In-Home Pet Medical Consultation & Assessment
We offer the in-home medical consultation and assessment for any pet in need.
The Hampton Roads Vet Hospice team believes in the importance of hands-on care. We know that we can’t guide you properly to the right decision about your pet’s needs until we have observed them in person. For this reason, we offer the in-home medical consultation and assessment for any pet in need of our services. This visit is designed to help us learn more about your pet, their needs, and their condition, and also to help us get to know you and your family.
What Is An In-Home Medical Consultation and Assessment from Caring Pathways?
In our initial contact with you on the phone, our team will listen to the concerns you have regarding the nearing end of your pet’s life and the care they need. By asking you questions about your pet and what they are experiencing, we can determine if an in-home medical consultation and assessment is an appropriate next step.
Our in-home medical consultation and assessment allows our veterinarian the opportunity to observe your pet in his or her home environment, giving us insight into pain and discomfort levels, as well as challenges with daily activities. We will inquire about care and limitations as owner schedules and time constraints may complicate in-home palliative and hospice care protocols.
The in-home medical consultation and assessment is designed to help the Hampton Roads Vet Hospice team guide you in determining whether:
- Palliative or hospice care is appropriate for your pet, and if so, what level of care is needed
- OR
- The kindest option at this time is to consider euthanasia
How We Can Help You?
Our team of expert and dedicated veterinarians will bring you peace of mind when deciding the best path for you and your beloved companion. During this stage of your pet’s life, we understand that you have many questions about your pet’s care and the Hampton Roads Vet Hospice team is here to help in your time of need. Please contact our team with any questions and we will be pleased to hear what you have to say and offer our compassionate advice.
What Type of Consult is Best for My Pet?
Telehealth Consult
A Telehealth Consult is a great opportunity to discuss your pet’s current condition, any diagnoses your pet has been given, for you to learn how to objectively evaluate and measure quality of life, and to develop a palliative care and/or end of life plan for your pet. This option is best for pets that are being monitored and cared for by your family veterinarian as an added resource to your pet’s care team.
While we are happy to schedule a TeleAdvice appointment with any family for any situation, there are limitations that prevent a thorough physical exam, diagnostics, and certain prescribing abilities due to state law, so if you are at the beginning of your pet’s end of life journey, a visit to your family veterinarian may be recommended to be sure your pet has the best quality of life possible during their journey.
In-Person Consult
An In-Person Consult is also a great opportunity to discuss all of the above as well as have a hands-on exam for your pet. This can help determine underlying concerns that should be addressed and if humane euthanasia is elected, your pet’s peaceful passing can occur at the same appointment. This option is best for pets that may or may not be monitored and cared for by your family veterinarian, pets who cannot safely or easily be transported to your family veterinarian anymore, or your pet that you believe may be at the end of their journey but you’d like an objective hands-on evaluation before making the decision to provide humane euthanasia. Your pet must be tolerant of strangers for this appointment to be successful. The limitations of this type of appointment are that diagnostics (radiographs/bloodwork) cannot be performed so diagnoses cannot be made but some prescriptions can be scripted/refilled at the veterinarian’s discretion.
Veterinary Visit
A Veterinary Visit at your family veterinarian is recommended for any pets that need diagnostics (blood work, radiographs, etc…) to diagnose their ailments or for routine monitoring for certain long term medications or conditions. It is in your pet’s best interest to have a diversified care team as you enter into their end of life journey and we are happy to communicate with your veterinarian to be sure your pet’s care team is on the same page every step of the way.
We look forward to meeting you and your pet in-person and/or virtually; please let us know how we can best support your family during this time.
Client Testimonials
“Until very recently, I didn’t know veterinary hospice was even a thing. Then I found out my sweet Copper-dog had cancer, and unfortunately her condition deteriorated very quickly. Adriane was so responsive to my questions and concerns, and was able to move our appointment up on short notice when we knew it was time to say goodbye to our girl. Dr. Tyler, no kidding, was an angel of mercy for both my dog and me! (I was a crying, blubbering mess.) Her compassionate demeanor was such a blessing – it made a tough situation that much easier to bear. Thank you to the entire HRVH team for helping us through this.”
Carol Easterly