New veterinary house call service

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A new service for New York City pet owners is bringing the vet right to your door.

Dr. Danielle Chapman, the chief veterinary officer, says VetEasy is a lifestyle company that helps people take good care of their pets, especially those with busy lives in New York.

Chapman launched VetEasy in March after making house calls and realizing more New Yorkers than ever were looking for an easier way to see the vet without having to get their frightened pets into a car, and into the vet clinic.

Chapman says her new service lets pet owners just head to www.veteasy.com, schedule an appointment, and a vet will contact them to see what's going on.

My dog, Riley, was having trouble with itchy ears, which Dr. Chapman checked out and diagnosed right away. She found a mild ear infection in his left ear, took blood, gave Riley his Bordetella vaccine, and showed me how to handle his ear medication right on our living room floor. It all happened with minimal stress and for about the same cost than a trip to the vet.

VetEasy's fees are straightforward and are listed right on the site. Dr. Chapman says a house call and exam runs about $149. Vaccines are comparable to what you'd pay at a clinic, between $35 and $45 each.

After the at-home visit is over, VetEasy will send an email with your pet's lab results and vaccination records.

The vets are also available for follow-up questions and will send reminders when your dog is due for a check-up.

Right now VetEasy serves mainly Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, but it is planning to expand to all five boroughs and, within a few years, branch out to other cities around the country.

Dr. Chapman says all of the service's vets have several years of experience and either have worked or currently work in a vet clinic.

www.veteasy.com