Some pets are happiest at home. If your dog trembles on the car seat or your cat vanishes at the sight of a carrier, a trip to the surgery can feel like a mountain. Tamar Homeserve was created for exactly these moments, bringing the same familiar Tamar Vets team to your front door for calm, routine care.
Whether you are juggling work and children, have mobility or transport challenges, or simply know your pet copes better in their own space, a home visit can make all the difference. This guide explains what we can do at home, where and when we visit, how much it costs, and how to book. You will also find practical tips to prepare your pet and an honest look at when the clinic is still the best place.
What Tamar Homeserve can do at home
Tamar Homeserve is ideal for routine care delivered where your pet feels safest. During a home visit we can provide:
- Full nose-to-tail health checks and general consultations
- Vaccinations for dogs, cats, and rabbits, including boosters
- Parasite protection advice and prescriptions where appropriate
Because we are in your pet’s familiar space, many anxious dogs settle faster and cats often stay calm enough for a gentle examination. Owners who struggle with travel or heavy carriers also find the visit more manageable.
There are a few sensible limits. Advanced diagnostics like X-rays, ultrasound, and blood tests usually need our clinic equipment. We can sometimes take small in-house samples at home, but anything that relies on imaging or lab kit is best done at the practice. If your pet needs sedation, a procedure, or urgent treatment, we will guide you to attend the surgery.
Where and when we visit
Our home-visit routes cover North Cornwall and Devon on regular afternoon runs:
- Bude to Hartland
- Bude to Bradworthy
- Bude to Camelford
- Holsworthy to Shebbear to Halwill
- Holsworthy to Launceston
- Holsworthy to Bradworthy
Appointments typically run between 3 pm and 5 pm on scheduled days. If you are not sure whether your address fits one of the routes, just ask. We will do our best to accommodate you or offer the closest alternative at one of our branches in Bude, Holsworthy, or Hartland.
To learn more about the service and routes, you can read our short overview of Tamar Homeserve on our website. It is a simple way to check availability and see if a home visit suits your pet.
Transparent pricing
A Tamar Homeserve home visit and consultation costs £99 including VAT. This single fee covers travel within our routes and your vet’s time in your home. Any medicines, follow-up treatment, or clinic-based procedures are discussed and priced separately so you stay in control. If we assess your pet at home and recommend clinic diagnostics, we will explain the reasons and likely costs before booking anything in.
How to book a home visit
There are three easy ways to arrange a visit:
- Call your local practice in Bude, Holsworthy, or Hartland and ask for a Tamar Homeserve appointment in the 3 pm to 5 pm window.
- Send a home-visit request online through our website and we will confirm the next available slot.
- Message the team on PetsApp for general enquiries or to get help choosing between a home visit and a clinic appointment.
If you need routine care but want to keep costs predictable year-round, our Pet Health Plans can help with vaccinations, parasite protection, and discounts on other services. You can compare benefits and sign up online via the pet health plan page.
Home visit vs clinic visit
Home visits reduce travel stress and keep nervous pets settled. They also let us see how a pet moves and behaves in their normal environment, which can be helpful for mobility checks or behaviour concerns. For many routine checks and vaccinations, a house call is simply more comfortable all round.
Clinic visits remain the right choice when:
- Your pet might need urgent treatment or hospital care
- We need imaging, comprehensive blood testing, or sedation
- A procedure or sterile environment is required
If you are unsure which to choose, call us. We will help you weigh up comfort, convenience, and clinical needs so your pet gets the safest, kindest care.
Will an emergency vet come to my house?
In most emergencies, we prefer to see pets in Bude. That is where we have 24-hour nursing support, and where patients can be hospitalised if needed. For urgent assessment, treatment, and monitoring, the clinic is usually the safest place.
If getting to Bude would be very difficult, we may be able to offer a home visit if it is appropriate for your pet’s condition. This would be decided case by case, with your pet’s safety always coming first. In many emergencies, a home visit will not be suitable because pets need access to full clinic facilities.
If you are worried right now, please call us first. We will advise you on the best next step and whether your pet needs to come straight to Bude.
If your concern is heart related and you have been advised to seek specialist input, our cardiology service is available by referral at the clinic. Your vet will guide you through the next steps if this is needed.
Preparing your home and pet
A little preparation goes a long way. Here is how to make the visit smooth for everyone:
- Choose a quiet room with good light and enough floor space for your pet to move comfortably.
- Keep dogs on a lead when we arrive and have cats indoors at least an hour before the appointment. If your cat is shy, confine them to one room so they cannot hide outdoors.
- Put down a clean towel or blanket where your pet likes to settle. Familiar scents help anxious animals relax.
- Have treats ready, plus your pet’s usual muzzle or harness if they wear one. We are happy to use low-stress handling, gentle rewards, and your pet’s favourite snacks.
- Make a short note of questions, recent symptoms, diet changes, or medications. It helps us focus the consultation on what matters most.
If your pet is especially nervous, let us know when you book. We can plan extra time, tailor our approach, and suggest calming steps in advance.
Compassion at home when it matters most
Saying goodbye is one of the hardest moments in pet ownership. Some families feel a home visit is the most peaceful option. If you would like to talk about whether a home euthanasia is appropriate for your pet, please call us. We will explain the process gently, discuss timing and comfort, and help you decide what is best for your pet and your family.
Quick FAQ
- Can I get a vet to do a home visit? Yes. Tamar Homeserve offers routine consultations, check-ups, and vaccinations at home in scheduled afternoon windows.
- How much is it for a vet to do a home visit? Our home visit and consultation is £99 including VAT.
- How much do vets charge for a home visit? Charges vary by practice and distance. At Tamar Vets, the Tamar Homeserve fee is £99 including VAT within our routes.
- Will an emergency vet come to my house? Usually, emergencies are best seen in Bude, where we have 24-hour nursing support and hospital facilities if needed. In some circumstances, if a client cannot get to Bude and a home visit is appropriate, we may be able to help at home first.
- What are the disadvantages of mobile vets? Limited diagnostics, no access to imaging or theatre, and an inability to manage many emergencies at home. For complex cases, the clinic is safer and more effective.
- Can you get a vet to come to your house in the UK? Yes. Many practices offer house calls for routine care. In North Cornwall and Devon, Tamar Homeserve provides this service on regular routes.
A note on local support and next steps
We are proud to be a local, independent team serving pets across Bude, Holsworthy, and Hartland. If you need routine care and think a home visit would help, request Tamar Homeserve and we will do the rest. If your pet needs imaging, surgery, or complex diagnostics, our clinics are ready to help with the right equipment on hand.
Ready to book or want to check your address on a route? Call your local practice in Bude, Holsworthy, or Hartland, or send us a quick note on PetsApp. You can also explore our Pet Health Plans for simple, predictable preventative care through the year.
