If you've never used a house call veterinary service for in-home care, or even if you have but you're new to True Companions VetVan, here's an overview of the process you can expect when you have an appointment with us.

Scheduling

1. You call us (most likely leaving a message) or register on the web site and submit an online appointment request. Whichever method you choose, please provide us with a first and second choice of dates and time windows.
2. We will respond to your request as quickly as possible and confirm one of your requested time frames, work out a different one, or ask any follow-up questions we might have to better equip ourselves for your home visit.
3. If you know what services you need, you can let us know and we can even provide you an estimate in advance -- though you should note that this only covers the things you ask about. It does not mean that an exam won't reveal other needs for your pet, but it will give you an idea of how affordable we are!
4. Optionally, if you're a new client, you can log into our web site and fill out our new client forms online, which will streamline your visit. If you are transferring from another vet, we will ask that you either (a) fill out the pet information on the online form giving us permission to request your pet's records from your previous vet; or (b) call your previous vet's office on your own and ask that they fax the records to us (our fax number is 866-866-1918).
5. If your plans change, you contact us with at least 24 hours' notice before your visit (less than 24 hours may incur a cancelation fee).

Your Visit

1. We ask that you have your pet rounded up and accessible for your appointment -- even if Fluffy disappears when we arrive, we will still need to charge the call fee.
2. We'll call you when we're heading your way with an approximate ETA. If there's a delay, we'll call again to let you know. We appreciate your understanding, as a house call practice comes with many variables beyond our control, such as traffic delays.
3. If you're a new client and filled out your forms online, Dr. Raeyna or her technician will go over the information you provided to ensure we got it right. If you didn't use the online form, we'll ask you for all the information we need for our records.
4. For medical or routine visits, Dr. Raeyna will:
   • Talk with you about your concerns and go over the history of the problem and your pet's health in general.
   • Do a thorough exam.
   • Construct a customized diagnostic and treatment plan for your pet.
   • Put together one or more estimates and discuss the options with you (including referring you to another veterinarian if necessary).
   • Proceed with the course of action agreed upon (take samples for diagnostics, etc.).
   • Arrange for the next follow-up appointment (if required).
5. For an acupuncture session:
   • We ask that you have your (or your pet's) chosen location ready when we arrive.
   • Dr. Raeyna will perform an exam to determine locations of pain and which areas should be treated.  This exam will be more extensive for a first-time treatment with us, but is generally fairly brief for follow-up treatments.
   • We'll proceed with the treatment.
   • Dr. Raeyna will arrange for the next follow-up appointment (if required).
6. For euthanasia:
   • Before we arrive, have your location selected, the people you wish to be present, etc.
   • When we arrive, we will discuss your rest options and have you make your selection. We may also take care of this portion prior to your visit.
   • We will take some time to answer any questions you have about the process.
   • Unless you've chosen to do your own at-home burial, we'll take your pet with us when we leave and carry out your desired rest arrangements.
7. At the end of our visit, we will present you with the final invoice, due at that time as per our policy. We are striving to be as close to completely paperless as possible, so unless you request otherwise, we will email your invoice to you for your records (usually even before we leave) rather than printing one on paper.