Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give Dr Claire a call on 0407-771-773.

1. What are the Mobile Practice hours?
   
   Appointments are available Friday to Tuesday, with consulting hours listed on the website.  Dr Claire may also be available for emergencies both during listed opening times as well as after hours.    
   
   
2. What areas are serviced?
    
   Dr Claire's Mobile Veterinary Service services all of Canberra and the ACT including Civic, Inner North, Belconnen, Gungahlin, Inner South, Woden Valley, Weston Creek, Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Gunghalin, Molonglo and Hall.  Dr Claire also sees patients in Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra and Googong.  Dr Claire has also seen patients in Sutton, Michelago, Royalla, Burra, Murrumbatement, Gunning and Tarago.  
    
3. Do I need to have an appointment?
    
   Yes, patients are seen by appointment.  The exception is for emergencies:  please phone Dr Claire immediately on 0407 771 773 for advice.  Appointments can be made by phoning Dr Claire on 0407 771 773.  Alternatively, you can make an appointment via the online booking portal: Click here.  Please note that certain appointment types cannot be booked online, including euthanasias, home palliative care and behaviour consultations
    
4. How much does a consultation cost?
   The consultation fee for a new patient is $345, plus travel fees.  Dr Claire is very thorough and uses low stress handling, so her consultations are much longer than in a veterinary hospital.  Expect to spend at least 75 minutes with Dr Claire during this consultation, allowing for a comprehensive medical history to be collected and a thorough physical examination to be carried out.  You will then be advised of any treatment or testing recommendations.  Dr Claire will endeavour to answer all your questions about your pet.    
   The standard consultation fee is $275, plus travel fees, and usually takes about 60 minutes.  
    
5. How much are the travel fees?
    
   Travel fees vary depending on your location and range from $90 to $120 in Canberra and Queanbeyan.  Travel fees for other locations vary and you will be advised of the costs when making an appointment with Dr Claire.  
6. What forms of payment do you accept?
    
   Payment is required at the end of each visit. Dr Claire will advise the costs of any tests/procedures/treatment prior to carrying them out. The preferred method of payment is by direct bank transfer:  using Pay ID or BSB & account number.  Cash is also accepted.  Card payments (Visa/Mastercard/debit/eftpos) can be taken by special arrangement after 1/10/26 when the card surcharge is banned.  
7. Can I pay my account off over time?
    
   Unfortunately, Dr Claire cannot offer accounts.  Payment is required at the time of service.  Costs will be explained when the appointment is booked. Dr Claire will discuss your pet's treatment plan and provide a detailed estimate of the costs during the consultation.  She will explain all the available options and work with you to provide the best care for your pet that you can afford.
    
8. What species does Dr Claire treat?
    
   Dr Claire has extensive experience and expertise in treating dogs and cats, including emergency and critical care.  Dr Claire does NOT treat horses, sheep, cattle, goats, reptiles, rabbits, pocket pets or birds.  
    
9. My pet is very anxious at vet visits.  Will a house call be better?
    
   Dr Claire sees many extremely anxious dogs and cats as a mobile veterinarian.  She has a lot of empathy for these patients, and will always strive to make them as comfortable as possible during her visits.  Long consultations, gentle, low stress handling, LOTS of treats and respecting the patient's boundaries can make a huge difference to anxious pets.  Dr Claire uses pheromone sprays (Feliway, Adaptil) on her clothes and equipment and spends most of her time on the floor with the pet.  Many anxious dogs and cats respond well to medications prior to the visit to alleviate their anxiety.
    
10. Does Dr. Claire perform surgeries or take X-rays or do ultrasounds?
     
    As a mobile, house call only veterinarian Dr. Claire is unable to perform any surgeries or any procedures that require sedation.  She can refer your pet to an appropriate veterinary hospital or to see a specialist for surgeries, dental procedures, imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI) or any other procedures that would require your pet to be anaesthetised or sedated. Dr Claire is only able to use injected sedation for euthanasia or for immediate stabilisation of a pet on animal welfare grounds.
     
11. Does Dr Claire provide palliative care for pets at home?
     
    If your dog or cat has been diagnosed with a terminal illness Dr Claire can assist you with palliative care for beloved pet to enable them to optimise their quality of life for as long as possible.
     
12. Does Dr Claire perform home euthanasia?
    
    Euthanasia means "a good death".  Dr Claire believes that this is the most important part of her job, and strives to provide your pet with a gentle, peaceful, dignified death at home.  
     
    
13.  Do you board pets?
     
    No, we are a mobile house call service only.
     
14. Can you transport my animal to another vet?
    
    No, Dr. Claire is unable to provide any transport for animals.  Taxis and Ubers will take animals if they are booked in advance.