Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Melissa Jacobs, DVM
Hi Dr. Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a veterinarian for 18 1/2 years, graduating from St George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine magna cum laude in 2006. I completed a mixed animal 4th year at UPenn in Philadelphia, an internship year focusing on small animals at the University of Minnesota, a post-doctoral year studying emergency and critical care (again in Minnesota) and finally a one-year surgical internship in the San Francisco Bay Area, before finally settling into full time practice. Since that time I’ve worked with dogs and cats in general practice, emergency clinics, provided relief/locum veterinary care and helped at a few spay/neuter/volunteer clinics. Throughout all those years, I’ve always dreamed of being a mobile house call veterinarian. I loved the idea of being on the road and knew from clinical experience there were a lot of pets and people who do not travel easily or do well at the vet office. I started taking the steps to developing my practice in 2019, but when the COVID pandemic hit things got put on pause. During the pandemic, I moved to part-time & relief work so that I could be home more to help with my son’s distance learning. This is when I developed my creative business RemysBrands.com and released the first of my bath salts line for pets, PawSoak Bath Salts for Pets. I opened an Etsy shop, an Amazon shop and a website for RemysBrands.com. I enjoyed the challenges and joys of being a small business owner and I believe this gave me the final mindset push to develop my house call practice. By 2021, I had settled in San Antonio with my husband & son. While working relief and getting to know the city, I spent over a year taking an online housecall vet academy course, developing the website, connecting with pharmaceutical and trusted suppliers, before finally getting on the road seeing clients in October 2023. It was important to me to feel like I was able to start with both feet on the ground and practice in a way that was immediately meaningful. I am happy to offer PawsVet HouseCalls services in the San Antonio metropolitan area. This service is on par with a private doctor experience, but for dogs and cats! We are a small but mighty team who all care deeply about our clients and pet families.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been challenges along the way. I knew I wanted to start up my house call practice, but without getting into a lot of debt. I was told about the lean start up method in one of my housecall academy courses. Using some of that advice, I was able to start practicing without a big business loan.
I’m also a wife, mom (soccer mom), pet owner and still running RemysBrands.com. Trying to balance family life, my practice and my creative business is definitely challenging! It’s important for me to continue to be present for my son’s growth & development, be a strong & loving partner with my husband, and run my practice with calm & compassionate care. It continues to be a learning curve for me as all of these develop and change over time.
We’ve been impressed with PawsVet HouseCalls & Mobile Veterinary Care, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
PawsVet HouseCalls is a bit of a unicorn for veterinary care in San Antonio. We offer preventative & wellness care for dogs and cats in San Antonio as a house call. Akin to private doctor care for people, we provide physical exams, consultations, labwork, vaccinations, medical therapy and more all from the comfort of our clients homes. We do not use a big truck or van, it’s a true in the home house call experience. We use fear-free techniques, body language cues and the owner to help make the best of each visit for each pet. Instead of crates, car rides and waiting rooms, the pets are seen on their favorite bed or couch, even (weather permitting) in the back yard for some. We make the time to take our time with each of our patients. No more rushing to get out of an exam room in 30 minutes or less, no more treatments “in the back” – our owners are present for the whole visit (or as much as they choose to be). For our new & established clients we create a customized and tailored medical plan, thoughtful review of previous medical history, and a full consultation about any issues, concerns and medications. We provide calm & compassionate care for dogs & cats in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Visit pawsvetmobile.com to see our info, services and links on how to request an appointment. We work by referral and appointment only.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Number one supporter is my husband. He’s been instrumental in being able to develop my practice and is an incredible partner in helping care for our little family & home. Also Dr Eve Harrison, VMD who runs The Housecall Vet Academy – her course helped me start the mobile practice with an amazing foundation of resources. My amazing friends, family & extended family have always been long time supporters of my work and veterinary journey. All the talented veterinary technicians that work with me in this unique, ever changing environment have been instrumental in great experiences for our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pawsvetmobile.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawsvetmobile
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawsvetmobile
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-jacobs-bsc-dvm-7262101b7/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@remysbrands2823
- Other: https://remysbrands.com/
