting room, can be a terrifying experience for them. In an effort to make things easier for his patients and their owners, Luke came up with a solution. He spent all his savings, along with a bank loan, to convert a Fiat Ducato into a fully-functional veterinary surgery that can travel to his patients' homes.
The van, called My Visit Vet, is equipped with everything needed to provide 90% of the services offered at traditional practices, from consultations and vaccinations to surgeries and end-of-life care. Luke, along with his veterinary nurse Mel Evans and receptionist Amy Lee, travel around the Manchester area to see their furry patients. They even have a mental map of all the public restrooms and supermarkets along their route, as the van doesn't have a toilet.
Setting up the practice was a labor of love, but also a scary step for Luke during the cost-of-living crisis. He recalls the stressful time of planning while working full-time at another practice. The van also faced technical issues when they first opened, forcing them to do consultations out of the back of a car for the first few months. However, business picked up and they have been busy ever since.
Clients and other veterinarians have praised the service, as pets are much happier being treated in their own homes. Luke shares a story about a cat named Madin who used to get sick every time she came to the vet for her monthly arthritis injections. However, now that Luke treats her at home, she is much more relaxed and comfortable. He has also received positive feedback about how quickly pets recover after treatments.
The van is set up like a regular consulting room, but the pets don't have to leave their homes. Luke and his team take a hands-off approach at first, allowing the pet to become comfortable with their presence before beginning the examination. This minimizes the stress and anxiety for both the pet and the owner. And for procedures like euthanasia, which are emotionally difficult for pet owners, Luke is grateful to be able to provide this service in the comfort of the pet's own home.
In addition to the convenience and comfort for pets, Luke also offers some tips for pet owners who may have anxious pets. He advises staying calm, as pets can sense our emotions and will follow our lead. For cats, he suggests getting them used to the carrier at home by giving them treats and covering the carrier once they're inside. For dogs, getting them used to the car and making it a positive experience with food and treats can help alleviate their fears. And for those who still struggle, Luke encourages speaking with their vet about alternative options, such as quieter appointment times or socialization visits to build confidence.
In conclusion, Luke's My Visit Vet van has been a successful and much-needed addition to the veterinary world. It not only provides convenience for pet owners, but also a less stressful experience for their furry friends. And with the positive feedback he's received, Luke knows he made the right decision in taking the leap to start his own mobile practice.
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