Ferrets needing adrenal gland surgery might find relief at the side of the road. Dr. Darrell Kraft fashioned a mobile veterinary clinic that is often parked behind an espresso stand at Stocker Farms Fresh Produce Market in Snohomish.
The respected veterinarian has a loyal following that will drive anywhere to secure his expertise. Inside the van, the compact clinic is top-notch, with an operating area, examining table and X-ray equipment.
"We can go to their homes, which is great for pets who don’t travel well," Kraft said. "The down side is traffic and gas prices."
The afternoon we met in Snohomish, he agreed to head to Mercer Island at 5 p.m. to treat an injured macaw. I said he should make the bird’s owner drive to Snohomish in the afternoon rush hour, but I was quickly put down. You wouldn’t want to stress out an injured macaw on Highway 9.
That is the kind of caring attention customers receive from Kraft Mobile Veterinary Services.
Sugar, a cockatoo owned by Jean and Kris Krischano of Everett, has been treated in the mobile clinic. The Krischano family began going to Dr. Kraft when he had his own clinic in Woodinville for two decades.
"First we brought him our standard poodle, then Jean found out he is pretty good with birds," Mr. Krischano said. "Sugar has had a major problem over the past few weeks that has necessitated much medical attention."
Kraft treats dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, reptiles and small mammals. He is the volunteer medical director for Sarvey Wildlife Center in Arlington and is an associate professor with the Washington State University Veterinary School. He consults with other veterinarians about the treatment of exotic species.
Don’t worry about the clinic’s facilities. The mobile surgical van has a 7,000-watt generator, high-intensity lighting, a microscope, a dental cleaning and polishing unit and anesthesia equipment.
Dr. Kraft said it’s ideal for the disabled or senior citizens who can’t drive. It’s handy for a vet to visit your home if you have three or four animals. There is an extra charge, about $60, for the home visit.
His veterinary assistant, Kerri Lechner, said the traveling clinic, which was made in Ohio, is a great convenience for pet owners. She moved about the space with utter efficiency, with every mechanism just a step away. With the pull of a pocket door, animals are treated in privacy.
Huskies Mokee and Likota Sioux are driven to the mobile van by Kim Holt of Clearview.
"I’ve been taking my animals to him for years," Holt said. "I’d go anywhere to see him."
Kraft also sees her cats, Sadie and Lazlow.
"I think he is tops in his field," Holt said. "This is more than a business for him. He truly loves animals."
Recently, Kraft operated on a turtle’s infected private part, neutered an aggressive duck, did exploratory surgery on a cockatiel and gave a ferret a hormone injection.
"Being a vet is a real calling," he said. "It’s not for everybody."
At his Clearview home, his cat may finish the bottom of the chocolate ice cream bowl. He told me it was OK to give my cats licks of their favorite treat — mayonnaise. While I was there, I thought I might as well get some free advice.
Before he scooted off to the Mercer Island macaw, Kraft examined a ferret’s swollen glands. Cars sped by on the highway just beyond a gravel driveway where the clinic was parked.
A customer with a bunny called for directions to the Snohomish parking lot. Kraft explained how to get there via a shortcut.
The traveling doctor knows his rabbits and his roads.
Columnist Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451 or oharran@heraldnet.com.
Information about Dr. Darrell Kraft’s veterinary mobile clinic scan be found on the Web at kraftmobilevet.com or by calling 425-482-6345.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
