This unique service has been in operation, albeit on a small scale, for the past 6 years, but the program has now been upgraded and is meeting the growing needs of pet owners island-wide.

Dr. Ricaldo Pike, owner of “Pets N Pals” Mobile Pet Service, said his clinic is truly delivering greater benefits to pet owners who are resident in the rural communities of the island, many of whom may not have access to transportation, to make the long journey to the capital city, when in need of emergency or routine medical care for pets of all kinds.

To solve this problem, Dr. Pike’s veterinary service has been making house calls to clients, in both the rural and urban centres on St. Kitts.

He said that he chose to venture into this service because of the lack of that type of animal health care in the rural communities, which has reduced the prospects of rural pet owners accessing the best care for their dogs, cats and other pets that have been embraced as members of many households.

In an interview with Miyvue.com, Pike admitted that though the slow-down in the economy has affected the flow of business, there has been a steady growth in clientele, with many customers preferring the ease and comfort of having the veterinarian visit their homes and pets, instead of being burdened with the task of finding such health care distances away.

The doctor said that he has also observed that there is a greater need for awareness about pet health care, and this has contributed to the practice of pet owners not giving the high level priority that ought to be considered when it comes to taking care of their pets.

Other pet owners, said Dr. Pike, have been discouraged by high fees that are sometimes charged and so he intends to bring a new perspective to animal care, coupled with a more affordable price regime. He also wants to invest time in sensitizing people in all communities of the value in taking better care of their pets.

The doctor, who is a resident of Challengers Village, is already reviewing plans to expand the business into what would become a Pet Hotel, providing accommodation for pets, whose owners may be travelling overseas for leisure or business and in need of a safe and secure environment where their pets could be facilitated.

Dr. Pike has been a veterinarian for 16 years but has been offering the mobile pet service from since 2006.