Mobile pet vet visits patients at home
By Elizabeth Wood West; photo provided by Dave Roberts
After working in large veterinarian practices for decades, long-time veterinarian Dr. Dave Roberts of Plum Creek Veterinary Services has downsized his practice into a clinic on wheels – an actual mobile van featuring a full laboratory and surgical facilities.
Roberts explained, “The mobile allows me to offer quality care in a smaller setting and reduces stress for animals who don’t like to ride in cars. Also, additional information can be ascertained by seeing the animals in their home setting.”
Roberts continued, “I wanted to become a veterinarian since grade school when my best friend and I pledged to attend veterinary school. Roberts fulfilled his childhood pledge and graduated from Colorado State University in 1981. He began his career at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital, later worked as an associate veterinarian, and taught at BEL-REA School of Animal Technology.
Roberts and his wife Debra moved to Happy Canyon in 1985, after starting Douglas County Animal Hospital the previous year with a partner. The practice treated a variety of animals and had a mobile clinic for family pet and horse house calls.
One of Roberts’ most memorable house calls occurred in the early days of his Castle Rock practice. The fire department called Roberts to help rescue a very large dog that had wandered into a rocky area in Perry Park and had become stuck within a crevice. The firefighters lowered Roberts down with ropes into the crevice where he was then able to sedate the dog. The dog was then restrained, put on a body board, raised up out of the crevice, and reunited (unharmed) with its owner. Years later, Roberts still says the best part of being a vet is helping animals.
Plum Creek Veterinary Services treats a wide variety of animals and offers a full range of services, including wellness exams, vaccinations, laboratory services, dental work, surgery, digital radiology, and ultrasound.
For further information, call Dr. Dave Roberts at 303-551-3502 or visit info@plumcreekveterinaryservices.com.
