LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The ongoing veterinarian shortage is something that we have reported on for years.
Concerned pet owners have continually been searching for additional options on where to go for care for their beloved furry friends.
"You just never know when you may need a mobile vet. You know, sometimes something happens and you can't go there yourself," said Cindy Evenson, a local pet owner.
With unknown and emergent issues that can arise, there's one local vet clinic that has been looking to give all pet owners a solution to those issues.
They aim to provide efficient and affordable care right in the comfort of people's own homes.
VetMobile, founded by Dr. Sarah Kline earlier this year, is a traveling vet clinic aimed at limiting the number of times pet owners have to take their beloved companion to the clinic.
"We can do kind of the hospice care and the elderly [dog] patient care again in their home, where it's less stressful during end of life. But really, our goal is just to minimize the number of times you have to bring your pet into a clinic. We're there to support your primary care veterinarian as well," Dr. Kline described.
Dr. Kline said knew she wanted to work with animals since the age of 15. She also shared that it was her love and compassion that drove her to start VetMobile.
VetMobile is driven by the motto "Wellness at your door," and through its use, pet parents receive comforting care for their pets whether they're in need of a check-up or support.
"Just being able to meet the families and get to know the animals and see them throughout their lifetime and as they grow and change, that's exciting for me. That's really what I'm trying to build with VetMobile," Dr. Kline said. "It's those opportunities to get to know a family, you know, throughout the dog's life."
Throughout the week, Dr. Kline spends time with animal patients and families across Central Arkansas.
In addition to dogs and cats, VetMobile provides service to birds, reptiles, and pocket pets such as mice, ferrets, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Here's a complete list below of what VetMobile offers to clients within and surrounding Central Arkansas:
- Vaccines and testing
- Minor ailments
- End-of-life care
- Euthanasia
In addition to at-home services, the VetMobile app is available for clients to quickly access patient information, prescriptions, and online pharmacies.
Dr. Kline said for her the VetMobile clinic is much more than providing easy access for patients and assisting pets in need— it's the love of helping others that has kept her on the move.
"It's a nice way to help people in their time of need, you know. Forge a little bit of an emotional connection. I may never see that person again, but at the same time, I feel like I've helped them," she explained.