1. When can you come?

We try to accommodate client’s wishes within the limits of scheduling constraints and Atlanta traffic. Please call our phone number for an appointment.

2. I have just gotten a new pet. What vaccinations or medications do I need?

First of all, Dr. Trogdon feels that the two most important things to establish with a new animal (either baby or adult) are the examination findings and the history. Please call for an appointment so that we can schedule a first visit. Dr. Trogdon will be happy to check out your pet from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Many new pieces of information are gained from this. For example, with a purebred puppy, Dr. Trogdon can advise you about common skin or growth problems for that particular breed. She will explain all the series of vaccinations necessary to achieve good immunity to deadly viruses such as PARVO and DISTEMPER. We will also educate you about training, heart worm preventative, de worming and flea control. Another example is an owner who adopts an adult cat from a shelter with no record of previous owner or veterinary care. Dr. Trogdon can estimate age, look to see if the cat appears spayed, and identify any current medical problems that are apparent. She will need to start vaccines not completed by the shelter. In addition, many of these cats have not yet been tested for FELV/FIV (feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus.) This combo test result is vital for owners and their veterinarian to know if a cat is contagious or could become sick soon.

3. My animal is really nervous or aggressive toward strangers. How will you handle this?

Dr. Trogdon has over 10 years of experience as a veterinarian and so she can handle any situation that arises. She will coach you either over the phone or at your home about what will be necessary to treat your particular pet quickly and gently. Our goal is to decrease stress for pets and owners. We must keep our clients, patients, and staff safe so we may use quick release muzzles or chemical restraint to relax certain animals. Please remember that we love dogs and cats and will do our best to make them feel comfortable in the medical situation.

4. What is your trip fee?

This is the $60.00 charge for coming to your home or work to treat your pet. This fee covers our cost of travel time, gas for large vehicle, etc. The trip fee is subject to change based on gas prices and other fluctuating costs. It is important to note that our prices for services and medication are fair and competitive with regular veterinary practices that have a fixed clinic location. A stationary veterinary hospital can usually see two to four patients per hour on a normal day. Mobile veterinary clinics are restricted to an hour minimum per appointment because of travel time from one location to the next plus appropriate examination/diagnostic/treatment time, too. If we visit a subdivision or apartment complex with several concurrent appointments in the same location, we will be happy to split the one trip fee between multiple customers.

5. My pet is very sick or very old and I think I might need to use your AT HOME EUTHANASIA service. How do you know when it is time to say goodbye and what should I expect?

Most often, owners are the best judge of a pet’s quality of life. Dr. Trogdon can help with a thorough examination of the patient to identify which medical problems are present. This will let us know which medications or treatments might help, and give further information about prognosis. If it is time for euthanasia, careful planning benefits the animal and owner. We will all be sad so we ask you important questions in advance. Below are a few things we need to know:

A) Does the owner wish to be present at the euthanasia? Everyone is different so this is a very personal decision. If owners want to stay, sometimes we gently place an intravenous IV catheter to administer the euthanasia. Some owners prefer to say goodbye and hug the pet and then leave for us to give the drug. The injection is a barbiturate and so euthanasia is like anesthesia except we give a higher dose. The result is that the pet goes to sleep and does not wake up again.

B) Does the owner wish to bury the remains or have the pet cremated? Owners may legally bury pets on their own property if they so desire. We have special containers or cardboard caskets available if you let us know in advance. Cremation is available for all animals. Dr. Trogdon recommends a company called ‘Deceased Pet Care’ for animal cremation. They are a family owned, Atlanta-based operation that has been helping with animal loss since 1972. Deceased Pet Care can pick up remains from either an owner’s home or from Faithful Friend Mobile Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Trogdon knows that this is an emotional time and we will help you in any way we can. Many owners who wish to use Deceased Pet Care find it helpful to call them at (770) 457-7659 to discuss options and payment. They are very kind and professional.

6. What vaccines are recommended and which ones are required and what is the difference?

Dogs and cats- By law all cats and dogs must be vaccinated for Rabies. This is traditionally done by veterinarians when the pet is at least 3 months old. Wild animals with rabies have been found within the Atlanta area and all pets must be given this vaccine. Dr. Trogdon will provide you with a tag as well as a certificate stating that your animal received the vaccine. Owners may be asked to produce proof of vaccination if their animal ever bites or scratches anyone. This vaccine not only saves the animal’s life, but also protects humans from potential exposure through their pets. It is important to note that the only available test for rabies is to submit brain tissue. For this reason, all dogs and cats must be current on the rabies vaccine so they will never be considered a potential rabies risk.

REQUIRED VACCINES	Feline distemper vaccine (FVRCP) Rabies vaccine (RV)	Canine distemper/ parvo vaccine (DHLPP) Rabies vaccine (RV)
RECOMMENDED VACCINES	Feline Leukemia vaccine (FELV)	Bordetella vaccine (BORD) Corona virus vaccine (COR) Lyme disease vaccine (LYME)