We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Lillian Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Baker, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to be able to create a healthy practice culture for my mental health as well as well as offer a concierge service for clients with pets that may not travel well in cars.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is 100% housecall veterinary services. We are set apart as we are one of the few veterinarians that come to your home to service your pets. We offer surgeries, digital x-ray, blood sample analysis, as well as a host of other services for the best most pleasant housecall visit. Honesty, reliability, as well as my down to earth compassionate approach allowed my business to grow to where it is today. Happy clients and our 5 star review on Google reflects just how far we go to help. Marketing from local news outlets as well as national during our feature on Good Morning America all helped in our growth.

It was not easy to get the business to where it is today. It takes a lot of work and effort. In the beginning we were denied business loans due to the nature of our business. No one wanted to take the risk of helping a housecall vet due to the liability. I did not give up on this goal so I worked very hard to pay out of pocket for the business on my own. We were fortunate enough to have the truck financed which was a huge blessing. Hard work and determination is my preferred way to overcome my life’s obstacles.

Along the way I have learned that boundaries and time management very important in a housecall setting. Many perceive that because it is housecall you can text or call at anytime and receive a reply or that I can stay a long time during visits. In the beginning I did this. After about 9 months, I knew it would not be beneficial long term because it began to affect my mental health. I love veterinary medicine because I’m not tired of it. I have weekends off to recover from the long work week. That recovery helps me to be a better and rested vet that is less likely to make mistakes because I am not so tired or worn down that I can’t think straight.

I would like the world to know that the life I live or the career that I have was not what was destined for me based on the area I am from. I am from a small town that is the top 5 most dangerous cities in the United States as of 2023. I made it out due to kindness, encouragement, and solid mentorship. My brand is one that I would like to continue to grow, not only for aspiring veterinarians of color but for anyone that comes from an area similar to where I come from. You can do it! Don’t allow anyone to talk you out of it! When you do make it, remember KINDNESS & HONESTY above all else!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would definitely go to Granny D’s. It’s soul food restaurant in Spring, Tx. The food is the mom and pop shop type of soul food that is made WITH LOVE!! We would definitely go to Willowbrook mall to shop then head to the Vintage Parkway. They have the best little restaurants and a movie theater there. I would also take them to the Houston Zoo. After that we would likely hang around the house as most of my friends are doctors as well so, we like to be home mostly for good TV series with wine and wings. Sleep and the lack of social stimulation is always a great time for my friend and I.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to my son and my husband. Without my son, I would have never realized the true importance of work life balance. His existence made me want to be a better mom, doctor, and person. My husband left his job in 2021 to assist me because we all know good help is hard to find. He is truly the backbone to my business and I would consider myself as the heartbeat. I would also like to shout out my amazing mother for always encouraging me to not put limits on things that God has for me as well as my sisters and friends for being so encouraging during the development of such a taboo business idea.

Website: https://bakersmobilevet.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakersmobilevet/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bakersmobilevet/

Other: Tik Tok @_bakersmobilevet

Image Credits
Head shot photo credit: Henry Henderson

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