Wilson Vets brings care to County Durham residents’ doors
Wilson Vets in Bishop Auckland is introducing the scheme to support those unable to attend the clinic in person, offering an alternative for pet owners with limited mobility, social anxiety, or transport challenges.
The service covers a 10 to 15-mile radius and is already proving popular, according to veterinary nurse Emily Young.
Miss Young said: “We’re offering routine healthcare and it helps to ensure pets receive the treatment and care they need.
“We want to help people and pets in the community who struggle to get to us at the practice, whether it is an owner who finds it difficult or their pet.
“Many cats struggle to travel in a car and can become distressed, while there are dogs that are simply terrified of coming into the practice to see a vet.”
Vet Jess Bowen-Parker and Miss Young are delivering the service, which includes vaccinations, blood tests, nail clips, anal gland checks, arthritis injections, and general health check-ups.
The practice aims to reduce stress for animals and improve access to care by treating pets in a familiar environment.
The van is fully equipped with essential supplies and includes a cage for transporting animals back to the practice if necessary.
The service is particularly beneficial for owners who are elderly, have physical disabilities, or experience anxiety that makes leaving the house difficult.
It also helps ensure that pets who become distressed during travel or in clinical settings can still receive the care they need.
Mobile appointments are available every Tuesday, with both morning and afternoon slots, and must be booked in advance.
The clinic has seen strong uptake of the service, highlighting the demand for accessible, at-home veterinary care.
Wilson Vets hopes the scheme will help remove barriers to treatment and improve wellbeing for both pets and their owners.