Frequently Asked Questions — Omnivet in Traverse City, MI
Have questions about our veterinary services, what to expect during a visit, or how to handle a pet emergency? You’ve come to the right place. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we hear from pet owners in Traverse City, MI and the surrounding area. If you don’t see your question answered here, don’t hesitate to call us at (231) 244-4860 — our team is always happy to help.
What services does Omnivet offer?
Omnivet in Traverse City, MI provides a comprehensive range of urgent and emergency veterinary services for companion animals and livestock. Our services include emergency care, emergency stabilization, emergency surgery, trauma stabilization, bloodwork, digital X-rays, medical workups, urgent care appointments, walk-in appointments, same-day appointments, farm calls, and small ruminant medicine. Visit our services page for a complete list of conditions we treat.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
Both options are available at Omnivet. We welcome walk-in visits during our operating hours for pets that need prompt attention without advance scheduling. We also offer urgent care appointments and same-day appointments for those who prefer a set time. Calling ahead at (231) 244-4860 is always recommended when possible, as it allows our team to prepare for your pet’s arrival and minimize your wait.
What should I do if my pet has an emergency?
Call Omnivet immediately at (231) 244-4860 and let our team know what is happening. Calling ahead allows us to prepare for your arrival so care can begin the moment you walk through the door. If your pet is experiencing life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, collapse, suspected toxin ingestion, or inability to urinate, treat it as a critical emergency and come in immediately. Visit our emergency care page for more information.
What are your hours?
Please call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 or visit our contact page for current hours of operation. Hours can vary, and calling ahead ensures you have the most up-to-date information before making the trip.
Do you see new patients?
Yes — Omnivet welcomes new clients and their pets. Whether you’re coming in for a walk-in visit or scheduling in advance, our team is happy to meet you and your companion. Having prior veterinary records and vaccination history on hand at your first visit is helpful, though it is never required to be seen.
What species do you treat?
Omnivet provides veterinary care for dogs, cats, and other companion animals, as well as livestock including sheep, goats, and cattle through our farm call services and dedicated small ruminant medicine program. If you have questions about a specific species, call us at (231) 244-4860 and our team will let you know how we can help.
How do I know if my pet needs emergency care or just urgent care?
Emergency care is for life-threatening situations requiring immediate intervention — such as collapse, severe trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, or inability to breathe. Urgent care is for situations that need prompt same-day attention but are not immediately life-threatening — such as vomiting or diarrhea, limping, minor lacerations, or loss of appetite. If you’re unsure which level of care your pet needs, call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 and our team will help you assess the situation.
What should I bring to my pet’s appointment?
Bring any available medical records, vaccination history, and a list of current medications including dosages. Be prepared to describe your pet’s symptoms clearly — when they started, how they have changed, and any potential causes such as something your pet may have eaten or a recent injury. For new clients, any records from a previous veterinarian are helpful, though nothing is required to be seen at Omnivet.
Do you offer payment plans or accept pet insurance?
Please call Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 or visit our contact page for the most up-to-date information on accepted payment methods, financing options, and pet insurance. Our front team is happy to discuss your options before or during your visit.
Can I get advice over the phone before bringing my pet in?
Yes — our team at Omnivet is happy to speak with you over the phone to help assess your pet’s situation and determine whether a visit is needed right away. Call us at (231) 244-4860 and describe what you are observing. We can help you determine the most appropriate and timely next step for your pet’s care.
What are signs that my pet is in pain?
Pets often hide pain, so it’s important to know the subtle signs. Common indicators include changes in behavior or temperament, reluctance to move or bear weight, loss of appetite, excessive licking or chewing of a specific area, vocalizing, hunched posture, panting, restlessness, or withdrawal from interaction. If you suspect your pet is in pain, contact Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 — pain is always taken seriously and addressed as part of every visit.
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
For healthy adult pets, an annual wellness exam is generally recommended. Senior pets — typically dogs over 7 years and cats over 10 years — benefit from more frequent evaluations, often every 6 months, as age-related conditions can develop more rapidly. Pets with known health conditions or those on long-term medications may need more regular monitoring. Our team at Omnivet can recommend the right schedule based on your individual pet’s age, breed, and health history.
What toxins are most dangerous for pets?
Common household toxins that are dangerous for pets include human medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, foods such as chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, and onions, household chemicals such as antifreeze and rodenticides, and toxic plants such as lilies, sago palm, and azaleas. If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these substances, contact Omnivet immediately at (231) 244-4860 or visit our toxin ingestion page for more information. Time is critical in these situations.
What should I do if my pet is vomiting or has diarrhea?
Monitor your pet closely and contact Omnivet at (231) 244-4860 if symptoms last more than 24 hours, are severe or frequent, contain blood, or are accompanied by lethargy or loss of appetite. Never give your pet human over-the-counter medications without veterinary guidance. Visit our vomiting and diarrhea page for more detailed guidance on when to seek care.
Do you offer pre-surgical bloodwork?
Yes — pre-anesthetic bloodwork is recommended before any surgical procedure at Omnivet to evaluate organ function and confirm your pet is a safe candidate for anesthesia. This helps our team identify any underlying conditions that may affect anesthetic risk and allows us to adjust our approach accordingly, minimizing complications and maximizing your pet’s safety.
Is it safe to give my pet human medications?
No — many human medications are toxic to pets, even in small doses. Common examples include ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, naproxen, and certain antidepressants. Never administer any human medication to your pet without explicit veterinary guidance. If your pet has accidentally ingested a human medication, contact Omnivet immediately at (231) 244-4860 and visit our toxin ingestion page.
How can I keep my pet healthy between veterinary visits?
Maintaining your pet’s health between visits involves providing a balanced, species-appropriate diet, ensuring access to clean fresh water at all times, keeping up with parasite prevention, providing regular exercise and mental enrichment, keeping vaccinations current, and monitoring your pet regularly for any changes in behavior, appetite, weight, or physical condition. Scheduling routine wellness exams at Omnivet allows our team to catch early changes before they become serious problems.
What is the TPLO surgery program at Omnivet?
TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) is a surgical procedure used to treat cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures in dogs — one of the most common orthopedic injuries in canine patients. It is considered the gold standard surgical treatment for this condition, particularly in active or larger breed dogs. Omnivet offers a dedicated TPLO surgery program for dogs diagnosed with CCL tears. Visit the program page or call (231) 244-4860 to learn more about eligibility and what to expect.
Where is Omnivet located and how do I contact you?
Omnivet is located in Traverse City, MI. For directions, current hours, and full contact information, visit our contact page. You can also reach our team directly by phone at (231) 244-4860. We are here to help you and your pet — don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.