Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can CityPets do a house call when my pet is sick?
A. CityPets is equipped to examine your pet and do diagnostic testing when your pet is sick. We carry the equipment to do a complete physical examination, do ekg's, blood pressure monitoring, take blood, urine sample and fecal samples, do bacterial and fungal cultures. When you call to schedule, we will ask you some questions to determine if your pet's problem is appropriate for a house call visit.
Q. Will a CityPets doctor make a house call for a check up on a healthy pet?
A. Yes. Of course, our favorite visits are for healthy pets! We are also equipped to do routine vaccinations in your home.
Q. Will a CityPets doctor come to my home to see a pet who is very ill?
A. If your pet is very ill, we recommend speaking with the doctor or a technician first who will help to determine if your pet's problem is appropriate for a house call. Problems that require x rays, anesthesia or surgery are not seen on house call and will be referred in to the animal hospital.
Q. Do at home visits cost more than going to the vet's office?
A. Yes. A CityPets at home visit does cost more. A doctor, a technician and a car and driver are going to your home each time you schedule an appointment. Those costs are factored into the house call fee. Once we are in your home, all other charges, including those for the examination of additional pets, laboratory fees and medications are similar to what they are in a Manhattan animal hospital.
Q. What should I do if my pet is sick at night or on weekends?
A. Calls after hours and on weekends are answered by the CityPets answering service. A doctor is paged for any emergency or serious medical problem involving one of our patients 24 hours a day. If we determine that your pet has a medical emergency we will direct you to the Animal Medical Center which is open 24 hours a day with veterinarians on duty. We will call the AMC in advance so that they are expecting you and have all of the background on your pet's medical condition.
Q. Are there things I need to do in advance of or during a CityPets house call?
A. If your pet has an ongoing medical problem, it is helpful to receive a copy of the medical records from your previous veterinarian. We can read them in advance and know the results of diagnostic tests that have been done already so nothing is duplicated. While we are at your home, we want to ask you questions about your pet's health and behavior. You are not required to do anything with your pet during our visit.
Q. Where in my home do you work?
A. We are able to find an appropriate location in every home. We make use of kitchen counters, dining room tables, the living room rug or even your pet's favorite location. We are very adaptable. All we need is a patient and some light. We have the rest.
Q. My cat is very nervous. It's impossible to get her to the vet but she also hides when new people come over. How will we find her if you make a house call?
A. Over the years we have found cats in some very unusual places such as on top of the refrigerator, inside of the mattress and in the radiator. If you think that your cat might hide we recommend placing your cat inside the bathroom shortly before we get there. In a small space like that, they do not attempt to run and get away from us and they tolerate their physical examination very easily.
Q. Must I be at home for your visit with my dog or cat?
A. Certainly for first visit we want you present. While we are getting to know your pet, we need to ask you questions about its history, habits and behaviors. Once we know you and your pet, we are pleased to see our patients—your pets—in your home, even if you are not there. In these cases, please make arrangements for your doorman or someone else to give us access to your apartment. When we see your pets without you, we will notify you with our finding or leave you a note as to what occurred, whichever you prefer. Of course, we are available for follow up discussions.
Q. I am thinking about traveling and taking my pet with me. Can CityPets help me with those arrangements?
A. All CityPets veterinarians are endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) to prepare and sign papers needed for international travel. If you are thinking about traveling with your pet, contact us as soon as possible at 212 581 73887. There are very specific regulations that must be followed for rabies vaccinations, microchip placement and blood tests prior to filling out travel papers. International regulations prohibit travel for pets that have not followed these procedures exactly. To ensure that you will not have any difficulties discuss your plans with us well in advance.
Q. My elderly and sick pet hates going to the animal hospital. Is it possible when he needs to be put to sleep to have this done at home?
A. We know that the day that you say goodbye to your pet is one of the saddest days of your life. For many people and their pets it is easier to do this in the comfort and privacy of their own home. On that day, a veterinarian and a technician will come to your home together to administer the injections. Your pet will be put to sleep in painless and humane manner. Most people choose to have their pets cremated and we will make those arrangements for you. We will go over all of the details for you when you call us.
—Dr. Amy Attas and the staff of City Pets