"The most amazingly kind, caring and friendly Vet crew in the Inner West. They consistently provide comfort to my elderly doggo and great support and piece of mind to me."
Marissa L - VETaround Client
Mon / Fri 7:30 am - 7 pm | Sat 9 am - 4 pm
In-Home Care For Older Pets
As pets get older, their needs change. Subtle health issues are becoming more common, and problems that were once minor can have a greater impact on comfort and mobility.
Geriatric care focuses on monitoring these changes early and managing them properly over time.
At VETaround, this is done through regular in-home consultations, where your pet can be assessed in a familiar environment without the stress of travel.
Recognising Signs Of Ageing
Ageing looks different across species and breeds, but there are common changes to watch for. These may include reduced activity, stiffness, weight changes, hearing or vision loss, and changes in behaviour.
Some of these changes are expected. Others may indicate underlying conditions that need attention. Regular assessment helps separate normal ageing from treatable problems.
How Geriatric Care Works
Geriatric care is not a one-off service. It is an ongoing process of assessment, monitoring, and adjustment.
Consultations include a full discussion of your pet’s condition, followed by a physical examination covering all major body systems. Because the consultation is done at home, your pet is more relaxed. This often allows for a more accurate assessment, particularly in older animals that may be anxious or uncomfortable in a clinic setting.
When needed, an additional team member assists during the consult to ensure your pet is handled safely and calmly.
Monitoring Health Over Time
As pets age, changes can develop gradually. Regular checks help track weight, mobility, dental health, and overall condition. If concerns are identified, the next step may include further testing such as blood work or other diagnostics. This allows issues to be identified earlier and managed before they progress.
Treatment And Ongoing Support
If problems are identified, treatment is based on what is appropriate for your pet’s condition and stage of life. This may involve medication, diet or environmental adjustments, or ongoing monitoring rather than immediate intervention.
Medications can be provided at the time of the consult, simplifying ongoing care and reducing the need for additional trips.
The focus is on maintaining comfort and function, rather than over-treating.
Why In-Home Care Matters For Older Pets
Older pets often have mobility issues that may not be obvious during a short clinic visit. Seeing your pet at home allows us to observe how they move, rest, and interact in their usual space. This gives a more accurate understanding of their day-to-day function. It also avoids the strain of transport, which can affect both comfort and assessment.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should older pets have a health check?
Older pets usually benefit from more frequent monitoring than younger animals. While annual checks may be enough for some, many ageing pets are reviewed more regularly depending on their condition. The frequency is adjusted based on consultation findings.
What are the early signs that my pet needs geriatric care?
Common signs include slowing down, stiffness, weight changes, and changes in behaviour or appetite. These may seem minor at first, but they can indicate underlying health issues. Early assessment helps determine whether these changes are normal ageing or require treatment.
Can a vet properly assess an older pet at home?
Yes, a full consultation and physical examination can be conducted at home. In many cases, behaviour and movement are easier to assess in a familiar environment. This can lead to a more accurate understanding of your pet’s condition.
What tests are done for senior pets?
Testing depends on what is found during the consultation. Blood tests, urine tests, and other diagnostic tests may be recommended to assess organ function and overall health. These help identify issues that are not visible during a physical exam.
Is treatment always necessary for ageing pets?
Not always. Some changes can be monitored rather than treated immediately. The focus is on maintaining comfort and quality of life, with treatment introduced when it is likely to make a meaningful difference.