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Urgent Care

Urgent Care

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital is a full-service veterinary facility in Grand Rapids, offering appointment-based urgent care and minor emergency services seven days a week. We understand how overwhelming it can be to face an unexpected health crisis with your pet—especially when after-hours options are limited and trust is essential during such a stressful time.

Our dedicated team of veterinarians and veterinary nurses is fully trained and equipped to manage a wide range of urgent and emergency situations with skill, compassion, and a focus on affordability. Whether your pet is suddenly ill, injured, or has experienced a traumatic event, we’re here to provide prompt, reliable care you can count on. If you’re concerned about your pet’s condition, please call us immediately at 616-575-6520.

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CONTACT NOW:

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
Phone: 616-575-6520

6555 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Urgent Care Hours:

Monday-Saturday:
2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sunday:
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

AFTER-HOURS OPTIONS:


The VetTriage: Connect Now

Emergency Veterinary Triage through video Telehealth services
All sessions are $50 (non-equine)

Prefer to see someone in person? See our recommendations

Is This an Emergency? Know the Signs

  • Blue, white or very pale gums
  • Labored/difficulty breathing
  • Coughing/wheezing or frequent panting
  • Weakness/lethargy/collapse or loss of consciousness
  • Incoordination or circling
  • Tremors or seizures
  • Inability to walk
  • Lameness
  • Bloated abdomen
  • Lacerations/bite wounds/burns
  • Bleeding
  • Ingestion of toxin, medication, chocolate, raisins, xylitol, foreign objects
  • Difficulty giving birth
  • Decreased/Poor Appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Excessive salivation
  • Excessive thirst (increased water intake)
  • Frequent and/or inappropriate urination
  • Blood in urine
  • Displays of pain/discomfort
  • Smoke inhalation
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Body temperature over 103 or under 99 (normal is typically 100.5-102.5)
  • Excessive scratching

Our in-house laboratory, radiology, ultrasound, and experience allow us to obtain critical information quickly about your pet.

Our surgical suite and experienced veterinarians are available to perform:

Enterotomy/Gastrotomy (i.e. Foreign body removal)
Laceration / wound repair (i.e. Bite wounds/cuts)
Gastric dilatation volvulus repair (ex. Bloat)
Hemoabdomen / Splenectomy (i.e. bleeding internally)
Cesarean section (C-section for distressed puppies/kittens)
Hernia repair
Resection and anastomosis (removal of diseased intestines)

If you feel your pet has an urgent medical condition or has suffered a traumatic event that needs to be handled by an experienced emergency vet, contact us at 616-575-6520.

Use our Pet Health Checker to help determine if your pet may require emergency care:

Stay calm for safety’s sake!

During a crisis, try to remain calm. Your pet will need you to keep a clear head and to provide interim care until our services can be reached. It is very helpful to have another person to assist you when transporting your injured or gravely ill pet to the hospital. Please drive carefully and we recommend you use some form of patient restraint or containment, such as a pet carrier, when transporting.

Important! Do not give any medication without direction by a veterinarian. Even common over-the-counter medications for humans may have unexpected effects in animals – for example, naproxen, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, common pain medications for humans, can be fatal to dogs and cats. By giving medication without the advice of a veterinarian, you may delay appropriate treatment or risk injury to your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Urgent Care

We understand that urgent visits can be stressful, and you may have questions before, during, or after your pet’s appointment. Our team is here to support you every step of the way—whether it’s explaining your pet’s condition, reviewing treatment options, or providing follow-up care instructions. If you still have questions after your visit, don’t hesitate to give us a call—we’re happy to help.

Do you offer payment plans?

We do not offer payment plans, however we do accept all major credit cards, CareCredit and Scratchpay. If you can prove that you do not qualify for these credit options, you may qualify for up to $500 credit through the Toby & River Remembrance Fund [click here to learn more].

What if I'm not sure if it's an emergency?

We understand that, in the moment, it’s not always easy to determine if your pet is having an emergency. If you feel like something is wrong, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to contact our urgent care. We are happy to respond quickly and help determine if your pet one is suffering from a non-threatening issue or if they require immediate attention. You can also use out Pet Health Checker below to help determine!

What happens next? Will my pet need a follow-up appointment?

Depending on the issue, we may need to provide additional testing at a later date. If we’ve examined your pet and concluded that the issue is life-threatening, we can schedule a date for surgery or recommend a nearby pet emergency hospital that can provide the complex procedures they need. We can also send record to your primary veterinarian so that you can follow up with them instead, just let our staff know that during your visit or follow up call.

Can I be with my pet during an examination?

Yes. We wish for your pet to be as comfortable as possible throughout the urgent vet care process, and it can help your pet relax if a familiar, loving face is present. If we determine that your pet requires a more involved procedure, we may ask you to wait in the exam room while we take the pet to the treatment area. Rest assured, our trusted staff will continuously monitor their condition and never leave you in the dark regarding your pet’s health.

Pet Poison Helpline

If you would like to contact an experienced 24/7 animal poison control center to determine if an ingestion could be a concern, please contact Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680. A $89 per incident fee does apply. www.petpoisonhelpline.com