At-Home Veterinary Technician Services
As veterinary technicians, we offer a unique range of services that go beyond standard pet sitting. Our background ensures that your pet receives professional, medical-grade care tailored to their specific needs, all within a familiar and stress-free environment.
We understand that many pets feel anxious at the vet—and that ongoing care at home can sometimes feel overwhelming for pet parents. That’s why we bring experienced, gentle care directly to you. Whether your pet needs routine maintenance, medication, or extra support during recovery, we’re here to make the process easier, calmer, and more comfortable for everyone involved.
Basic Care
Nail trims, dremel nail grinding, basic & medicated ear cleaning, and anal gland expressions.
Medication Administration
Pills, liquids, injectables (insulin, B12, etc.), and subcutaneous fluids.
Post-Surgical & Home Care
Bandage changes, incision monitoring, and post-surgical support.
Hospice & Palliative Care
Helping you and your best friend until the very end.
Frequently asked questions about Veterinary Care in Your Home 🐾
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about our veterinary technician services. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What are veterinary technician services?
Our veterinary technician services provide in-home support for pets who require medical or specialized care. This can include medication administration, post-surgical care, basic health monitoring, and other non-invasive services—all performed in the comfort of your pet’s home.
What types of services can you provide?
We offer a wide range of services depending on your pet’s needs, including oral and injectable medications, post-operative care, anal gland expressions, nail trims, basic wound care, and general health monitoring. During your meet-and-greet, we’ll go over your pet’s specific needs and create a care plan that works best.
Who performs these services?
Services are provided by a team with veterinary experience. Lucia is a retired veterinary technician with experience in general practice and emergency medicine, and her husband, Luis, is a practicing surgical veterinary technician with additional experience in specialty care. Together, we bring hands-on clinical knowledge into your pet’s home.
Is this a replacement for veterinary care?
No. Our services are designed to support your pet’s care at home, not replace your primary veterinarian. We work alongside your veterinarian’s recommendations and can help carry out treatment plans in a low-stress environment.
Can you trim my pet's nails if they're reactive?
We understand that nail trims can be stressful for some pets, and we are experienced in handling reactive animals. We will make every effort to ensure your pet feels safe and comfortable, using positive reinforcement and slow, fear-free techniques, as well as muzzles and/or protective gear if needed.
However, your pet's safety and the safety of our team are our top priorities. If the situation becomes too stressful or unsafe, we will stop the nail trim and recommend trying again at a later time, possibly with the assistance of a vet-prescribed sedative. Our goal is always to keep the experience as positive as possible for everyone involved, both parent and pet.
Which pets benefit most from these services?
These services are ideal for senior pets, pets recovering from surgery, pets with chronic conditions, or pets who become anxious during vet visits. They’re also helpful for pet parents who have difficulty transporting their pets or have busy schedules.
Can you administer medications?
Yes! With our veterinary background, we are experienced in safely administering many types of medications. Please provide clear instructions from your veterinarian, and we’ll review everything during the meet-and-greet.
Do you offer meet-and-greets before starting services?
Yes, a meet-and-greet is required before beginning veterinary technician services. This allows us to review your pet’s medical needs, routine, and ensure we are the right fit for your pet’s care.
Will I receive updates during visits?
Absolutely. We provide updates during and/or after each visit so you can stay informed about your pet’s condition, behavior, and overall well-being.
What happens in case of an emergency?
Your pet’s safety is our top priority. In the event of an emergency, we will contact you immediately and, if necessary, transport your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic/hospital for care.
Do you recommend my dog gets their anal glands expressed since it's a service you offer?
As experienced veterinary professionals, we provide internal anal gland expression which is the method used in veterinary clinics; not the external technique used by most groomers.
We recommend this service only for dogs who regularly require it and are accustomed to having it done by their veterinarian. For dogs who have never had their anal glands expressed before, we advise against starting unless it is medically recommended by your veterinarian (we will ask for written proof). Most dogs naturally express their glands on their own, and unnecessary intervention can sometimes cause issues overtime.
Meet Your Nursing Team
Our in-home veterinary technician services are backed by real clinical experience. As a husband-and-wife team, we bring a combined background in general practice, emergency medicine, surgery, and specialty care—allowing us to provide safe, knowledgeable, and compassionate care right in your pet’s home.
Lucia
Retired Veterinary Technician
Lucia is a retired veterinary technician with over five years of hands-on experience in both general practice and emergency medicine. Throughout her career, she worked closely with veterinarians to assist in patient care, critical cases, and support pets and their parents through illness and recovery.
She is trained in CPR, first aid, and Fear Free handling, allowing her to approach each pet with both medical awareness and compassion. Her background gives her the ability to provide attentive, low-stress care in a home environment. Lucia founded Bark & Broom with the goal of making reliable, medically informed pet care more accessible to everyday pet parents.
Luis
Surgical Veterinary Technician
Luis is a practicing surgical veterinary technician with extensive experience in both general practice and specialty veterinary care. He has worked closely with surgical teams to assist in procedures, monitor anesthesia, and support patients through pre- and post-operative care.
In addition to his surgical background, he has experience working in specialty care, specifically in dermatology, working with pets who have chronic skin conditions, allergies, and more complex medical needs. His clinical expertise adds an extra layer of support to our in-home services, especially for pets requiring ongoing treatment or recovery care.
Our Nursing Services 🩺
While we offer a wide range of in-home veterinary technician services, there are certain limitations to ensure the safety of your pet and to remain within our scope of practice. We do not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medications, or replace the care of a licensed veterinarian. All treatments and care provided must be based on your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Additionally, we are not equipped to handle severe behavioral issues or aggressive pets that may pose a safety risk. While we are trained in fear-free techniques and have the necessary equipment to work with your pet, in some complex cases, we may recommend working with a licensed trainer or your veterinarian to ensure your pet receives the appropriate support.
Our goal is to provide safe, compassionate, and supportive care in the home while working alongside your veterinary team—not replacing it.
Preventive & Wellness Support 🐾
Preventive care is one of the most overlooked parts of pet health—but it can actually prevent expensive vet visits later. Small, routine maintenance keeps pets comfortable, clean, and healthy long-term.
Nail trims aren’t just cosmetic
Overgrown nails can actually change how a dog walks, leading to joint pain and even long-term posture issues. Additionally, unlike clippers, dremel grinding reduces sharp edges and lowers the risk of cutting the quick—great for anxious pets or dark nails.
Ear cleaning prevents infections
Dogs with floppy ears (like doodles, spaniels, etc.) are especially prone to trapped moisture → which can quickly turn into painful infections.
Anal gland expression isn’t just “gross”—it’s necessary
Some pups can’t express their glands naturally, which can lead to discomfort, scooting, or even infection if left untreated.
Dental care = longer life
Regular tooth brushing helps prevent periodontal disease, which has been linked to heart, liver, and kidney issues in pets.
Treatments and Pricing:
Medication Administration 💊
Giving medication correctly—and consistently—is crucial for treatment to actually work. Missed doses or incorrect administration can delay healing or worsen conditions.
Pets are masters at avoiding medication
(We all know the “spit out the pill 3 minutes later” trick 😅)
Proper technique ensures your pet actually gets the full dose. Some medications lose effectiveness or must be taken on an empty stomach—this is where proper administration matters.
Consistency is everything
Giving medication at the same time each day helps maintain stable levels in your pet’s system—making treatments more effective.
Injectables sound scary—but they’re often painless
Many pets tolerate injections (like insulin or B12) very well when done calmly and correctly.
Subcutaneous fluids can be life-changing
Especially for senior pets or those with kidney disease, fluids help maintain hydration and improve quality of life. We work with your pet at home with the treatment plan as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Treatments and Pricing:
Post-Surgical & Home Care 🩺
The days and weeks after a procedure are just as important as the surgery itself. Proper aftercare can prevent complications and ensure a smooth, comfortable recovery.
Most complications happen at home—not at the vet
Infection, reopening of incisions, or delayed healing often occur during recovery if not closely monitored. Proper cleaning, wrapping technique, and monitoring circulation are all essential to avoid complications.
Pets hide pain extremely well
Subtle changes in behavior (less movement, hiding, decreased appetite) can be early signs something isn’t right.
Incision monitoring is critical
Redness, swelling, discharge, or odor can indicate infection—and catching it early makes all the difference.
Hospice & palliative care is about comfort and dignity
It focuses on pain management, emotional support, and quality of life for pets with chronic or terminal conditions. We don't just help your furbaby—we help you learn to manage and cope as well.
Treatments and Pricing:
Hospice & Palliative Care
You're not alone. We understand that this can be an emotional and uncertain time. Our goal is to provide gentle, reliable support so you and your pet never have to navigate it alone.
Hospice and palliative care focuses on keeping your pet comfortable and maintaining their quality of life when they are facing chronic illness, advanced age, or a life-limiting condition. Rather than curing illness, the goal is to provide compassionate, supportive care tailored to your pet’s needs.
Frequently asked questions about Hospice 🐾
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about our hospice and palliative care services. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How do I know if my pet is a good candidate for hospice care?
Pets who may benefit from hospice care often have chronic or terminal illnesses, mobility challenges, ongoing pain or discomfort, or noticeable decline in daily activities or behavior.
If you’re unsure, we’re happy to discuss your pet’s condition and help you determine if this type of care is appropriate.
What services are included in hospice care visits?
Hospice visits are tailored to each pet, but may include:
- Medication administration
- Comfort-focused care and monitoring
- Mobility assistance
- Hygiene and incontinence care
- Feeding and hydration support
- Quality of life support for both pet and pet parent
Will you replace my veterinarian?
No—hospice care works alongside your veterinarian, not in place of them. We follow your vet’s recommendations and can help monitor your pet at home, keeping you informed of any changes that may need veterinary attention.
Can you help with pain management?
While we do not prescribe medications, we can administer medications as directed by your veterinarian and monitor your pet closely for signs of discomfort, helping ensure they remain as comfortable as possible.
How often will you visit my pet?
Visit frequency depends on your pet’s needs. Some pets require just a few visits per week, while others may benefit from daily or multiple visits per day. We offer flexible care plans to provide the right level of support.
What if my pet’s condition changes suddenly?
We understand that conditions can change quickly. We do our best to accommodate schedule adjustments when possible and will communicate with you right away if we notice any concerning changes in your pet’s condition.
Do you offer end-of-life support?
We provide comfort-focused care and support leading up to end-of-life. While we do not perform euthanasia, we can help you prepare, provide emotional support, and coordinate with your veterinarian if needed.
How will I receive updates about my pet?
You’ll receive regular updates after each visit, including notes on your pet’s comfort, behavior, appetite, and any changes we observe. Our goal is to give you peace of mind and keep you fully informed.
Is hospice care only for the final days?
Not at all. Hospice care can begin weeks or even months before end-of-life. Early support often helps pets stay comfortable longer and allows families more quality time together.
Do you provide emotional support for pet owners during this time?
Yes—while our primary focus is your pet’s comfort and care, we understand that this can be an incredibly emotional and overwhelming time for you as well.
We’re here not only to support your pet, but to offer reassurance, guidance, and a calm, understanding presence when you need it. Whether that means answering questions, helping you understand what to expect, or simply being someone you can talk to during this process, we aim to support both you and your pet with compassion and respect.
Treatments and Pricing:
Veterinary Relationship Policy
All veterinary technician services are provided under the direction of your pet’s licensed veterinarian. We do not diagnose conditions or prescribe medications. A current veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is required.
In the event of a medical emergency, we will make every effort to contact you. If you are unreachable, we reserve the right to seek immediate veterinary care to ensure your pet’s safety. All veterinary expenses are the responsibility of the pet owner.
Medication Administration Policy
Medications must be prescribed by a licensed veterinarian and provided in their original labeled packaging with clear instructions.
We follow all instructions as provided; however, we are not responsible for adverse reactions or unforeseen complications related to medications or treatments.
Post-Surgical & Hospice Care Acknowledgment
Pets receiving post-surgical or hospice/palliative care may have underlying medical conditions or increased risk factors.
While we provide attentive, experienced, and compassionate care, we cannot guarantee medical outcomes. Our role is to support your pet’s comfort, recovery, and overall well-being in accordance with your veterinarian’s guidance.
Payment Policy
Payment is required in advance for all veterinary care services and care plans.
Due to the time, travel, and preparation involved, scheduled visits—including those that are shortened or unable to be completed due to pet behavior or stress—may still be charged. Services may be paused or discontinued if payment is not received.
Behavior Policy
We understand that some pets may feel anxious, fearful, or uncomfortable during care—especially when medical services are involved.
Our approach always prioritizes your pet’s emotional well-being. If a pet shows signs of extreme stress or resistance, we may modify or discontinue the service to avoid causing distress or injury.
We will always communicate with you about what occurred and discuss alternative approaches whenever possible.
Cancellations, Changes & Incomplete Visits
We kindly request at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or schedule changes. Late cancellations or missed visits may not be eligible for a refund.
In some cases, a pet may be too fearful, stressed, or resistant to safely complete a service. While we always use gentle, low-stress handling techniques, we will never force a pet into a situation that may cause distress or risk injury.
If a visit cannot be completed for safety or welfare reasons, the visit may still be charged at full or partial rate based on time spent and services attempted.
Meet-and-Greet Policy
At Bark & Broom Pet Care, we require a complimentary meet-and-greet for all new clients before services begin. This visit allows us to get to know you and your pet, review your pet’s routine, discuss any medical needs or behavioral considerations, and ensure that everyone feels comfortable moving forward.
Meet-and-greets typically last about 20–30 minutes and take place in your home so we can see where supplies such as leashes, food, medications, and other essentials are kept. This also gives your pet a chance to become familiar with us in their own environment and also gives us a chance to assess how your pup does on walks with someone other than their parent.
While meet-and-greets are complimentary, they are an important step in providing safe and reliable care. For this reason, we ask that clients are prepared to discuss their pet’s routine and expectations for the requested services. Services may not be confirmed until the meet-and-greet has been completed and approved.
If additional meet-and-greets are requested after the initial visit, they may be subject to a small service fee.
Client Responsibility
Clients are responsible for providing safe and reliable access to the home (key, lockbox, or entry instructions).
While we provide medical supplies and equipment needed to safely perform nursing services in your home, the client is responsible for providing all prescribed medications, as well as any personal items your pet may require, including food, treats, leashes, harnesses, preferred cleaning products, or comfort items.
All medications must be in their original labeled packaging with clear instructions. Clients should also provide detailed care instructions to ensure consistency and accuracy of care.
Ready to schedule a Meet-and-Greet?
We can't wait to meet you and your fur baby! Schedule your visit with us today so we can meet you and your pet in your home and answer any questions you may have before booking services.