Mobile Vet & In-Home Pet Care FAQs
Considering compassionate, low-stress veterinary care in the comfort of your home? Use the buttons below or scroll down to find quick, clear answers to the most common questions about McGee Veterinary Service and how we bring expert care to your door.
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Call or text us, your trusted Phoenix area mobile vet, at 623-396-9185 or fill out our short contact form. We're happy to chat about your pet's unique needs!
About McGee Veterinary Service: Mobile Vet
What in-home veterinary services does McGee Vet Service offer in Phoenix?
McGee Veterinary Service brings a comprehensive range of low-stress, in-home veterinary services directly to your door throughout the greater Phoenix area. Our core offerings include:
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Routine wellness exams & annual checkups
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Vaccinations & parasite prevention (heartworm, flea/tick)
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Sick pet visits for non-emergency issues (ear infections, kennel cough, etc.)
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Compassionate at-home euthanasia & hospice or palliative care
For specific pricing and more detail, please view our In-Home Services Information or At-Home Pet Euthanasia Information. You can find the FAQ for our at-home pet euthanasia service towards the bottom of this page.
Can McGee Vet Service help if my pet has a medical emergency in the Phoenix area?
McGee Veterinary Service is not an emergency hospital. For true emergencies, such as severe trauma, poison ingestion, or life-threatening symptoms, immediate transfer to a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital is recommended. Our mobile unit is not equipped for surgical procedures or critical care. For clear guidance on recognizing a veterinary emergency and a list of Phoenix-area emergency vet hospitals, please review our blog post on emergency situations here.
Does McGee Mobile Vet Service offer x-rays, surgeries, or dental procedures?
No, as a mobile in-home veterinary service we are unable to perform x-rays, surgical procedures, or dental cleanings/procedures. Our focus is on comprehensive non-surgical and diagnostic care in the home environment.
If your pet requires advanced services such as specialized diagnostics (x-rays, ultrasounds), surgery, dentistry, or hospitalization, we'll provide a referral to a trusted clinic in the Phoenix area. This ensures that your pet receives the highest level of care when clinic equipment is necessary.
Does McGee Mobile Vet Service offer nail trims?
We do not offer nail trims as a stand-alone service. Nail trims are only available as an "add-on" during a scheduled wellness exam or sick pet visit.
How do you handle anxious or aggressive pets during an in-home vet visit?
We do accept anxious and aggressive pets. The in-home setting minimizes triggers like car rides and clinic waiting rooms. Our approach includes:
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Specialized Handling: We utilize fear-free techniques to ensure your pet is as comfortable as possible.
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Flexibility: We take time to allow your pet to acclimate to our presence, which is often impossible in a clinic setting.
If your pet's behavior prevents us from providing safe in-home care, we'll collaborate with you to determine the best course of action. This could involve rescheduling the appointment, mild sedation, or referring you to a different clinic or an animal behaviorist. Please review our Practice Policies for full details on behavioral protocols for both cats and dogs.
Can you treat feral cats or outdoor cats?
We can treat feral, uncooperative, or outdoor cats on a limited basis. To prioritize safety for the pet, the owner, and medical staff, the single most important requirement is containment. All feral or high-risk aggressive cats must be contained in a live trap or hard-sided carrier prior to the start of the appointment. All anxious cats must be contained in a hard-sided carrier or placed in a small room without places to hide, such as a bathroom. Please review our Practice Policies for more information.
How do you ensure the safety and security of clients when entering their homes?
Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. To ensure the highest level of professional conduct and security, every member of the McGee Veterinary Service team, across all clinical and administrative roles, must pass a thorough background check before joining our practice.
In addition to our rigorous vetting process, we maintain strict professional standards for all in-home visits:
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Identification: Our team members will always arrive in a marked McGee Veterinary Service vehicle and identify themselves before entering your home.
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Professional Conduct: We adhere to a strict code of conduct and ethics designed to respect your privacy and property.
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Safety Protocols: We follow structured clinical protocols to ensure every visit is conducted in a safe, controlled manner. This includes maintaining a clear and hazard-free workspace and adhering to the standards outlined in our Practice Policies to protect both your family and our staff.
Appointments & Logistics
What cities and neighborhoods does your mobile vet service cover in the Phoenix area?
McGee Veterinary Service is proud to provide in-home vet care and peaceful at-home euthanasia to the Greater Phoenix metro area. This includes but is not limited to:
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Phoenix
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Scottsdale
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Paradise Valley
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Cave Creek
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Carefree
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New River
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Anthem
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Peoria
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Glendale
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Litchfield Park
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Surprise
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Sun City
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Sun City West
To see if we cover your neighborhood, view our detailed Service Area Map.
Can I schedule a same-day or emergency mobile vet appointment?
We understand pet needs can be urgent and do our best to accommodate critical situations. We do offer same-day appointments, but a priority booking fee applies. Our policy is as follows:
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Same-Day At-Home Euthanasia: We can typically provide same-day or after-hours service for both current clients and non-clients throughout the greater Phoenix area.
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Same-Day Sick Pet & Wellness Visits: Same-day sick pet or wellness appointments are reserved for current clients only to ensure we can provide the best care for your pets.
For true emergencies, such as severe trauma, poison ingestion, or life-threatening symptoms, immediate transfer to a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital is recommended. Our mobile unit is not equipped for surgical procedures or critical care. For clear guidance on recognizing a veterinary emergency and a list of Phoenix-area emergency vet hospitals, please review our blog post on emergency situations here.
How should I prepare my home and pet for a mobile veterinary visit?
Your role in preparing for the appointment is simple and focuses on ensuring a low-stress, safe environment for your pet and our team. Please follow these key steps before your scheduled in-home vet appointment:
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Review Policies: Please ensure you have read our Practice Policies. All clients are expected to abide by these policies.
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Select a Space: Identify a quiet, well-lit area where your pet feels comfortable for the exam.
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For Dogs: Please have your dog securely leashed or contained upon our arrival.
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For Cats: If your cat is anxious or nervous around strangers, place them in an accessible, secure room (like a bathroom) with limited hiding spots.
What is the arrival window for my mobile veterinary appointment?
Because we are a mobile veterinary service traveling across the greater Phoenix area and must account for traffic, unexpected delays, and varying appointment needs, we schedule all house call visits with a 60-minute arrival window. For example, if your scheduled appointment is at 2:30 PM, we may arrive anytime between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. You will receive a text message notification with a more precise estimated time of arrival when our veterinary team is en route to your location.
What is the cancellation policy for mobile veterinary appointments?
Due to the logistical planning required for our in-home mobile visits, we must adhere to a strict cancellation policy to respect our team's time and our other clients' schedules. Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice will incur a cancellation fee. Please ensure you have reviewed our Practice Policies for full details on cancellations, rescheduling, and no-show protocols.
What is a chronic condition management (CCM) exam?
We offer a discounted chronic condition management exam for our patients who require frequent, ongoing monitoring for a stable, diagnosed health issue. This is our way of making long-term care more accessible for pets who need us most.
To keep this rate discounted, we must stick to the pre-planned treatment. If we address new medical concerns (like a new ear infection or a skin lump), perform preventative care (like vaccines), or if the chronic condition has flared up into an acute crisis, the standard exam fee will apply. For more information on CCM exam requirements, see our Practice Policies.
Cost & Payment
What forms of payment does McGee Vet Service accept for in-home visits?
Payment is due in full at the time services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept multiple forms of payment, including:
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Credit/Debit Cards
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Cash
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Check (established clients only)
Important Note for Cash Payments: For the safety of our mobile team, we do not carry change. If paying with cash, please be prepared with the exact amount. Any overpayment will be credited to your account for future use.
Do you accept CareCredit or offer payment plans/financing?
No, we do not offer payment plans, financing, or direct billing. Payment in full is due at the time of service.
CareCredit Policy: We are unable to process payments using the traditional CareCredit card. The only CareCredit-affiliated product we can accept is the CareCredit Rewards Mastercard.
How does the cost of a mobile vet visit compare to a traditional clinic?
Our goal is to provide exceptional, low-stress mobile veterinary care with transparent, competitive pricing. While our mobile exam fee is typically higher to account for travel time, fuel, and equipment required to bring the clinic to your Phoenix-area home, our overall service costs are often comparable to brick-and-mortar veterinary clinics. We provide a detailed estimate before any services are performed.
Is there a separate travel fee or house call fee for an in-home vet visit?
No, we do not charge a separate travel fee or house call fee for appointments located within our primary Phoenix metro service area. The cost of travel is included in our exam fee listed on our in-home services or at-home euthanasia pricing pages. We do occasionally accept appointments that are outside of our service area: homes located out of our standard service area will incur an extended travel fee. To confirm that your address is within our service area, please view our detailed service area map.
End-of-Life Care: At-Home Pet Euthanasia
How do I know when it's the right time for euthanasia?
Pet euthanasia is a very personal and difficult decision. McGee Veterinary Service is here to provide compassionate, non-judgmental support during this time. We strongly recommend scheduling a dedicated quality-of-life consultation to help you gain clarity. During this in-home consultation, we will:
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Assess your pet's current medical condition, including pain and discomfort levels.
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Discuss their prognosis and help you evaluate their daily life using objective criteria.
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Provide resources and support to help you feel confident in your decision.
You may also find it helpful to read our detailed guide, Understanding the Signs: When Is It Time to Consider Euthanasia for Your Pet, which covers common physical and behavioral changes to watch for.
The fee for an in-home quality-of-life consultation is the same as our standard mobile sick pet exam fee. This price covers the travel to your home in the Phoenix area and full assessment, discussion, and support time needed to help you evaluate your pet's comfort and prognosis. The purpose of this consultation is purely for assessment and support. It does not include the cost of at-home euthanasia services should you choose to proceed with those services later. Please see our in-home services page for the current rate of our mobile sick pet visit exam.
What are the costs associated with at-home euthanasia and aftercare?
We understand that transparent pricing is vital during this sensitive time. We are committed to providing a clear, all-inclusive price with no hidden fees. Our euthanasia price includes travel expenses - you will not be charged an additional travel fee for us to come to a home inside of our greater Phoenix service area.
The final cost for at-home euthanasia depends on your chosen aftercare/cremation option. For a detailed price breakdown of the procedure and all aftercare services (including details on clay pawprints and memorial urns) please visit our at-home euthanasia service page.
Is cremation required after at-home euthanasia?
No, cremation is not required. The decision of your pet's final disposition is deeply personal and entirely up to you.
Our Service Policy Regarding Transportation:
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If you elect cremation: The MVS team will respectfully transport your pet from your home and coordinate directly with our trusted partner for the selected cremation service.
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If you do not elect cremation (home burial/other): You will retain possession of your pet's body immediately after the euthanasia is complete. Our staff will not transport the body if you are not utilizing our cremation services.
Important Note Regarding Home Pet Burial in Maricopa County:
If you are considering home burial for your pet in the greater Phoenix area, we strongly encourage you to review our detailed blog post first: Understanding Home Pet Burial in Maricopa County, Arizona. Due to local city ordinances, HOA restrictions, and the challenging desert environment, backyard burial is often illegal or impractical in many parts of Maricopa County. We provide this resource to help ensure you make a legal and safe decision during this sensitive time.
Where is the best location in my home for the at-home euthanasia procedure?
The at-home euthanasia procedure can take place wherever your pet is most comfortable. This is one of the most significant benefits of choosing at-home euthanasia: the ability to be in a familiar, peaceful setting. We are highly flexible and have successfully assisted families in various setting, including
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On a favorite pet bed in the living room
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In a quiet corner of the backyard
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On the owner's lap or bed
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Near a sunbeam by a favorite window
We ask only that the space is accessible and allows our veterinarian a clear area to work safely.
What is the step-by-step process for at-home euthanasia?
Our goal at McGee Veterinary Service is to make the at-home euthanasia process as peaceful and comfortable as possible for both you and your pet. The procedure follows a gentle, three-step approach:
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Preparation: We will begin by sitting with you, discussing the process, and confirming your choices for cremation.
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Sedation: We will then administer a strong sedative to your pet to help them relax and fall into a deep sleep, eliminating any anxiety or discomfort. We will allow several minutes for the sedative to take full effect, giving you time to say your final goodbyes while your pet is resting comfortably.
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The Final Injection: Once your pet is fully relaxed and sleeping, we will administer the final injection, which will allow your pet to pass away peacefully and painlessly.
The entire process is done at a gentle pace, allowing you to say your goodbyes. Compassionate euthanasia is a peaceful process, not a quick process, and typically takes 30-45 minutes after the start of the procedure.
Can my children or other pets be present during at-home euthanasia?
This is a deeply personal decision, and we will respect your wishes completely. Many families find comfort in having all loved ones, human and animal, present to say goodbye.
Guidance for Children: We believe that for many children, being present can be a valuable experience that helps them understand the cycle of life and find closure. We can help you prepare your children for the experience and answer any questions they may have with age-appropriate sensitivity.
Guidance for Other Pets: We generally encourage the presence of other pets. They often sense what is happening and may benefit from being able to sniff and say goodbye to their companion, which can aid in their own grieving process. If other pets are present, we ask that they be supervised and allowed to approach calmly, ensuring the primary pet remains undisturbed and peaceful. If the other pets are young or otherwise rambunctious, please have them on a leash until the veterinary team lets you know that it is safe to remove the leash.
Can I have supportive friends or family members present during the at-home euthanasia?
Yes, absolutely. One of the greatest comforts of at-home euthanasia is the ability to have your trusted loved ones present for emotional support. We strongly encourage you to have supportive friends or family with you during this time. However, we recommend avoiding the presence of individuals that your pet is unfamiliar with. Our priority is your pet's comfort, and having strangers present can unintentionally cause anxiety or stress during their final moments.
Can I hold my pet during the at-home euthanasia procedure?
Yes, we strongly encourage you to hold your pet as they pass if that if what you both find most comforting. The process is designed to be as gentle and personal as possible, and having you hold them can provide immense comfort and security to your pet during their final moments.
How much time can I spend with my pet after they pass?
We understand how precious those final moments are, and you can take as much time as you need with your pet after they pass. This is a deeply personal time for you and your family to say your final goodbyes and begin the grieving process in your own way. Our veterinarian will confirm that your pet has passed by checking for a heartbeat. Then, they will step out of the room to give you and your family privacy. We are there to support you, and we will wait until you are ready for us to return to begin the aftercare process.
When and how are my pet's ashes returned to me?
Your pet's ashes will be returned to you if you choose individual or private cremation. If you choose communal cremation, ashes are not returned. Ashes and pawprint impressions are typically ready for pickup within 10-14 days of the euthanasia. You will be notified directly when they are ready. You can view more information on the different types of cremation, urn selection, and certified mail ash return on our at-home euthanasia and aftercare page.
Ash Return Options
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Office Pickup: Pickup your pet's ashes from our office (by appointment only - address at the bottom of this page).
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Grief Center Pickup: Pickup your pet's ashes from a specialized grief center (located in Glendale, AZ 85301).
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Certified Mail Return: Available via certified mail for an additional charge (often chosen for maximum convenience).
McGee Vet Practice Policies
Need more detailed information than what is available on our FAQ page?
While our FAQs provide quick answers to common questions, we encourage all clients to review our full Practice Policies page. This page provides comprehensive details regarding:
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Communication: Our voicemail, texting, and response time standards.
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After-Hours Care: How we monitor and respond to urgent medical needs.
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Appointments & Cancellations: Expectations for scheduling and late changes
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Prescriptions & Refills: Our pharmacy options and how to request prescription refills.
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Payments & Fees: Detailed information on our financial protocols.
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Safety & Service: Our commitment to providing a safe and respectful environment for your family and pets.