When Sarah Wilson was little, she had always answered the infamous question “what do you want to be when you grow up?” with “a vet.” Instead of this childhood dream fading away while she pursued some other profession, Wilson was determined to work with animals.
Schedule a house call visit in Reno / Sparks.
Make a tax-deductible donation to Dr. Wilson’s access-to-care fund.
Her professional journey started with a high school job at a small vet clinic. This position ignited her passion, and she then embarked on finding a deeper understanding of veterinary medicine. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno, and then her graduate degree at Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine in Oregon State, Sarah embarked on her full-time veterinary career in Reno.
Over the years, while practicing at a full-service, small animal private practice, Sarah realized that she was experiencing the common burnout that veterinarians often experience. She quickly recognized that her passion for animals and their caregivers would be better fulfilled through longer, educational appointments with clients, allowing her to provide thorough examinations and truly listen to the concerns of pet parents. So this led
Sarah Wilson, DVM, participating in one of the nation’s largest ever community vaccine clinics, held in Reno in 2024.
Sarah to join a mobile veterinarian organization, where she aimed to align her philosophy of animal care with her professional life.
In the spring of 2022, it must have been kismet that Sarah learned about the Heal House Call Veterinarian pilot project in Reno, and she decided to explore this opportunity. Although she had always contemplated starting her own mobile practice, the prospect of running a business entirely on her own was daunting. But a partnership with Heal House Call provided her with essential administrative support, including scheduling visits, route planning, payment processing, access to a receptionist, and record-keeping.
Sarah was the first-ever grant recipient of a practice incubation grant to expand access to veterinary care. She launched her mobile practice in January 2023 with initial startup funding from The Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, followed by two years of incubation support from PetSmart Charities delivered through SPCA of Northern Nevada, and one year of financial support from Heal.
Sarah has since been providing mobile veterinary services to small and large animals in and around the Reno area. Her true passion lies in offering hospice services to families during the challenging and emotional process of saying goodbye to their beloved pets.
Sarah also has a special place in her heart for older adults and their furry companions. She takes pride in educating pet parents and families on various aspects of care, from preventive measures to addressing specific diseases, diet, and behavioral issues.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to be able to help people through the end-of-life pet care process. I feel comfortable with being around grieving people and just helping them go through this difficult, life-changing event. It’s truly a gift for me that I can do that,” said Dr. Sarah Wilson, DVM.
Reno, Nevada is a region historically underserved by veterinary clinicians, but Sarah plays a vital role in improving access to much-needed veterinarian care. Her approach centers on nurturing client relationships by being a compassionate and attentive listener, allowing pet owners to ask questions and share their concerns. By understanding the unique environments where animals live and the worries of pet parents, she delivers comprehensive and holistic care for the animals she serves.
Individuals who would like to sponsor a house call for a pet in need can donate to Dr. Wilson’s access-to-care fund at Petopia by selecting Dr. Wilson’s fund at checkout.