Ort Beverly DVM

Dr. Ort visited my home today to visit my cats for the first time. I have never seen my one cat so calm and compliant in the hands of a veterinarian. I really liked her demeanor and her associate, Lee, was also a nice and gentle soul. She was thorough. All of her charges were in keeping with a regular vet visit; you do pay an added charge for the house call but well worth it. I am so happy to have found Dr. Ort!

Dr. ORt was my vet for almost 20 years and took great care of 3 of my cats. Unfortunately my last kitty died almost 5 years ago so I didn’t need her services but now I have another 2 furry babies and am happy to see she is still in practice.

Yesterday evening we had a great experience. Our big 14 year old dog had to be put down. Dr. Ort came to our home and she made the experience so peaceful, both for our dog and for us. I can’t say enough good her. She was wonderul. He will alwlays be missed, but the way he went was wonderful.

It is with regret that I write of my experience but I would not recommend Dr. Ort because she has been professionally careless, and was not able to handle my questioning of her medical decisions (I called her for a urinary track infection of my 4 year old cat, a former feral who is now loving).
She did not take a blood sample to diagnose the blood in my cat’s urine. Instead, she became dramatically upset when she looked at the collected mix of blood, mucous and feces: «Oh my god! Oh my god!» I know nothing about sick cats but I do know that Dr Ort could have contained herself enough to pick up my cat and take a pure sample. Instead, she diagnosed stress, gave her an injection for that and liquid antibiotics.
With coaching from a dedicated cat rescue person I called Dr Ort and said it is imperative to examine the urine. After all, that was the reason for the visit. Dr Ort told me to collect a new sample by laying plastic over the litter box, which then was done and urinary infection was the new diagnosis, which resulted in another injection and another 2 weeks of liquid antibiotics.
About 2 weeks later I asked her to come look at what turned out to be a non-​medical problem. Dr. Ort did not suggest that I collect another urine sample, as a follow up, but I did, which was even more red than previously. Her assistant used a syringe to pick that up for analysis and then I received a call saying the sample was contaminated and I should collect another.
The bottom line is that Dr Ort has been telling me these medical issues are a 2 on my «Worry Scale of 1 – 10 with 10 being a serious issue. Now, she is telling me that I should find a new vet (after 2 + years with Dr. Ort) because she thinks I do no appreciate her. And, she is saying my cat needs an internist, xrays, a pure sample taken and this should be done in a clinic that she recommended but she could not recommend a specific veterinarian: «They’re all good.» Translation: Dr. Ort is not able to handle a minor medical matter which she rated as a 2 out of 10, but she has collected several hundred dollars this past month for her inconclusive work.
It seems to me that she was not focused on her work.

It’s a sad day for me; I have to put my beloved cat down of 18 years this week.
I thought it would be best to contact a mobile pet clinic vs. stressing him out and taking him to my regular veterinarian office. I called Dr Beverly Orts since she has a mobile service.
When I called the office number I was greeted with gruff «HELLO», not even her name. I asked if this was Dr. Beverly Orts. I was told «NO», she is on vacation and then she hung up on me!
Really! This is how they conduct business and people are recommending her? This person has added to my stressful decision. Call someone else — do not let this happen to you.

This is the same review I wrote for the name of Dr. Ort’s business, Pet House Calls.
I wish I could give Dr. Ort ten stars. She is so gentle and loving and she really cares. She took care of our dog, Peevie, for three and a half years. It costs more to have house calls, of course, but for an anxious dog, it’s worth it. When Peevie’s epilepsy got out of control, she found a great neurologist for us to consult. And when it was obvious that Peevie couldn’t go on that way any more, Dr. Ort came over and ended her suffering in the most humane, loving, and peaceful way imaginable. She even brought us flowers that day. Since then, she has called several times to follow up and see how we’re doing. I consider her a friend and I recommend her without hesitation to any pet owner.

When I found out that my beloved companion Mocha had inoperable and aggressive cancer, my thoughts rapidly turned to not only how to best keep her healthy and happy for the remainder of her life, but also to when and how that life would end. You see, when my other dog was ravaged two years earlier by long-​term complications of kidney disease, I decided to have him euthanized at home. I thought it would be nice for him; I thought it would be calm, comfortable, placid. Well, without going into details, I’ll just say that it didn’t exactly work out that way. I think my regular vet is a great surgeon and a good doctor, and quite the Labrador expert, and I just never thought to plan out the details of a death with him. I figured, hey, vets have all this worked out, they know what to do, how to best ensure that things will go smoothly, calmly. After the traumatic experience of realizing that I was wrong, I vowed to not let that happen again.
So when I learned that Mocha was terminal and didn’t have long, before I even left the specialist’s office, I was explaining my concerns and my reasons for them, and asking how I could arrange for what I felt would be a more suitable method of euthanizing. The vet I was talking to recommended a couple mobile doctors to me, so that scheduling would be easier, and Dr. Ort was at the top of the list. When I called my regular vet to let him know about these same concerns, he also recommended Dr. Ort.
I didn’t call right away. I really didn’t even want to think about what was coming, let alone talk about it, let alone to a stranger. But when I saw things beginning to go downhill rapidly (in retrospect, about 2 weeks before the end), I made myself make the call. The person I talked to sounded very concerned about my reservations and assured me that Dr. Ort’s methodology would be in line with my expectations. A couple days before the end, I could tell that Mocha was done; her cancer had sucked everything out of her that it could. She was just skin and bones and really hadn’t eaten in a couple days… she was calm, now that she wasn’t fighting to keep food down, but she was almost out of energy, no longer able to jump up on the bed, barely able to ascend the stairs, and her walking was becoming unsteady. She wasn’t in pain, but she didn’t have much time left, and I didn’t feel that becoming immobile and/​or starving to death was something that she wanted, or that I would want for her; she still had her dignity. It was time, and I called and spoke with Dr. Ort, who managed to clear up a slot. I again reiterated my past experience and concerns, and she seemed genuinely concerned and interested in making sure the experience was positive and conscientiously implemented.
When Dr. Ort arrived, she was both fully open to understanding what we wanted for Mocha and for the time, and ready to clearly and openly discuss her intentions and procedures. Nothing was rushed, everything was calm. The emotion and concern were real and palpable, and exactly what was needed. And she obviously was well-​versed in how to do this, quite in line with my desires and expectations.
The morning was spent making Mocha comfortable, feeding her little morsels of just about anything she wanted, and just mutually enjoying what time we had left. Mocha made friends with Dr. Ort and her assistant, and we all spent some time together, making sure that we were all ready.
I don’t think I can really describe what Mocha’s passing was like, other than to say it was an incredibly powerful moment, filled with emotion, and that inasmuch as a death can be beautiful, it was just that. Mocha ended her life with her head in my hands, her last breaths peaceful and easy, slipping first from consciousness to sleep and then when it was finally over, we all shared a moment of sadness. Dr. Ort was right there with us, I feel like she was a friend to Mocha and to us and was not in any way a hindrance to the moment; in fact, she made it what it needed to be, exactly what I wanted it to be, exactly what it should be.
I feel a bit weird and guilty just writing about how she dealt with euthanizing my girl, and about meeting her for the first time that morning, but you know, sometimes things just are what they are. «DVM» is a great start, a necessary one in fact, but any vet I see will have that, and it doesn’t say one thing about compassion or caring or empathy. I can tell you that if… no, when… I have another dog, I intend to call upon Dr. Ort, and not just simply because of those three little letters. It doesn’t hurt that she’s located just around the corner from us either. This is a lady I want to take care of my companions, not just in death, but in life. And I have no doubt she takes the same care in all her work that she did with us last Friday morning.
Thank you Dr. Beverly!

Dr. Beverly deserves a medal for the services she, and her staff, provide.
When my 16 yr. old male cat, Hobbes, was in kidney failure, I knew he was nearing the end of his days. I called Dr. Ort the second day Hobbes was in distress. She talked to me for well over a half hour and together, we decided that since Hobbes was having a relatively good day, to let him be for now. She gave me suggestions to keep him comfortable and we agreed we would talk again within the next couple of days. I called her again on Friday, worried about what I would do if he took a real turn for the worse over the weekend. Again, Dr. Ort’s staff reassured me and prescribed some medication for him to make him more comfortable. I drove over to pick it up and was even more reassured by her wonderful and caring staff.
Hobbes made it through the weekend, but it was obvious that he was declining more rapidly. By Monday morning, he was swollen, listless and was having a hard time making it to the litter box. I had made an appointment to have Dr. Ort come out on Monday afternoon to euthanize him. And by Monday afternoon, it was obvious that poor Hobbes couldn’t take much more.
Dr. Ort arrived around 4:30. Her first concern was me. I was in tears and obviously upset. She gave me a huge hug and we went into my bedroom where Hobbes was lying on a towel on my bed. I forgot to tell Dr. Bev that I had a waterbed, so when she went to sit down, she almost tumbled right off! But like a champ, she situated herself on the floor and examined Hobbes. The swelling was from retained water that Hobbes couldn’t get rid of and had accumulated around his kidneys. She checked his gums and noted that he was very anemic.
I also told her about my other cat, Cleo, and that I was worried about her not eating and being upset about Hobbes. She quickly examined Cleo (Hobbes’ sister) and gave her a shot of Vitamin K, which she thought would help perk Cleo up a little. Other than that, she said Cleo looked to be in good health.
Then Dr. Bev turned her attention to me and explained everything she was going to do. I had had to put a previous cat to sleep, but the emergency hospital put him down before I could be there with him. This time, I wanted to do it right. I wanted Hobbes to know that I was going to be with him, holding him and talking to him, until the very end.
Dr. Bev made what should have been a horrible event, very personal and touching. She also talked to Hobbes and reassured him every step of the way. I couldn’t have asked for a more loving and caring vet to be there at the worst time in both my and my cat’s lives. After everything was over, she tenderly wrapped him in his towel and took him with her to be cremated. She spent a good amount of time talking to me after everything was done, which helped immensely in the grieving process.
While some have mentioned the cost, Dr. Ort’s personalized service was actually less expensive than the cost to euthanize my previous cat, and her charges also included her examination of Cleo. When it came right down to it, I would have gladly paid whatever the cost to have the kind of outcome and experience that Dr. Ort provided. I didn’t want to further traumatize poor Hobbes by taking him to a cold clinic to have him put to sleep. Because of Dr. Ort, Hobbes was able to leave this world from a place of comfort … his home, and my arms.
I can’t recommend Dr. Ort any more highly. I would give her TEN stars if I could. I don’t think you’ll find a more compassionate and loving vet than Dr. Ort. The fact that she makes house calls is a HUGE bonus!
Thank you, Dr. Ort and Sandra. If Hobbes could express his gratitude, I’m sure he would give you 10 purrs and at least five face licks!

I can’t recommend Dr. Ort enough, she is amazing. The person who does her booking (Shannon, I think?) was a little challenging to work with, she kinda read me the riot act because I couldn’t find my dog’s medical records, immunization history etc (we recently moved, all my files are mixed up in boxes in the garage, she had always been really healthy anyway, I’m a bad record keeper not a bad pet owner, OK?). But as for Dr. Ort herself, she came out for a first visit (at short notice because my beloved dog, who was 13, had started having diarrhea and some other gross symptoms that I won’t go into and generally acting sick) — she spent lots of time discussing options with us, and did some lab work… when the results came back that Gwynn had acute kidney failure and there was nothing we could do except euthanize her before she got even more miserable, we made an appointment for her to come back in a couple days. The next day, Gwynn was soooo miserable, we knew we just couldn’t wait until the next day, so we called Dr. Ort and she came over ON HER DAY OFF to take care of us. She was so kind and gentle, really made this terribly difficult situation more bearable. A house call vet is a wonderful thing, especially for something like this, and she was caring and just generally fantastic. Granted you pay extra for this– I think the house call cost is about $ 60, then after that you pay about what you would pay at a vet clinic, maybe a little more. TOTALLY WORTH IT!

I must say, a vet who makes house calls is a Godsend. Our two formerly feral kitties are so fractious that it’s MAJOR trauma to get them into a carrier and then in the car to make the trip to an office vet. When I discovered that Tristan had two toenails that had curled around and into the pads of his feet, I decided that, rather than have him do the crocodile roll of death, scraming bloody murder inside his carrier all the way to White Ivey, I’d search for a reputable mobile Vet. Having found Dr. Ort here on Unilocal!,I was confident (thanks Unilocalers!) that I would be in good hands. A few days before I made my appointment, our other cat, Caesar, apparently got into a tuff with another neighborhood cat and came out on the losing end, with a bitten wrist that left her huddled up in her box for days, emerging with a limp that needed to be checked out.
When Dr. Ort arrived (right in the middle of the 2-​hr window I was given by her receptionist), she quietly padded into the kitchen where Caesar was pacing, took her from my hands (I loved that she took control and didn’t wait around for me to do all the handling) and brought the cat into the bathroom, where she would be able to be cradled by the sink and would be much easier to control. I would have never thought of this, but it worked like a charm!
She got both kitties fixed up and injected with antibiotics (Tristan’s nail had poked through into his paw and made for a bloody mess when it was removed) in good time, gave them some treats for their decent behavior, and left me with a couple bottles of antibiotic to give them daily to help them recover.
Her «sinkside» manner was great — she didn’t get frustrated with Caesar’s hissing at her when she touched the injured leg, and she even shaved off some mats that had developed in Tristan’s long fur coat.
Four stars just because I haven’t yet had the need for any «major» services, so I can’t rate how well she performs under those circumstances. Though, having been in business for so long, I don’t doubt that she can hold her own.
While not inexpensive ($ 65 for the house call, $ 65 for each exam, $ 30 per injection, $ 25 for a pawdicure, and more for the extra antibiotics), overall not much more than a traditional vet and worth every penny for not having to deal with trying to transport two fractious anywhere else. I would definitely recommend her for anyone who wished to save their furry friends from the trauma of the vet’s office.

Dr. Ort is awesome. We had a kitty with a hurt leg and did not want to transport him anywhere because of the potential trauma. Dr. Ort showed up when she said she would and was very comforting to our hurt kitty. She diagnosed his problem with surety. What a great idea, a vet on wheels! It made the process so painless for us, unlike office visits can be. Overall, a great vet and she’s been practicing for 25 years so she’s one to trust!

Dr. Ort is fantastic. I have a kitty with renal failure and had to start having that tough discussion about what to do when it gets bad. I don’t want him to spend his last hour at a vet’s office so I called Dr. Ort so she could meet him, get a baseline, etc. She came in and was FANTASTIC. She added some things to his diet that have totally helped him and now he’s doing better than has has been the past 3 months How my vet (on here with 4 stars) missed these basic things, I just don’t know. I’ve been at my other vet for 2 years and have been sort of happy, but haven’t found anything better. However, Dr. Ort is AMAZING. She’s seriously great. And she’s literally just a tiny bit more than a vet visit. Regardless, how good she is — is worth double a «normal» vet visit. She’s now my vet for my other kitty as well. I won’t go anyplace else.

It is such a relief not to have to stuff my kitty in a tiny box and drive him all over town. Thanks to Dr. Ort my kitty was able to get his check up from home. He was weighed, vaccinated, and had a head-​to-​toe check-​up. He needed some blood tests and urinalysis too. Dr. Ort was clear and presented all of the information in a very accessible manner. She gaves us clear options on how to proceed with his care (aggressive or passive treatment), and I trust her opinion.
It was not inexpensive (hence the 4 stars), but it saved us from the grief of having to take him to the vet which made him so happy, and for a cat we haven’t had to invest in medically thus far, it was worth it.

For all you pet lovers, Dr. Ort is great! She’s a mobile vet which is a huge plus especially when I have cats that hate car rides. Between 2 cats and 2 dogs, it’s so much easier having a Dr. visit us rather than load up the critter family to visit an office.
Dr. Ort spends a lot of time visiting with our «kids”-she’s very thorough and knowledgeable. She recently helped us with putting our ailing dog «to rest» in our yard. A very, very sad day, but we know she did everything for Bowie to be comfortable.
Highly recommended!

Dr. Beverly is an angel in disguise. Two days ago, we had to make the difficult decision to send our sweet old dog to the Rainbow Bridge. As much as I love our regular vet, I did not want my dog’s last trip to be to the vet’s office (a 45 minute drive), so my sister suggested I call Dr. Beverly, who operates a mobile vet clinic and who, years ago, had treated my sister’s cat. I had no idea what to expect. As the appointment time grew near, I felt sicker and sicker about what I had to do. Minutes before Doctor Beverly arrived, I decided I couldn’t go through with it and came up with numerous reasons (all selfish) to justify my change of heart. My mind changed again the minute my dog and I met Dr. Beverly. Her soft gentle voice and warm smile immediately calmed us both. As she lovingly caressed my dog and murmured comforting words into her chocolate-​chip colored ears, she helped us remember (without pressure and at our own pace) that our role as our dog’s guardian required us to know when to say good bye. Dr. Beverly did not rush us as we bid farewell to our beloved friend. When we were ready to let her go, Dr. Beverly made sure her last few minutes on this earth were peaceful and pain free. After my dog had drawn her last breath, Dr. Beverly waited as we wept and petted her for the last time. When the time came to take her little body away, Dr. Beverly wrapped her carefully in a blanket, and carried her to her van like a baby. Finally, when we started to ask about payment, Dr. Beverly (with whom we had not done business in the past) stopped us and said we would take care of that later. I can’t tell you what that additional act of kindness meant. Today, when I returned home from work, I saw that Dr. Beverly had sent us a beautiful card, with a personal, handwritten note. Like I said, she’s an angel.