Christine Annis has worked professionally with animals for more than 35 years, including at animal hospitals, where she did everything from setting appointments to assisting with surgery. After thousands of booked appointments, she noticed a common phenomenon: There is a divide between urgent care and regular support care. That’s what prompted her to start a new service, Housecalls.

Annis understands how much humans love their pets, and is building Housecalls on compassionate care. She will bridge that divide by providing professional pet care to the comfort of the pet’s own home.

“At my age, and for people like me in a transitional time of life, this is the perfect opportunity to take the leap and follow our passions,” she said, in a news release. “It’s important to use our experience to make a difference. I choose to help pets and their people in a more personal and practical way. I wanted to create a service that embodies those values and connects caregivers and pets, bringing a needed service to homes.”

Home pet care in your home is not a new concept, but it is a needed service.

“Our growing pet population makes it difficult for veterinarians to handle some of the less urgent needs,” she said. “There are also many pet owners who have a hard time transporting their animals to a hospital, and I feel that animals often better respond to care when in their own environment.”

Housecalls will be a liaison between animal hospitals and pet owners, helping to communicate and prioritize needs.

“It's important to give doctors the information they need,” she said. “By visiting homes and seeing the animals, Housecalls can relay relevant and important information that veterinarians must have to provide the best care possible. We are giving more room for the doctors to do what they do best." 

Housecalls is scheduled to launch January 4 in the Midcoast, with plans to expand throughout the state. 

"I'm excited about this new venture and people seem to be excited, too,” she said. “It’s a service that is needed and I'm glad Housecalls can be here to provide that."  

To reach Housecalls for a visit or for employment, call or text 542-8654; email contact@housecallspetcare.us; or send a message at housecallspetcare.us.