When did you decide to pursue a career in veterinary medicine?

I was fortunate to grow up with animals (the typical upbringing with host of furry and non-furry pets: dogs, cats, guinea pigs, anoles, fish and the like...) and a family interested in the sciences. My mother was a teacher and now a nurse, my father also started his career as a science teacher (and now lawyer). My great-uncle was the DIrector of Lincoln Park Zoo for many years (Lester Fisher, DVM) and my cousin was the medical director and owner at what is now VCA Berwyn (Herbert Lederer, DVM). As such, I was privileged to have some behind-the-scenes experiences bathing elephants, hosting a chimp baby at Christmas one year when zoo staff was short, and shadowing some veterinary specialists during high school holidays breaks. While digging through some old grade school papers, we found a letter I wrote when I was 9 talking about my future as a vet. It is all I ever remember wanting to do!

How did you make the transition from working in a veterinary office to starting your own mobile practice?

While working in a traditional small animal clinic, my partner and I realized the need for in home care while servicing elderly pets with mobility issues, senior pet owners or those that were otherwise homebound, and also while working with some of the staff at an animal shelter where I performed surgeries. Many of those pet owners had multiple animals they cared for, and making the trip to the animal clinic for routine medical needs was a stressful and time-consuming affair. We also realized a special need for in-home care during a pet's final days and weeks; terminally ill animals are cared for with a minimal amount of stress, less interruption, and more personal attention and compassion in their own surroundings. Owners are very grateful they don't have to leave their home when providing hospice care or euthanasia for suffering animals. With a utility vehicle equipped with a cooler, a mobile pharmacy, scales, a laptop, centrifuge and other laboratory equipment, we can provide all of the services typically found in an clinic setting, with the exception of radiology and surgery. An outside laboratory, pharmaceutical distributor, and pet cemetery/cremation assist with providing supplemental services.

What type of pets do you have?

I have three dogs, all are from shelters. My husband and kids have allergies to cat dander, so i get my cat fix at appointments!

What is a typical day like for you?

Each day is different, but typically involves reaching 5-6 clients and spending and hour or more at each home including travel between visits. We try to reach clients in all of the Western Suburbs, but have occasionally extended our territory to reach senior pets in need of hospice or end-of-life services. I may start my day in Naperville with annual exams for a multi-pet household of cats, move on to see a dog for an ear infection that has seizures whenever it goes into a traditional clinic setting, visit a senior cat in renal failure for weekly fluid and anti-emetic treatment, diagnose a lame animal with a cruciate ligament tear and provide pain relief and perform pre-surgical blood work, then visit a dog with end-stage liver disease for palliative care including removal of free abdominal fluid and counsel the owners on appropriate nutrition and comfort as the dog enters its final days/weeks of life.

What type of pets or pet parents would benefit from a mobile vet vs. a traditional office?

We see clients with mobility issues including those who are seniors or who have medical issues themselves including MS or seizure disorders. Any pet who is anxious or medically fragile would benefit from our service. Owners who have small children, who have multiple pets, or appreciate convenience benefit from our service. Those who wish for a peaceful, dignified end-of-life experience with their pet like to have us come to their home. We also develop a strong personal relationship with the families we serve; by being in their home, we can provide an individualized patient-care plan which is more holistic in nature, and work as a team with the pet parent to make sure the pets medical/health needs are being met. By staying in a client's home, we also minimize the likelihood of disease transmission found when bringing your pet inside a typical small animal clinic.

Is there anything you can suggest to parents to keep their pets safe and happy through the winter months?

Exercise is as important through the winter as it is during any other time of the year; a tired pet is a happy pet and owner! Dog booties can be purchased to cover the feet of animals walking outside on icy surfaces, dogs can keep mentally engaged by rolling a buster cube filled with treats, cats can "hunt" indoors for small bits of hidden food or catnip. Be mindful of additional exposed wires, lights, tinsel, and sharp ornament fragments. Certain seasonal plants and, of course, chocolate, can be harmful if ingested by pets. In the garage, be careful not to expose pets to antifreeze or rodent baits.

What would say are the best ways to contribute to our pets’ health and longevity?

Just like their human counterparts, diet and exercise play a huge part in contributing to pets' health and longevity. Treats should comprise no more than 10% of overall calorie intake for your pet, and a body condition assessment should be provided by your vet. Purchase the best quality food you can afford. Ask your vet for their recommended brands and know where the manufacturers' get their ingredients and what goes into your pet's diet. Daily exercise can help maintain your pet at his or her ideal weight, contribute to mental stimulation, and relaxation. Exercising with your pet is a great time to bond; dress for the weather and enjoy each other's company. Animals are social creatures and respond best to consistent, daily playtimes with their loved ones. Preventative care is also important in maintaining your pet's health and is ultimately less costly than treating disease; you and your vet should assess your pet's risks including environmental hazards and devise a health plan to keep them well. Watch your pet carefully for changes in behavior, appetite, and energy, as changes in any one of these parameters may indicate they aren't feeling their best.