I NEED A VET.
Emergency first. Regular vets after that. Phone numbers and directions are up front because sometimes that's the entire job.
GO HERE WHEN IT'S BAD.
Carolina Animal Specialty & Emergency
1050 US Highway 321 NW, Hickory, NC 28601
Emergency veterinary care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, major trauma, severe bleeding, suspected poisoning or rapid deterioration belong with a veterinarian, not an internet quiz.
REGULAR VETERINARY CARE.
Your veterinarian can become one of the most important relationships in your dog's life. You're not choosing an oil-change place. Look for communication you trust, a team your dog can tolerate, and a practice that understands what matters to you.
Springs Road Animal Hospital
2542 Springs Road NE, Hickory, NC 28601
828-256-2151
Serving Hickory since 1976. Preventive care, diagnostics, surgery and same-day urgent-care appointments.
Select Saturdays 8:30am-12:30pm
Sun closed
Catawba Valley Animal Hospital
Hickory, NC
828-327-7100
General veterinary care, diagnostics, surgery and dentistry.
Viewmont Animal Hospital
2870 2nd St NE, Hickory
828-328-2448
Full-service veterinary hospital with boarding, preventive care, diagnostics, surgery and travel certificates.
Tue, Wed & Fri 7:30am-5:30pm
Sat-Sun closed
Animal Hospital North
27 13th Ave NE, Hickory
828-304-0550
Veterinary hospital; grooming services are also available at this location.
LOWER-COST WELLNESS.
Humane Society of Catawba County Wellness Clinic
Public low-cost vaccines, testing, microchips and nail trims. Current clinic information lists an annual visit at $35. Call Monday through Friday for availability; appointments can be scheduled Monday through Saturday.
828-464-8878
YOUR DOG HATES THE VET?
Say It Before You Arrive
Tell the office if your dog is frightened, reactive, painful, mobility-limited or has had a bad veterinary experience. That information can change how the visit is planned.
Bring the Good Stuff
If the clinic permits it, bring a truly excellent treat and something familiar. For some dogs, waiting in the car until an exam room is ready may be less stressful. Ask first.
Fear Is Information
A terrified dog isn't being difficult. If routine visits are consistently miserable, ask your veterinarian about lower-stress handling and whether pre-visit medication is appropriate.
POISON?
ASPCA Poison Control
24/7 animal poison assistance. A consultation fee may apply.
888-426-4435
Also call the emergency vet
If your dog is already showing symptoms or the substance is known to be dangerous, contact a veterinarian promptly. Bring the package or ingredient information if you have it.