Questions and answers
Good to know before the vet knocks
Where house calls go, what can be done at home, how to book, and what to do in an emergency.
Booking a house call
What area does Best Friends Veterinary House Calls serve?
Dr. Browne makes house calls across Greater Victoria, BC and the surrounding areas. If you are not sure whether your home is in range, call 778-350-1005 and ask.
How do I book a house call?
Call 778-350-1005, or leave your name and number on the contact page and Dr. Browne will call you back to find a time that works.
Can I talk to the vet over the phone?
Yes, phone consultations are available as well as in-home visits. A phone consultation is a good way to talk through a concern and decide whether your pet needs to be seen.
Who is the veterinarian?
Dr. Lynette Browne, a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College with more than 30 years in small animal medicine, including running her own practice and working in emergency hospitals.
Care at home
What animals do you see?
Dr. Browne sees cats and dogs. Both often find the car and the clinic stressful, which is one of the best reasons to have the vet come to them.
What can a vet do on a house call?
A house call can cover consultations, physical exams and wellness checks, vaccinations, microchipping, lab testing, pain management, chronic illness care, pet travel documents and quality of life assessments.
What can't be done at home?
House calls can't include X-rays or other imaging, dentistry, surgery or other specialized treatment. When your pet needs one of those, Dr. Browne will help with a referral to the right clinic.
Is Best Friends independently owned?
Yes. Best Friends Veterinary House Calls is a local, independently owned practice run by Dr. Browne herself, so you see the same vet at every visit.
Why choose a house call instead of a clinic visit?
A house call skips the car ride and the waiting room, so your pet stays calm in a place they know. That makes the visit easier on them and on you, and it often makes the exam more accurate too.
Is a house call good for older or nervous pets?
Yes. Senior pets with stiff joints, nervous dogs, cats who hate the carrier and big dogs that are hard to transport are often much more comfortable being seen at home.
Emergencies and travel
What should I do in a pet emergency?
Go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital. In Victoria that is VCA Canada Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital at 760 Roderick Street (250-475-2495), or WAVES in Langford at 947 Langford Parkway (778-432-4322).
Can you help with travel paperwork for my pet?
Yes. Dr. Browne can examine your pet at home and complete health certificates and travel documents for travel within Canada or abroad. Start early, since some destinations have long lead times.
Still have a question?
Dr. Browne is happy to talk it through. Call 778-350-1005, or leave your number for a call back.