Minnesota Monthly

Going to the Dogs
Reprinted from Minnesota Monthly

These days, most people don't expect house calls from their regular doctors, let alone their veterinarian. But from the west metro suburb of Mound, Dr. Henry Philmon is reaching out to his clients, and treating their pets where they live.

"The baby-boom generation appreciates service," Philmon says. Apparently the same on-the-go, working-parent families that have spurred growth in the day-care and takeout food industries are finding that they no longer have time to take Pooch and Kitty to the vet. So Philmon goes to them, visiting clients in a van emblazoned with the words "M.A.S.H. Veterinary House Call Services." Philmon's van comes fully loaded with a surgical table, kennel space, and even X-ray and EKG equipment.

Besides being a boon to busy boomers, Philmon's service is appreciated by elderly people who don't relish wrestling frantic four-leggers into the car. Likewise, owners of multiple pets are relieved to find they can take care of routine checkups and shots for all their furry companions in one home visit.

Philmon can often treat pets right in their homes, rather than in his van, an especially good option for animals afraid of doctors (and aren't they all?). One cat patient of Philmon's was so uptight about visiting him that she'd hyperventilate, sometimes to the point of passing out. Now he treats her at home, in familiar surroundings, where she stays calmer.

The element of surprise can be very important with nervous animals, according to Philmon. Spot and Fluff don't expect the scary vet to get them at home, so Philmon can usually catch them before they know quite what's up. On the other hand, if a pet does elude his grasp, Philmon can find himself at a disadvantage: There are many more places to hide in a home than in a doctor's office. Philmon once chased a cat around a house for half an hour trying to vaccinate it. "When animals feel threatened, they know how to move," he says.