Business Spotlight: Homeward Bound Mobile Veterinary Clinic

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The future looked bright when Dr. Kara Amstutz and her husband, Dwight Amstutz, decided to open a veterinary clinic in September 2001. Then their dreams were suddenly altered.|ret||ret||tab|

"We put our earnest money down on a piece of land where we planned to build on the morning of Sept. 11," said Kara Amstutz. "By that afternoon, everything had changed."|ret||ret||tab|

Faced with uncertainty, the Amstutzes began questioning their decision. If they forged ahead, would they wind up losing their business because the timing was bad?|ret||ret||tab|

Dwight Amstutz, a registered nurse and a member of the Navy Reserve, also wondered if he would be called to active duty, leaving his wife to run their home and their new business alone. |ret||ret||tab|

The tragic events of that day had a spiritual affect on the Amstutzes as well, and they began re-evaluating their priorities. The parents of two young daughters, they worried that their new business might take precedence over their children. |ret||ret||tab|

In the end, the Amstutzes decided to forge ahead, but they reshaped their dream to fit their new outlook. Rather than build a standard brick-and-mortar veterinary clinic, they decided to open a mobile veterinary clinic, which lowered their initial investment and monthly overhead expenses. Having a mobile clinic also would allow them to determine their own schedule to some extent, with clients being seen by appointment.|ret||ret||tab|

Although it was still uncertain whether Dwight would be called to active duty, the Amstutzes got started. They purchased a fully equipped mobile veterinary unit from Dodgen Industries Inc. in Humboldt, Iowa, and in February 2002, Homeward Bound Mobile Veterinary Clinic opened for business.|ret||ret||tab|

"We're the only vet in town that pulls up in a 26-foot hospital," said Dwight Amstutz. "I think that makes us unique."|ret||ret||tab|

During the past year, the Amstutzes have built up a loyal clientele of dog and cat owners who have come to rely on their mobile clinic on wheels. The mobile clinic contains everything needed to perform on-site blood tests, EKGs, X-rays, fecal exams and urinalyses, glaucoma screenings and other diagnostic services. The clinic also contains a computerized medical records center, reference library and a dental center. |ret||ret||tab|

"My husband and I have six cats," said Francesca Tervol, owner of Special Friends Pet Sitters, an in-home, pet-sitting service. "It's just so much more convenient for the vet to come here. Some of my cats get so stressed out going to the vet, and this is stress-free for them."|ret||ret||tab|

Many people with multiple pets use Homeward Bound, which only provides services for dogs and cats. Others take advantage of the mobile clinic's pharmacy service, which is free of charge. However, Kara Amstutz said most people use Homeward Bound because they like having a vet who's willing to come to their home. |ret||ret||tab|

"Some of our clients are stay-at-home moms who run a day-care service, and it's hard for them to get to the vet," she said. "We also have several clients who are elderly. The majority of people who use us, though, just like the convenience. Why go through the hassle of taking your pet to the vet when you don't have to?"|ret||ret||tab|

Amstutz said clients benefit from on-site care because it allows her to observe a pet in its natural environment, something that can go a long way toward identifying and treating a physiological or psychological health problem. |ret||ret||tab|

"Our clients also enjoy a lot more one-on-one time with me," she added. "I spend a lot of time on each house call just listening to owners' concerns, and observing and examining their pet."|ret||ret||tab|

During the past year, Amstutz said she has built many close relationships with her clients. Some even offer her cookies or lunch when she stops in for a house call. |ret||ret||tab|

Most of Homeward Bound's clients reside in Springfield. However, Homeward Bound also serves pet owners in Ozark, Nixa, Battlefield, Republic, Willard, Strafford and Rogersville.|ret||ret||tab|

Unlike many new business owners, the Amstutzes said they didn't have to work too hard to build up their client base, thanks to longtime local veterinarian Dr. Doug Bryan, who referred his clients to Homeward Bound Mobile Veterinary Clinic when he switched careers in 2002 and went to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.|ret||ret||tab|

The Amstutzes estimated 50 percent of their clients have been referred by Bryan, with the remainder coming from those who have either heard about the clinic from a friend or co-worker, or who have seen the mobile clinic while driving. |ret||ret||tab|

"Our mobile clinic also is a mobile billboard," said Kara Amstutz. "A lot of people see us when we're out."|ret||ret||tab|

Currently, the Amstutzes are working hard to get back on track. In October 2002, Dwight Amstutz was called to active duty. Early this July, he completed his tour of duty in Japan and now is working alongside his wife.|ret||ret||tab|

"Now that Dwight's back, we'll be looking for ways to expand," said Kara Amstutz. |ret||ret||tab|

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