Pets seem to have an uncanny ability to know when it comes time to get in the car and go to the vet’s. Even the largest and toughest of breeds can experience a lot of anxiety, so a perfect alternative is to have a veterinarian come to your home.
“In addition to your pet being able to stay in familiar surroundings, observing the home environment and lifestyle plays a large role in making a medical diagnosis,” Dr. Hillary Hart says. “I can see if there are any triggers for allergies, for example, or any other reasons a pet might not be feeling well. Home visits are also ideal for people who are not able to drive to a clinic, senior citizens, clients with multiple pets, large senior dogs who can no longer get into a vehicle, or just for convenience.“
A Variety of In-Home Services
Starting out with a degree in computer science from New York University in 1980, Dr. Hart decided to pursue her lifelong dream to become a veterinarian after her children were in high school. She graduated from St. Matthew’s University in the Cayman Islands and started her mobile practice in 2012. While the business was growing, she worked for several non-profit veterinary clinics, including the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Animal Coalition of Tampa, and the SPCA, and she worked as a relief veterinarian for other veterinary practices. Specializing in preventive care, treating illnesses, microchipping, vaccines, and diagnostic labs (dogs only), she provides end-of-life care, effective pain management, and in-home euthanasia. Dr. Hart is happy to make a clay paw print as a remembrance of a treasured pet.
“To help relieve the anxiety of the patient when meeting them for the first time, I attempt to enter the client’s home as a ‘friend,’ which allows the patient to adjust to my presence,” Dr. Hart says. “I will chat with the client while doing paperwork. During this time the patient has the opportunity to smell me. Another plus of a home visit is I set my schedule. I don’t rush in and rush out of a client’s home.”
Dr. Hart covers most of Pinellas County, and if the occasion arises that a patient requires imaging, cat lab work or surgery, for example, she refers them to a full-service hospital or emergency room in their area. She mainly treats dogs and cats, as well as the occasional pig or rabbit.
“Dr. Hart is wonderful with our dogs, and is reasonably priced and incredibly easy to work with,” says Candace Stanlake of St. Petersburg. “She always tries to arrive on time and truly loves all animals.”
Helping Those in Need
Dr. Hart also works with Canine Care Tampa Bay (caninecaretampabay.org), which provides basic wellness care for the dogs and cats of low-income families. She works with Safe Paws Rescue (www.safepawsrescue.com) that shelters discarded and abused animals in need and finds foster families until they can be adopted. They are in great need of foster homes for dogs and will pay all expenses. In addition, Dr. Hart is a member of the Animal Advisory Group for Pinellas County Animal Services that works to change laws protecting animals in the county. Anyone can get involved by contacting Doug Brightwell at [email protected].
“Veterinary medicine is one of the greatest joys of my life,” says Dr. Hart. “There is nothing more satisfying than serving others. I love my work and can’t imagine doing anything else.”
For more information, call Vet with Hart at (727) 698-4425, visit VetWithHart.com or send email to [email protected].
