From snuggles on the couch, walks in the park, and joining us in Christmas cards, pets are a beloved part of the family. Making sure they are healthy and well cared for is at the top of the list, but a busy life and distance to a good veterinarian can make it challenging to keep up. Luckily 4 Paws Mobile Vet Care is changing the traditional brick-and-mortar veterinary clinic and bringing the care straight to your door.

Learn more about 4 Paw Mobile Vet Care and Dr. Jennifer Lesser:

Q: Why did you decide to become a veterinarian?

A: I’ve always been curious, especially about science and how it improves lives. As an 8-year-old, I was the kid begging for a chemistry set, mixing powders and solutions that changed colors—and sometimes filled the kitchen with horrific smells! That same fascination with science, combined with a deep love for animals, led me to veterinary medicine. It’s the perfect blend of discovery, problem-solving, and making a real difference in both pets' and people’s lives.

Q: Why start a mobile veterinary practice?

A: Health outcomes are dramatically improved with strong integration of input from both the doctor and the patient. Our mobile practice supports the bond between the pets, their family and the veterinarian supporting their health. Animals (and their humans!) are more comfortable in their homes and we see a truer sense of who they are and what symptoms they may be displaying. We have portable lab and x-ray equipment, along with a well stocked pharmacy - not to mention toys, treats and a van for them to explore, if they desire.

Q: Tell me about your business. When did it open? What type of animals do you care for?

A: We see just about every kind of dog and cat you can imagine! There are the big, goofy Labradors who think they’re lap dogs, the tiny Chihuahuas with the confidence of a lion, and the dignified old Golden Retrievers who exude memories of a lifetime of love and devotion and paws that tell the stories of endless miles of following their owner's every move. Then there are the German Shepherds—loyal, intelligent, and as loving as can be, always leaning in for head scratches but ready to switch to ultimate protector mode in a heartbeat if duty calls. And, of course, the beloved cats—some are regal and demand to be treated like royalty, some turn into liquid when you pick them up, and others give you that “I am merely tolerating your existence” glare. We also see the occasional ferret, rabbit, hedgehog and the like.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: It’s a tough question because I love so much of my job. I love applying the science I have studied to either preventing or treating diseases in our pets. These loyal creatures, who unfalteringly love their families, can do little to improve their own lives. So, it is up to us - their families (children are often the BEST observers of their pets), veterinarians, trainers, pet sitters, to give them good nutrition, avoid toxicities, vaccinate against disease, offer routine exercise appropriate for their age and health, stay current on the best medication and treatment modalities for disease states, and more! My job allows for my geeky scientific curiosity, compassion for animals and their humans, commitment to our human-animal bond, and love for the natural beauty of the Upper Valley to come together in every one of my work days. 

Specifically, as a mobile vet, one of my greatest honors is having pets run up to greet me when their last hospital notes show they needed multiple sedatives just to walk through the door. Earning that trust, making vet care less stressful, and seeing those tails wag or those wary eyes soften—that’s what makes this job so rewarding.

Q: What services do you offer? 

A: Almost all appointments are attended by myself and our experienced, pet-whisperer nurse, Heidi. We offer a wide range of veterinary services, all in the comfort of your pet’s home (or in our van if preferred)—no stressful car rides, no cold exam tables, just care where they feel safest. 

From physical exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing (bloodwork, urinalysis, parasite screens, cytology, vaccine titers, and more) to X-rays, allergy testing, and relief for itchy skin and ear infections—these are all readily done in our mobile practice. We regularly care for sick pets, remove porcupine quills, and manage chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney and liver disease, pancreatitis, Addison's, Cushing's disease, and more. We also perform minor surgeries such as mass removals, skin biopsies, and laceration repair. And when the time comes, we provide compassionate end-of-life care and home euthanasia, ensuring a peaceful goodbye where they most want to be - at home.

Q: What are your hours and geographic service area?

A: We see regularly scheduled appointments Monday through Friday and appointments are made through on our online calendar (www.4pawsmobilevet.com) and phone/text (603-276-4189). I often see patients in the evening or on weekends, though we do not guarantee 24/7 on-call service in order to preserve our health and time with our families and our own pets. 

Towns we serve are generally within an hour driving radius of Hanover, NH. If you’re unsure whether we travel to your location, just reach out—we’re happy to help!

Commonly visited towns include these:

NH: Canaan, Claremont, Cornish, Dorchester, Enfield, Etna, Grantham, Hanover, Haverhill, Lebanon, Lyme, New London, Orford, Piermont, Plainfield, Sunapee, West Lebanon

VT: Barnard, Barre, Bethel, Bradford, Brownsville, Burke, Fairlee, Hartland, Newbury, Norwich, Pomfret, Reading, Rutland, South Royalton, Strafford, Thetford, Tunbridge, Vershire, Weathersfield, White River Junction, Windsor, Woodstock