by Bea Peterson
Have a dog or cat that hates riding in the car and, especially, going to the vet? You bet! Many people do. Elderly folks, for example, often have a difficult time getting their pets regular veterinary care. In other instances, a busy schedule can keep a person from taking a pet to the vet in a timely fashion. A year ago Dr. Nicole L. LaMora realized many people in the area have these problems. [private]With that in mind, she became The Mobile Pet Vet. She makes house calls. LaMora said she treats, “dog, cats and small fuzzy creatures.” She doesn’t treat snakes and birds, she said, because she doesn’t know much about them. Dr. LaMora said her top priority is providing quality care to her patients. Equally important to her is the relationship she creates with her patients and their owners. “Whether your dog, cat or other small pocket pet needs routine vaccinations or minor emergency care, my goal is to be there when you need me.”
La Mora is based in Pittstown, and she makes calls throughout the Capital District area and surrounding counties, including Rensselaer County.
Appointments And Fees
Trip fees are determined by the distance she must drive from Pittstown. If the service call is being made on a day in which other calls are also performed in the same area, her rate is discounted. Treatment fees are the standard rates charged by most veterinarians. Service calls range from $45 and up. Distances greater than 15 miles from Pittstown incur a $2 a mile charge. LaMora suggests people call for a quote.
Households with three or more pets receive a discounted house call rate. She also suggests that neighbors get together and have her visit their pets at the same time, sharing the service call fee.
La Mora’s hours are by appointment. They can be scheduled Mondays through Sundays, daytimes and evenings. An emergency fee is charged if services are required on short notice. To make an appointment call 518-477-0049.
Euthanasia Services
No one wants to think about losing a beloved pet or having a beloved pet “put to sleep.” However, sometimes it is inevitable. La Mora provides euthanasia service either in your home or in a special location you choose. “It is important that your pet feel safe and at home during his or her final moments with you,” she said.
Varied Careers
After several years working as a Diet Specialist for the El Paso Zoo in Texas, and also as a Customs Inspector and dog handler for the Department of Homeland Security, Dr. LaMora was admitted to Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1996.
She and her husband Brandon have been married 15 years. They currently share their house with two dogs, four cats, six horses, one donkey and ten goats.Dr. LaMora enjoys horseback riding, cross stitching, quilting and spending time with family, friends and pets.
Visit Dr. La Mora’s website www.mobilepetvetny.com.[/private]