02/19/2026
One of my biggest pet peeves… and I’m not shy to tell clients this anymore, the amount of clients we get that feel it’s ok to call 5 times back to back when we aren’t answering is absurd, and yes this goes for the office too! We have one person in the office answering the phones and when she is in the middle of scheduling with a client she will call you back.
PSA for Horse Owners 🐴📞
Please always leave a voicemail or send a text when you contact your veterinarian — and follow the instructions on the voicemail if provided.
Please don’t call and hang up if we don’t answer.
Equine veterinarians are often extremely busy and may be:
• In the middle of an exam
• Speaking with another client
• Handling an emergency
• Driving between farms
• Restocking trucks and supplies
• Completing medical records or ordering medications
Many equine vets are working alone, without a technician or office staff to answer calls.
After hours, veterinarians may be with their families and trying to get a small amount of much-needed rest — while still remaining available for true emergencies.
We absolutely understand that emergencies feel urgent. However, we still have to screen calls to determine which situations are critical and which can safely wait until the next day.
And to be honest:
More than half of after-hours calls are not true emergencies.
Even as an emergency-only veterinarian, I still receive many non-emergency questions overnight.
📌 The best way to reach us is to leave a message or text with details. That helps us respond as quickly and appropriately as possible.
If you haven’t heard back within a reasonable amount of time, it is completely okay to call again.
Thank you for understanding and for helping us help your horses. 💙
