Mobile Veterinary Services in Canada: What to Know

Not every pet does well at the vet clinic. Whether your cat panics in the carrier, your senior dog struggles with car rides, or you simply prefer the convenience of at-home care, mobile veterinary services are a growing option across Canada. Here's everything you need to know.

What Are Mobile Veterinary Services?

Mobile veterinary services — also called house-call vets or home-visit vets — bring veterinary care directly to your home. Instead of loading your pet into the car and sitting in a waiting room, a licensed veterinarian comes to you with portable equipment and supplies.

Mobile vet practices have grown significantly across Canada in recent years. Some operate as standalone mobile-only clinics, while others are extensions of traditional brick-and-mortar practices that offer house calls as an additional service. In Quebec, the model is particularly popular, with many vétérinaires à domicile serving the Montreal and surrounding areas.

Currently, MyPetVet lists 46 mobile and house-call veterinary services across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.

What Services Do Mobile Vets Offer?

Mobile vets can handle a wide range of services right in your living room, including:

• Wellness exams and checkups — routine physical examinations for all life stages
• Vaccinations — core and non-core vaccines for dogs and cats
• Blood work and diagnostics — portable equipment allows for on-site sample collection
• Microchipping — quick procedure that's easy to do at home
• Prescription refills and medication management — especially for chronic conditions
• Palliative and hospice care — comfort-focused care for pets with terminal conditions
• End-of-life services — in-home euthanasia in a peaceful, familiar environment
• Acupuncture and rehabilitation — some mobile vets specialize in alternative therapies
• Minor wound care and sick visits — treatment of infections, ear issues, skin conditions

How Much Do Mobile Vet Visits Cost?

Mobile vet pricing varies widely depending on your location, how far the vet needs to travel, and the services provided. Most mobile vets charge a house-call or travel fee on top of their regular service costs, and prices can differ significantly from one provider to another.

For an accurate quote, contact the mobile veterinary service directly — they can give you a breakdown of fees based on your address and what your pet needs.

When to Choose a Mobile Vet

A mobile vet might be the right choice if:

• Your pet is anxious or aggressive at clinics — many cats and some dogs become severely stressed during car rides and in waiting rooms with other animals
• You have a senior or mobility-impaired pet — large senior dogs with arthritis may struggle getting in and out of vehicles
• You have multiple pets — getting three cats into carriers and to the clinic is a logistical challenge; having the vet come to you simplifies everything
• You're considering end-of-life care — most pet owners who've experienced in-home euthanasia say it was far more peaceful than a clinic setting
• You have limited mobility yourself — seniors or people with disabilities may find clinic visits difficult
• You live in a rural area — some mobile vets serve regions where the nearest clinic is a long drive away

Mobile Vets Across Canada

We've identified 46 mobile and house-call veterinary services across four provinces. Here's where to find them:

To find mobile vets in your city, visit your city's listing page on MyPetVet and filter by "Mobile / House Call" in the Services dropdown.

Questions to Ask Before Booking a Mobile Vet

Before scheduling a house call, make sure to ask:

1. What is your service area? — Most mobile vets cover a specific radius (typically 30–50 km) from their base
2. Is there a travel or house-call fee? — Ask upfront so there are no surprises on the bill
3. What services can you perform at home? — Some procedures require clinic equipment
4. What happens if my pet needs more advanced care? — Ask about their referral process for surgeries or emergencies
5. Are you licensed in this province? — All practicing veterinarians in Canada must be licensed by their provincial regulatory body
6. Do you carry emergency medications? — Important in case of an unexpected reaction during the visit

Limitations of Mobile Vet Care

While mobile vet services are convenient, they can't replace a full clinic for everything:

• Surgery — Most surgeries (spay/neuter, mass removal, orthopedic) require a sterile surgical suite
• Advanced imaging — X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans require heavy equipment that isn't portable
• Emergency and critical care — If your pet has a life-threatening emergency, go to the nearest emergency clinic immediately
• Dental procedures — Dental cleanings require anesthesia and specialized equipment
• Overnight monitoring — Pets that need IV fluids or continuous observation need a clinic setting

Mobile vets are best for preventive care, chronic disease management, and end-of-life services. For anything requiring anesthesia, surgery, or advanced diagnostics, you'll still need a traditional clinic.