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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Remember back in the day when doctors used to make house calls? If your child was sick, you made a quick phone call and your physician would be right over. Those days are long gone, but I was most interested to hear about a veterinarian who still makes house calls.
Dr. Rick Whitty of Salt Lake Veterinary Services operates a mobile veterinary practice, which means he can treat animals in an owner's home instead of having the animals brought to the clinic. Rick tells me he can examine animals, draw blood and give vaccines on the road. For more serious problems, Rick also has a clinic in Salt Lake City complete with a surgery room and x-ray table for patrons who prefer to bring their animal into the clinic.
Rick graduated from the University of Florida in 1991. His first job was in Logan as an animal practitioner, which entailed a high volume of ranch calls. But he decided he would prefer to concentrate on caring for small animals. In December 1992, Rick started offering relief work, which means he covered for another veterinarian so he or she could go on vacation or take time off. He built a clientele significant enough that people were calling his home to request services. At first he operated his practice out of his home, but business progressed to the point that he opened his own clinic.
Of course Dr. Whitty tells me the response to his operation has been excellent. Not only does it help animals feel more comfortable to be treated in their own home but it also helps elderly or disabled clients who can't transport their animal very easily. Rick's coverage area extends throughout the entire Salt Lake valley, which, he says, encourages him to stack appointments as much as possible.
Dr. Whitty's eventual goal for Salt Lake Veterinary Services is to have a full-time in-house doctor in the clinic so he can concentrate exclusively on the mobile practice.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
Salt Lake Veterinary Services 4020 S. Howick St. Salt Lake City, UT 84107 801-261-3655 www.saltlakevetservices.com
