Your Pet, Our Family
Concerns have recently increased about respiratory illness in dogs. Here is additional info: https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/2023/12/06/for-pet-owners-information-about-mysterious-respiratory-illness-in-dogs/
Current recommendations include:
1. Avoid unnecessary contact with large groups of dogs, such as at dog parks or dog daycare
2. If your dog is going to be boarded or attend daycare, ensure that he/she is current on Kennel Cough and Influenza vaccinations. Please bear in mind that the influenza series requires two vaccinations given 3-4 weeks apart, with the second dose given at least 14 days prior to exposure.
Let Us Show You The Ease Of Mobile Veterinary Care.
Remove the stress of bringing your pet to the veterinarian, and let the veterinarian come to you instead!
UPDATE: Thank you for your patience during Dr. Goodknight's maternity leave. We are once more accepting appointments on a limited basis starting on 5/7/24! Please click "Book Now" to view our availability. If you do not see a time slot that works for you, please email us at goodknightmobilevetcare@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Goodknight Mobile Veterinary Care, PLLC
As a passionate, dedicated veterinarian with 13 years of clinical experience, I've always felt that there must be a less stressful way to care for my clients' beloved companions than having them brought into a busy veterinary clinic. Mobile veterinary care is the answer! Pets are always most comfortable in their own homes with their families. Regardless of your pet's needs, I promise that I will provide exceptional individualized care in a perfectly-tailored stress-free visit. If your pet has a unique need that cannot be addressed fully in our visit, I will provide resources to help them get the care they need.
I earned my DVM at the University of Glasgow, Scotland and have been serving the greater Charlotte area for over a decade. Nothing brings me more joy than helping to support the human-animal bond. In addition to home visits, I also offer virtual consults for patients I have examined previously. Please give us a call, text, or email; I can't wait to meet you and your fur-family!
Rachel Joy Goodknight, DVM
Our Services
Wellness Visits
Book a wellness visit to ensure your fluffy friend is as healthy as possible for years to come. We will gladly make recommendations based on your pet’s lifestyle.
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Sick Visits
When your companion is not feeling their best, it can be even more difficult to transport them. We are happy to come to you instead! We will assess him or her and may advise seeking out clinical care.
Senior Care
Senior pets tend to have unique needs. We love helping you to support your family member as they enter their Golden Years!
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Quality of Life Consults
Are you questioning whether it could be time to let your companion pass on? Let us help ease the burden of the toughest decision pet parents ever have to make.
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For visit costs, please click "Pricing" at the top of the page.
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Please feel free to view our 5-star reviews on our Google page. We value every interaction with our clients and their pets! https://maps.app.goo.gl/B4hJfE8Yj9YhQe466
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"My cat wasn't feeling well last weekend but has never been to a vet before so I decided to try a mobile vet. Dr. Goodknight was very patient with my cat when she did not want to cooperate. Dr. Goodknight is fear free certified so she takes a more calming approach which helps with anxious animals.. Her fees are very reasonable and worth having her come to you instead of trying to bring your pet to a standard vet. I highly recommend Dr. Goodknight." -Krista
End-Of-Life Care
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Dr. Goodknight, DVM, CPEV recognizes that your cherished pet's last moments deserve the same level of compassion and love that you have shown him/her their whole life. This is why she is proud to be a Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian and as such, has undergone additional training in the delicate art of end-of-life care. She fully believes that granting your pet a peaceful home passing is a beautiful last gift that she can help give them and she promises to treat your companion just as she would her own beloved pets. Your pet can be fully comfortable in their favorite spot, whether that is in your lap, curled up in their bed, or even outside in the warm sunshine. Additionally, you can create a relaxing environment for yourself, including desired music, scented candles/incense, and your other pets in attendance if you wish. In these ways, home end-of-life care is a world away from what you would experience in a busy veterinary clinic.
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What to Expect: Dr. Goodknight will love on your pet and offer treats if he/she still has an appetite. You are also welcome to provide extra-special treats- most dogs love chocolate (but of course this is the only time they can have it). Once your pet is comfortable and enjoying the yummy treats, she will administer a shot of sedation ("happy drugs") to fully relax them, then allow them to slip into a gentle sleep. This usually takes effect within 3-5 minutes. Once your pet is sleeping, she will then decide on the least intrusive route to deliver an overdose of an anesthetic, which will cause your pet to peacefully slip away. You'll have the option of a complimentary memorial keepsake, such as a lock of fur or an ink paw print.
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For Aftercare: We highly recommend cremation. We work closely with Paws, Whiskers and Wags Pet Crematory (https://pawswhiskersandwags.com), and they are committed to excellence. If you choose cremation, you'll have the option to have your pet's ashes available (private cremation) or not (communal cremation). They will meet us at your home for pick up of large pets. Burial is not recommended for pets who have been euthanized due to the risk of soil contamination with chemicals, and/or detection by other animals, who could potentially become ill on ingestion of remains. If you do opt for burial on your private property, please use two sealed, heavy-duty plastic bags, and ensure at least 3 feet of soil cover well away from any vegetable gardens.
Pricing For End-Of-Life Services
End-of-Life Care Cost
$360 (includes up to 15 miles of travel from Tradition Golf Course in Charlotte; if you are beyond this, please email us at goodknightmobilevetcare@gmail.com
for an exact quote)
Please note, we are not licensed to perform veterinary services in South Carolina.
PLUS:
Private Cremation All-Inclusive Package: $280
-Cremains available to pick up in beautiful engraved Rosewood box
-Clay paw print memento
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OR
Communal Cremation (cremains not available): $70
"Dr Goodknight came to help my baby go to peace. She was absolutely amazing and made the entire experience more comfortable. The peace I felt during this time was phenomenal. I highly recommend." -Lyle
Frequently Asked Questions
What Pets Do You Treat?
Currently, we only see cats and dogs.
Is Home Veterinary Care Right For My Pet?
Pets are most comfortable at home with their families. If your pet exhibits signs of anxiety, suffers from car sickness, or despises being placed in a carrier, home visits may be the answer. Dr. Goodknight is Fear-Free certified and will aim to reduce your companion’s stress (and yours!) as much as possible.
How Long Are Home Visits?
Each pet will be allotted up to 60 minutes (compared to 15-20 minutes with the veterinarian at a typical veterinary clinic). This ensures that you and your pet will receive thorough, individualized care from a compassionate, experienced doctor.
How Should I Prepare For My Home Visit?
At least 72 hours prior to your appointment, please email records to goodknightmobilevetcare@gmail.com so that we can recommend the best care for your pet. Please confine your pet to a smallish area. If your cat tends to hide when strangers arrive, please block off hiding places (such as behind the bed). We won’t be able to examine your pet if he/she cannot be found! We do NOT recommend confining cats to a carrier as most associate this with fear/stress. We will bring treats, but it never hurts to have some of your own handy! If your pet tends to require sedation for veterinary care, go ahead and administer it 45-60 mins prior to our arrival.
What If My Pet Tends To Be Aggressive With Strangers?
We are Fear-Free certified and we want your pet to be as comfortable as possible during their visit. Many appointments can be completed without an assistant, but if the anxiety level of your companion means that safety is compromised, the visit will be stopped and other options will be discussed. Dr. Goodknight may opt to reschedule for a day when her assistant is available or we may decide to try a mild sedative.
Do You Offer Emergency Care?
We are not set up to offer emergency care, x-rays, or hospitalization. In case of emergency, we highly recommend contacting: > Charlotte Animal Referral and Emergency, 3726 Latrobe Dr., Charlotte, NC 704-457-2300 or > Veterinary Emergency Group, 4716-A Sharon Rd Suite A, Charlotte, NC 980-880-6062
Contact Us
Due to the unpredictable nature of home visits, traffic delays, and travel distances, your appointment time is approximate. Based on the locations of our other daily visits, we may contact you to request a different day/time. We appreciate your flexibility! We will text you 30-45 minutes prior to arrival.
Service Area
Greater Charlotte Area
(Not in South Carolina)
As a mobile practice, we do not provide after-hours care, hospitalization,
radiology, or surgery. In case of emergency, we recommend:
Charlotte Animal Referral and Emergency
3726 Latrobe Drive,
Charlotte, NC 28211; 704-457-2300