WELCOME
Now Offering Low-Stress In Home Pet Hospice and Euthanasia Appointments
What exactly IS a house call??
A house call is where a Veterinarian comes to your home to care for your dog(s) and/or cat(s). You get to see every aspect of your pet's physical exam and treatment because the pet isn't taken to the back, or to another room for the exam. I explain exam findings as I go and will show the pet owner anything abnormal that I find. I do not have a clinic location that you can visit, I am only able to come to your home.
​
What Does Pet Hospice Mean?
​
Pet hospice or "palliative care" is a term for care of pets that have been diagnosed with a terminal condition and are nearing end of life. The goal of palliative or hospice care is to control pain and improve quality of life so that owners can spend more quality time with their pet. I also offer pet hospice appointments for elderly dogs who haven't been diagnosed with a specific terminal illness, but their quality of life could be improved and extended through a pain management plan. Part of a quality of life consultation and hospice visit is having a conversation about how to know when the time is right to put your pet down, and what expectations you may have for longevity of your pet.
​
What Happens During an In Home Euthanasia?
​
I feel very strongly that in home euthanasia is one of the most important services I offer. At an in home euthanasia appointment I will come into the home (or yard) and introduce myself to your pet. I typically perform a very limited exam unless a more thorough exam is requested. This is to keep your pet calm and not disturb them any more than necessary. When you are ready a combination of medications will be given to your pet by injection under the skin near the scruff of the neck or via mouth for animals that are sensitive to needles. This medication combo includes heavy pain control, anti-anxiety medication, and a sedative which are mixed together into one single shot. This initial shot will help your pet fall into a very deep, comfortable sleep in about 5-10 minutes. Once they have fallen asleep their discomfort will be gone and they will no longer feel pain. The final injection that will make them pass away is then typically given in a vein in their back leg. You will have control over when I give the final injection (within reason) and you may hold your pet during the entire process. After your pet has passed you may allow other pets in the home to come out and see them and I will offer you some alone time with your pet. If you have requested cremation I will come back into the home when you are ready and bundle your pet into a sheet on a hand-carry gurney. For large dogs I will request your assistance carrying the gurney to the van. I will then transport your pet to the crematorium for cremation.
​
House call visits are not for everyone and if your pet is aggressive and can't be muzzled, or can't be caught on a leash or in an small room, I won't be able to examine or care for your pet safely. For most pets however, staying at home is less stressful than a visit to a brick and mortar Veterinary clinic.
OUR
SERVICES
Cremation
I am able to take your pet's remains with me for cremation after euthanasia. The charge for this transportation is now included in the cremation charges listed below.
- $215 - $360 for individual cremation. I use Four Creeks Pet Crematorium, a local crematorium in Visalia. The cost of cremation depends on your pet's weight and includes an urn.
- Communal cremation is also available and ranges from $100 - $255 depending on weight.
​
- You are always wecome to work directly with the crematorium if you prefer to transport your pet yourself.
Euthanasia
​
In home euthanasia is an incredibly peaceful way to say goodbye. Pets can relax in their own bed, yard or your lap while they peacefully cross the rainbow bridge
- cats $300
- dogs $350
​
- Large and giant breed dogs may incur an additional $75-100 fee depending on weight
​
- Pets which require significant extra appointment time due to temperament (aggressive, fearful etc.) may incur additional charges
​
Hospice/Palliative Care
A hospice visit includes the housecall fee, a thorough exam, a pain management plan and a quality of life consultation - $300
​
- Most pain medications for the initial visit can be provided directly from the van's pharmacy. Medication cost is additional. Refills will be through online pharmacies.
​
- Please note, sometimes the outcome of a hospice visit is that there is nothing more that can be done. If I feel that an animal's pain can not be managed adequately at home I will recommend euthanasia. A hospice visit can be turned into a euthanasia visit at your discretion.
Same Day Appointments
I am sometimes able to see urgent euthanasia appointments the same day as your call. There is an additional $100 same day fee. If you call and leave a message for an urgent euthanasia after I have closed for the day (4pm) your call will be returned the following day.
- You may incur a same-day charge depending on how full my schedule is that day (if I have to move another appointment or extend my hours to see your pet that day, then the fee will be charged)
​
WELLNESS/VACCINES
- We will be taking on a very small number of NEW wellness clients starting May 2024. These appointments will be for vaccines and flea/tick/dewormer in healthy pets ONLY. Once your pet has been seen for wellness they will be eligible for sick call appointments. Call 559-769-3666 and press option 2 to schedule.
​
- There is a visit minimum of $250 for all appointments, not including purchased medications.
- housecall - $ 70
- exams - $65/pet
- vaccines $30-45 each
​
NO EMERGENCY CARE
I DO NOT offer emergency care. There are several 24/7 pet ER's in Fresno as well as the Tulare/Kings Veterinary Emergency Services in Visalia.
ABOUT
OUR CLINIC
In late 2019 I started Woodlake Veterinary Housecall Service after deciding to separate from 5 years of active duty Army service. At that time, there were no licensed small animal house call Veterinary practices in the Visalia/Woodlake area, and it was a service that was clearly needed. Large dogs, dogs with arthritis, pets with anxiety about clinic visits and busy pet owners can all benefit from a house call instead of taking their pets in to the clinic.
​
Over time my practice has evolved. I no longer take new clients for wellness or sick call type appointments and have focused on providing much needed pet hospice and euthanasia services for our community.
​
I aim to offer exceptional customer service and medical care to my clients and their pets. I will work with you to formulate an end of life care plan based on your pet, your budget and your philosophy. I believe it is my job to educate clients on what treatments and diagnostics are available so that they can make an informed decision about what they want for their pets. I personally see every appointment (Dr. Farmer) and can answer any questions you may have.
​
If you would like to schedule a house call visit, please give us a call at 559-769-3666
Dr. Emily Farmer
CONTACT
5211 WEST GOSHEN AVE #310
VISALIA, CA 93291​
​
Email: woodlakevethousecall@gmail.com
Tel: 559-769-3666
MAILING ADDRESS
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Saturday
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Sunday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Monday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Tuesday
CLOSED - Wednesday
CLOSED - Thursday
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Friday
​
Monday, Tuesday and Friday are open for afternoon appointments ONLY. I work at a non-profit spay/neuter clinic in the morning on those days, so if you call in the morning you will need to leave a message and I will call you back when I finish up with surgeries. I am typically able to call you back the same day.
​
OPEN HOURS
I currently serve:
- Visalia
- Exeter
- Farmersville
- Lindsay
- Porterville
- Woodlake
Hanford, Dinuba, Cutler, Orosi, Tulare and Three Rivers areas may incur an additional $25-$75 fee.
I will go to further destinations such as Springville, Squaw Valley, Badger and Fresno for an additional long-distance travel fee.
​
PRIVACY: Your privacy is important to us. We will never sell your information. Your personal information such as name, address, phone number and details about your pet may be used to enter prescriptions for your pet(s) at online pharmacies, only at your request. Current clients may receive text message reminders for appointments.