Dr. Jones, owner of Petcalls, a locally based mobile veterinary clinic, said she enjoys treating pets in their own environment. "The animals do better in the mobile clinic than in the vet hospital," Dr. Jones said. "They're better behaved, and the people are much less stressed."
Her clients say Dr. Jones' clinic helps them avoid the hassle of taking multiple pets to the veterinarian at once. One of those clients, Maria Woods, owns 14 dogs. Before she began calling Dr. Jones more than one year ago, Ms. Woods said she took trips to the veterinarian almost weekly, even causing the staff to joke, "Well see you in a couple of days." But Dr. Jones can see all 14 dogs in the same visit, Ms. Woods said, as they get their shots. "My dogs are my babies," Ms. Woods said. "They run my household. They get what they want and they do what they want. I have to absolutely love my vet, and I wouldnt have any other vet than Becky."
Dr. Jones and her assistant, Dale Kimberling, work in close quarters in the clinic. An operating table in the back end can be lowered to the floor to easily lift the pet. A sink with running water and a table with anesthesia nearby allows a space for cleaning pets' teeth. They carry a laptop computer, on which they store all their client information and business records.
Cabinets along one side contain all the supplies and medicine they need. The clinic also contains equipment to do laboratory work, an X-ray machine, a microwave and a refrigerator. The unit is heated and air-conditioned.
Because she can carry so many supplies with her, Dr. Jones said she's able to work more efficiently and take more time getting to know the pet and the client. She does most any kind of veterinary work in her clinic, but she doesn't hospitalize pets. If they need hospitalization, Dr. Jones recommends another clinic.
Before she bought the mobile clinic in May 2001 and ventured into her own business, Dr. Jones worked in other veterinary clinics. "The main difference is that I have time to spend with the owners," she said. "I can take as much time as I need with them. I can explain problems to them and what we're going to have to do." Ms. Woods said that's one of the most important features. "No matter how silly your questions can be or how dumb you think you sound, she never looks at it that way," Ms. Woods said. "She always makes me feel good about asking those stupid questions. She's very concerned that I understand."
Dr. Becky Jones of PetCalls had an article printed in the
Spring 2003 issue of Petropolitan Magazine:
Chippin' Tales
A microchip can help ensure that your pet returns home safely
By Dr. Becky Jones
As a mobile veterinarian, I drive throughout this area 6 days a week. I see many dogs and cats running loose and worry about them finding their way home, being hit by a car or otherwise injured. I know that a large percentage of pets who are lost, injured or picked up by animal control have no identification and are never returned to their owners. A Microchip ID is a safe, efficient way to identify your pet, even if they have lost their collar or are stolen.
I have clients who have had their lost and stolen pets returned because the pets were microchipped. Unfortunately, 56 percent of the dogs and 72 percent of cats received by animal shelters are euthanized because the animals have no form of identification. With a microchip, those odds are greatly lessened.
My goal is to help keep your animals healthy and safe. There are three important steps every responsible pet owner should take with their dog or cat to ensure its happiness, health and safety:
1. Spay/neuter to stop unwanted puppies and kittens and help reduce the number of abandoned or sheltered animals.
2. Vaccinate to protect pets from disease and help ensure they live long and healthy lives.
3. Microchip to keep pets safe and at home by providing them with permanent and reliable identification, so they can be returned in the event they become lost.
The Case for the Chip
While microchipping appears new to some people, it has been designed to solve an age old problem: recovering lost pets. When considering whether or not to microchip your pet here are some facts you should keep in mind:
* More than 10 million pets are lost or stolen each year.
* More than half of all impounded dogs and cats are without collars by the time they arrive at the shelter.
* Only 16 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats entering animal care control facilities are reclaimed by their owners.
* Collar tags can be lost and tattoos can fade or be altered, but HomeAgain microchips are permanent and tamper-resistant.
* One HomeAgain microchip together with a one-time enrollment fee, and the animal is protected for life.
* 3,000 to 4,000 lost pets are recovered each month as a result of the Home Again Microchip Identification System.
* Spay/neuter, vaccinate and microchip is a three-step program of responsible pet care endorsed by veterinarians around the country.
* Micro chipping is fast, affordable and painless for the animal.
Implanting a microchip can be done at any time and doesn't require anesthesia. Once your pet has a microchip, you'll have an updateable online record of your pet's health and peace of mind that you'll be reunited in the event your pet becomes lost.
Dr. Becky Jones is the owner of PetCalls Veterinary House Calls. She can be reached at 940-565-0091.
Dr Becky Jones is quoted in the Winter 2002 Petropolitan Magazine:
Danger Holidays Ahead - Beware of Hazards
Each year, many pets fall victim to seasonal hazards. Be aware of some unusual threats. Guests may have medication in their suitcases that pets get into, and kittens might view the Christmas tree as the ultimate climbing challenge. Urge your guests to keep any medications in a place that isn't accessible to pets, and consider anchoring your tree in a way that makes it impossible to topple.
Just as with their human counterparts, what animals eat often proves to be the biggest source of holiday problems. However, while people rarely are battling more than a few unwanted pounds, pets can find many holiday treats lethal. Dr. Becky Jones of PetCalls Mobile Veterinary Service notes that the following foods must be kept out of reach of pets:
* Alcoholic beverages
* Chocolate
* Onions or onion powder
* Fatty foods
* Salt
* Yeast dough
* Macadamia nuts
* Raisins and grapes
In addition, she said, certain plants are deadly to pets as well. Many varieties of lilies, including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter and Stargazer, all can cause kidney failure in cats. Poinsettias, while usually not fatal, can irritate an animal's mouth and stomach, causing vomiting and nausea. Mistletoe can cause cardiovascular problems, although generally it only creates gastrointestinal distress. Holly plants also can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy in animals.
One overlooked danger is the water around the base of the Christmas tree, which could contain fertilizers and cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. Of course, common sense dictates that owners beware of other hazards, such as broken ornaments, tinsel (that can cause intestinal obstructions if eaten), electrical cords and potpourris. Keeping such items out of reach can make for a healthier, happier holiday season for all involved.
