[YodaMom]

Hi everyone,

We moved here two weeks ago and love our new home. We haven't had much fun yet since we have been here because we are so busy unpacking and getting the house furnished, etc. I'm sure that will change soon.

We would like to know if there is a wonderful vet close to Buttonwood that is good with cats. Our birman cat has some health issues and we want to get him set up with someone soon in case he needs to see one.

Thanks and looking forward to our new life here.

[Tom Hannon]

I have the same concern with my cat. We also have a house in Buttonwood. I'll keep an eye on this thread to watch the replies

[redwitch]

My favorite bridge partner is a retired vet. He's subbed with many of the vets in the area. The one he recomended to me was:

Valdez, Ross M DVM
Park Heights Animal Care Center
3350 Us Highway 441/27
Fruitland Park, FL

(352) 326-9116

Second choice would be Mulberry Grove Vet Clinic.

I know there are a few people here who use him. (He also has a clinic on 441 in TV, but it is not recommended -- Dr. Valdez does not work there.)

[Tom Hannon]

I'd rather a vet in the immediate area. In case of an emergency I'd want to get from point A to point B ASAP. I'd rather not drive to the other side of TV. Any vet closer. Or even a vet who lives in the Villages who can be on call if needed.

[Avista]

We see Dr Valdez at Park Heights Animal Hosp on 441. We take 466A turn L out of The Villages go to 441 then turn right. It is just a little way.
http://www.meowandbowwow.com/home.shtml

[rdhdleo]

I have used his clinic in The Villages since moving here 7 years ago and love it there. I have always had great service and my pets have been very well taken care of. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and professional as is Dr. Valdez.

[redwitch]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

I'd rather a vet in the immediate area. In case of an emergency I'd want to get from point A to point B ASAP. I'd rather not drive to the other side of TV. Any vet closer. Or even a vet who lives in the Villages who can be on call if needed.

There is another route to go -- the vet on wheels. I'm sure someone will do a post on this. I do know there is a female vet who makes house calls.

As to having a vet close, personally, I'd rather go with good and be willing to drive the distance. It is very rare that a pet needs immediate attention and a 10-minute drive rarely makes a difference. And, if your cat is anything like mine, they never have emergency issues during office hours, so you have to drive to the emergency clinic, which is even further away.

[YodaMom]

My husband and I drove to Dr. Valdez in Fruitland Park and talked with the receptionist. We also drove to Paws Animal Hospital near Laurel Manor. Both seemed equally friendly and professional. The drive to both took us 15 minutes from our house so neither would be too far to get to. I will also check out Dr. Fratello - the vet that makes house calls. I'll check out the other one that was mentioned too.

Thanks everyone. At least now if something should happen, I have some phone numbers and where they are located.

[llaran]

the vet in Wildwood is very good and more resonable the the ones in the Villages

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

I'd rather a vet in the immediate area. In case of an emergency I'd want to get from point A to point B ASAP. I'd rather not drive to the other side of TV. Any vet closer. Or even a vet who lives in the Villages who can be on call if needed.

Sadly, no Vets offer a close emergency service on weekends and nights. (Unless there is something new .. I'm in Canada right now).

The Emergency Clinic is in Leesberg 352-728-4440. I've had to use it on the weekend when everything else is closed. It's a long way with a very sick animal. I hope that soon an Emerg Vet Clinic opens up in TV.

I've also used the Mobile Vet Service, Angel Smith. 352-470-9537. She is compassionate and knowledgeable. Angel and her assistant come to your house and have a portable lab and can perform many tests right in your driveway.

Angel helped me through a few weeks when I had a terminally ill dog. And when it was time, she euthanized my dog at home in his bed. Of course that is always a heart-breaking experience. But it was a bit easier than being in a sterile clinic. I could lie on the floor and hold him in my arms as he went.

On a more cheerful note ... Yoda Mom ... you may not think you're having fun now! But when you look back, you'll love the memories of your first few months in The Villages. It's all good!

[ncr2482]

I have recommended Dr. Rebeccas Fratello in the past and continue to do so. She owns House Calls Mobile Vet. She has a full service lab/X ray equipment and can do many surgeries in your driveway. My cats love her and her technician Robin. We have been clients for the past five years and cannot say enough wonderful things about her. Her phone number is 352-815-0404.

[VT2TV]

Hi,
We arrived in TV last evening to stay in a rental for the 2 months until our home in Pennecamp is ready. Our very first priority was to meet and extablish a relationship with a vet. We have 2 miniature longhaired dachshunds who are our babies. They are 12 years old-do NOT look or act it, but one of them has a unusual health condition. We wanted to make sure they did not have any problems on arrival-they did soooo very good traveling down from VA. We took them to Village Vet., and saw Dr. Fox. She was a friendly, knowledgable vet who spent a lot of time with us and our dogs. It is not a large place, which does not matter to me. But all the personell were great, and turns out one of the techs is actually from the same town we are from-lived about 5 miles from us. It is a small world!!! Obviously, it will take time to tell how we will like the vet there long term, but initial impression is very positive!!!!!! She explained about the various emergency clinics, and even explained directions, and drew some directions as well. Good so far!!

[Barefoot]

Today I used Dr. Cathy Hennigan at Paws (Laurel Manor on 466) for our 18 year old cat. Our cat is now fine. The Vet is part time so I don't know how that will work out. But I really liked her bedside manner and her common sense approach. I'll definitely use her again. I would describe her as a very practical, caring and no-nonense Vet.