Frequently Asked Questions
How does a house call appointment work?
Dr. Hudson gives a 30 minute window for her estimated time of arrival due to traffic, as well as variables involved with working with animals with medical conditions. Dr. Hudson will contact you when she is on her way, and if she is running behind schedule, she will let you know!
Please plan on having cats confined to their carrier or a small room without furniture they can hide under.
The pet owner (over 18 years of age) must be home during the house call visit and be able to help Dr. Hudson with their pet if necessary. Please let Dr. Hudson know if your pet gets scared, nervous, protective or aggressive at vet visits or when people visit your home.
At our initial consultation, we will spend some time getting to know you and your pet. Our initial consultations last 60-90 minutes. Dr. Hudson always carries treats, but if your pet is picky or has any food allergies, please have their favorites ready!
Follow up appointments range from 20-60 minutes depending on what care we are providing.
Payment is due at the end of the housecall visit. We accept cash, credit or debit cards, Zelle, and Venmo. All credit cards will incur a 3% processing fee.
Do you see anxious or aggressive pets?
Dr. Hudson always aims to practice fear free techniques and low stress handling with your pet. Pets that are stressed during traditional veterinary hospital visits often do better in a home environment.
However, if your pet is still stressed during a home visit, Dr. Hudson may suggest trying anti-anxiety supplements or medications for future visits.
If your pet has shown aggression at the vet in the past, we can discuss ahead of time if a mobile visit may work, and what precautions we may need to take.
What can you actually do during a housecall visit?
We can provide almost as many services as a traditional vet hospital, including wellness and non-urgent sick visits, laboratory testing, vaccines and vaccine titers, treatments for minor wounds and skin growths, medications, and so much more.
Dr. Hudson takes a unique and individualized approach to your pet’s health and is able to offer treatments using conventional medicine, holistic medicine, or a combination of both which is known as integrative medicine.
What services do you offer?
Dr. Hudson offers holistic and general medicine consultations focusing on preventive care, treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, and offers holistic modalities including acupuncture, veterinary medical manipulation (similar to chiropractic), herbal therapy, nutritional consultations and more.
For more information on the services we offer, CLICK HERE
Riverbend Integrative Animal Care is not a full service veterinary clinic.
We do not offer surgery, sedation procedures, diagnostic imaging (such as x-rays), or hospitalization. We do not offer emergency services. At this time we do not offer in-home euthanasia.
If you need recommendations for a hospital local to you that does offer these services, just ask Dr. Hudson.
My pet is sick or hurt and I’m not sure if it’s an emergency. What should I do?
If your pet is involved in a severe accident (such as being hit by a car), or is showing any of the following signs then they should be taken directly to an emergency veterinarian:
- Collapsing, sudden severe weakness, or in-ability to walk
- Trouble breathing
- Multiple episodes of vomiting or diarrhea
- Uncontrolled bleeding, or multiple wounds (such as from a dog fight)
- An in-ability to pass urine (especially male cats and dogs)
- Gums and tongue that are very pale or white
- Uncontrollable seizure activity
If your pet has ingested something and you’re not sure if it’s toxic or dangerous, then please contact Pet Poison Control Helpline at 855-764-7661, https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com
Riverbend Integrative Animal Care does NOT provide emergency services. The following ER hospitals are located in the area and are recommended:
- Animal Emergency and Specialty Center of Chattanooga off Lee Hwy (423) 822-8304
- Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Group off Broad Street (423) 591-0270
- VCA R.I.V.E.R off Amnicola Hwy (423) 698-4612
