Same-Day Urgent Care

Same-Day Urgent Care in Kenockee, MI

When your dog or cat suddenly isn’t feeling well, waiting days for an appointment is hard. Cobblestone Veterinary Hospital keeps room in our schedule for sick pets who need to be seen quickly.

Understanding Same-Day Urgent Care

We are not an emergency clinic, and we want to be clear about what that means. The nearest emergency hospitals are about an hour away, so we aim to keep two to three same-day openings every day for sick pets who need care quickly but don’t need intensive care or hospitalization.

Urgent care is a good fit for problems that are worrying but not life-threatening, such as a pet who has started vomiting or having diarrhea, a new limp, an itchy ear, a skin problem, or a small wound. Our team will listen to what’s going on and help you decide on the best next step.

If your pet’s exam shows a more serious problem, we may stabilize and refer them to an emergency hospital. Our goal is always to get your pet to the right level of care as quickly as possible, and to explain our reasons clearly so you’re never left guessing.

What to Expect During a Same-Day Urgent Care Visit

Here’s how a same-day visit at our Kenockee hospital usually works, from your first phone call to your trip home.

Call Us First

Please call us at (810) 985-3011 as early in the day as you can. Our team will ask about your pet’s symptoms and let you know whether a same-day opening is available. If what you describe sounds like an emergency, we will tell you so and point you toward an emergency hospital right away. Because openings are limited, calling first helps us plan the day and saves you a wasted trip.

Drop-Off or Wait to Be Seen

Depending on the day’s schedule, your urgent visit may be a drop-off appointment, where you leave your pet with us and we call you with updates, or a wait to be seen. We’ll explain which option fits before you arrive. If you wait with us, we’re happy to make you a cup of coffee. Since sick pets are seen alongside scheduled appointments, wait times can vary, and we’ll keep you posted.

Exam and Triage

Your veterinarian will examine your pet and talk with you about what they find. Using Fear Free handling, we do our best to keep nervous pets calm. If tests are needed, we have in-house bloodwork, digital X-ray, ultrasound, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to help us find answers, plus a reference lab for more specialized tests.

A Clear Plan

We’ll explain our findings and the recommended treatment, and we strive to never surprise you with charges. Some pets go home with medication and care instructions. If your pet needs more than we can safely provide, we will help arrange a referral to an emergency hospital.

Why Same-Day Urgent Care Matters for Your Pet

Many illnesses are easier to treat when they’re caught early. Because the closest emergency hospitals are about an hour away, having a local option for pets who are sick but stable can save you a long drive and get your pet comfortable sooner.

Faster Relief for Your Pet

Keeping same-day openings means your pet doesn’t have to wait days to be seen for a problem that is making them miserable, like an upset stomach, an itchy ear, or a sore paw.

Care Close to Home

We’re about 15 minutes from everywhere, serving Kenockee, Port Huron, Goodells, Emmett, Yale, Capac, Kimball, North Street, Fort Gratiot, Marysville, St. Clair, and Richmond.

Honest Guidance on Where to Go

Not every problem can be handled in a general practice. When a pet needs intensive care or overnight monitoring, we will tell you plainly, explain why, and help you get there.

A Team That Explains Things

A sick pet is stressful. We take time to walk you through what we found, what we recommend, and what it will cost, so you can make decisions with confidence. Dr. Luana Torres is known for being great at explaining things, and Dr. Elizabeth Gray for making pet owners feel heard.

When to Go Straight to an Emergency Hospital

Some situations can’t wait for a same-day opening. Take your pet directly to the nearest emergency hospital if you notice:

• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding that won’t stop
• Sudden weakness or collapse
• Seizures
• Swallowing a toxin, such as antifreeze, rat poison, cleaners, or medications
• Retching without bringing anything up, especially in medium to large dogs
• A suddenly swollen, tight belly
• Straining to urinate or pass stool, especially in male cats
• Serious injuries, such as being hit by a car or deep bite wounds

If you can, have someone call ahead so the emergency team knows you’re coming. If you’re not sure whether it’s an emergency, call us during business hours and we’ll help you decide. Outside our hours, contact the nearest emergency hospital directly.

How Often Should Your Pet Need Urgent Care?

Ideally, rarely. Regular wellness exams help us find problems early, before they turn into a sudden sick visit, and they give us a full picture of your pet’s health if they do get sick. Our very affordable wellness plan can make that routine care easier to keep up with.

Practice Highlights

• Two to three same-day openings planned every day for sick pets
• Fear Free practices for nervous dogs and cats
• In-house bloodwork, digital X-ray, and ultrasound
• Clear explanations and no surprise charges
• Currently open to all pet owners, not just current clients

Sources: Recognizing a Medical Emergency in Small Animals (University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center), Emergency Care for Your Pet (ASPCA)