Left, Dr. Hart’s mother/assistant, Cindy. Right, Dr. Hart. Photos by Kristina Holman
Vet with Hart: Veterinary House Call Practice for Pets and Their Families By Suzanne Driscoll Pets seem to have an uncanny ability to know when it comes time to get in the car and go to the vet’s. Even the largest and toughest of breeds can experience a lot of anxiety, so a perfect alternative is to have a veterinarian come to your home. “In addition to your pet being able to stay in familiar surroundings, observing the home environment and lifestyle plays a large role in making a medical diagnosis,” Dr. Hillary Hart says. “I can see if there are any triggers for allergies, for example, or any other reasons a pet might not be feeling well. Home visits are also ideal for people who are not able to drive to a clinic, senior citizens, clients with multiple pets, large senior dogs who can no longer get into a vehicle, or just for convenience.“
A Variety of In-Home Services Starting out with a degree in computer science from New York University in 1980, Dr. Hart decided to pursue her lifelong dream to become a veterinarian after her children were in high school. She graduated from St. Matthew’s University in the Cayman Islands and started her mobile practice in 2012. While the business was growing, she worked for several non-profit veterinary clinics, including the Humane
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Society of Tampa Bay, Animal Coalition of Tampa, and the SPCA, and she worked as a relief veterinarian for other veterinary practices. Specializing in preventive care, treating illnesses, microchipping, vaccines, and diagnostic labs (dogs only), she provides end-of-life care, effective pain management, and in-home euthanasia. Dr. Hart is happy to make a clay paw print as a remembrance of a treasured pet. “To help relieve the anxiety of the patient when meeting them for the first time, I attempt to enter the client’s home as a ‘friend,’ which allows the patient to adjust to my presence,” Dr. Hart says. “I will chat with the client while doing paperwork. During this time the patient has the opportunity to smell me. Another plus of a home visit is I set my schedule. I don’t rush in and rush out of a client’s home.” Dr. Hart covers most of Pinellas County, and if the occasion arises that a patient requires imaging, cat lab work or surgery, for example, she refers them to a full-service hospital or emergency room in their area. She mainly treats dogs and cats, as well as the occasional pig or rabbit. “Dr. Hart is wonderful with our dogs, and is reasonably priced and incredibly easy to work with,” says Candace Stanlake of St. Petersburg. “She always tries to arrive on time and truly loves all animals.”
