Housecalls provide pet owners many of the same services found in stationary practices. It is in the delivery of those services that housecalls differ. Seeing animals in their home environment allows the doctor to better understand the overall lifestyle of the pet, such as the interactivity between other human family members and the pet. Cats often find the home visit less upsetting than going to a stationary practice. Cats, for example, can become very stressed by traveling in a carrier, sitting in the waiting room, and being seen in an exam room. Often these cats are calmer and do better being seen in the home. Even many semi-feral cats have tolerated housecalls well. Housecalls benefit dogs as well, especially large dogs or ones with painful conditions, such as arthritis, as getting into and out of the car can be difficult. Dog owners are familiar with the need to maintain constant control over the dog while in the stationary practice and the stress the wait to be called can cause. During the housecall the dog needs to be on lead, or restrained, only during the actual exam or treatment. During other portions of the appointment the dog can be unrestrained in it own environment and the pet owner is free to concentrate on discussion with the doctor. Housecalls are often easier for the pet owner as well. Multi-pet housecalls can have all pets seen during one appointment, reducing the time and energy needed to transport pets to multiple appointments. In addition. housecalls help to free up time by allowing the owner to do things around the home while waiting for the doctor to arrive. That load of laundry does not have to wait or dinner can be started. Housecalls can often be easier on pet owners with disabilities and can allow for a more inclusive medical consultation. Housecalls are especially beneficial when the time has come to help pets move on. Many pet owners have found home-based euthanasia to be the gentlest and most humane option. While nothing can stop the pain of losing a pet, a housecall can help to provide a less stressful ending for both the pet and the owner. Top