What CityVet is and how to find one

CityVet is a network of veterinary clinics located in urban areas, designed to serve pet owners in cities where finding affordable or accessible veterinary care can be difficult. Each CityVet location operates independently but follows shared standards for service and pricing. They focus on routine care, preventive medicine, and common health issues rather than emergency surgery or specialist treatment.

CityVet clinics are found in major metropolitan areas across the United States. To find the location nearest you, search online for "CityVet" plus your city name, or visit the CityVet website to browse their clinic directory by state and neighborhood. Each clinic lists its hours, phone number, and the services it offers on-site.

Unlike some veterinary networks, CityVet clinics do not require membership or pre-registration to walk in for a visit. You can call ahead to schedule an appointment or ask about wait times if you prefer not to drop in unannounced.

Key Takeaways

  • CityVet clinics are independently operated but networked, located primarily in urban areas and focused on routine and preventive care rather than emergency services.
  • You can find your nearest CityVet location through their website directory or by searching online, and most clinics accept walk-in visits as well as scheduled appointments.
  • Pricing at CityVet is typically lower than at traditional full-service animal hospitals, though costs vary by location and the specific service your pet needs.
  • CityVet handles vaccinations, wellness exams, parasite prevention, dental cleaning, and minor procedures, but does not perform emergency surgery or provide 24-hour care.
  • You will need to bring your pet's medical history or previous vaccination records if you have them, though CityVet can often request records from your prior veterinarian.

Services CityVet offers and does not offer

CityVet clinics provide core preventive and routine services: annual wellness exams, vaccinations (including rabies and DHPP for dogs, and FVRCP and rabies for cats), flea and tick prevention, heartworm testing, microchipping, and basic dental cleaning. Many locations also offer spay and neuter surgery, ear cleaning, and treatment for minor skin or ear infections.

CityVet does not provide emergency care, overnight hospitalization, advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans, orthopedic surgery, or specialist referrals. If your pet has a life-threatening injury, sudden severe illness, or a condition requiring surgery beyond routine spay and neuter, you will need to go to an emergency veterinary hospital or a full-service animal hospital. CityVet staff can tell you which emergency facilities are nearby if you call ahead.

Some CityVet locations offer additional services such as nail trimming, anal gland expression, or basic wound care. Call your local clinic to confirm what is available at that specific location, as services vary by clinic.

Pricing and payment methods

CityVet clinics typically charge less than traditional veterinary hospitals for the same services, though prices are not uniform across all locations. A wellness exam might range from $40 to $80 depending on your city and clinic. Vaccinations, parasite prevention, and microchipping each have separate fees that vary by location. Spay and neuter surgery costs more than a single exam but is generally lower than at a full-service hospital.

Most CityVet locations accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Some clinics offer payment plans through third-party financing companies such as CareCredit, which allows you to spread the cost over several months. Ask your clinic directly about payment options and whether they offer discounts for multiple services or for paying in full upfront.

CityVet does not bill pet insurance directly, but you can pay out of pocket and then submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. Keep your receipt and ask the clinic for an itemized invoice showing what service was performed and the cost.

What to bring and how to prepare for your visit

Bring your pet in a find carrier or on a leash, depending on the animal. Cats and small animals should be in a carrier to prevent escape in the waiting room. Bring any medical records you have from previous veterinarians, including vaccination history, test results, or records of past illnesses or injuries. If this is your first visit to CityVet, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete a brief intake form with your pet's name, age, medical history, and your contact information.

If your pet is sick or injured, write down the symptoms you have noticed, when they started, and any changes in behavior or appetite. This information helps the veterinarian diagnose the problem more quickly. If your pet is on any medication, bring the bottle so the veterinarian can see the dose and frequency.

Do not feed your pet for several hours before a spay or neuter surgery, as the anesthesia requires an empty stomach. CityVet will give you specific fasting instructions when you schedule the procedure.

How appointments work and wait times

You can schedule an appointment by calling your local CityVet clinic directly or, at some locations, through their website. Appointments are usually available within a few days for routine care. If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, wait times vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings and early afternoons typically have shorter waits than evenings or weekends.

During your visit, a veterinary technician will take your pet's weight, temperature, and blood pressure, then ask questions about your pet's health and behavior. The veterinarian will then examine your pet, discuss findings with you, and recommend any treatments or follow-up care. A routine wellness exam usually takes 20 to 30 minutes from check-in to checkout.

If your pet needs bloodwork, X-rays, or other diagnostics that CityVet cannot perform on-site, the clinic will refer you to a partner facility or a full-service hospital. Some results come back within hours; others may take a few days.

When to go to CityVet versus an emergency hospital

Use CityVet for scheduled wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, routine dental care, and minor injuries or illnesses such as ear infections or mild skin problems. Go to an emergency veterinary hospital if your pet is bleeding heavily, has difficulty breathing, is unconscious or unresponsive, has severe vomiting or diarrhea that will not stop, has signs of poisoning, or has been hit by a car or suffered major trauma.

If you are unsure whether your pet's condition is an emergency, call your local CityVet clinic or the emergency hospital and describe the symptoms. The staff can advise you on where to go. Many emergency hospitals have a nurse hotline you can call before arriving to get guidance.

CityVet clinics are not open 24 hours. If your pet has a health problem outside of clinic hours, you will need to go to an emergency facility. Search online for "emergency veterinary hospital near me" or "24-hour animal hospital" to find options in your area.

Insurance, discounts, and cost-saving options

Pet insurance plans vary widely in what they cover and how much they reimburse. Some plans cover routine care such as wellness exams and vaccinations; others cover only accidents and illnesses. Check your policy to see whether CityVet services are covered. You will typically pay the clinic upfront and then submit your receipt and invoice to the insurance company for reimbursement.

Some CityVet locations offer discounts for seniors, military members, or low-income pet owners. Call your local clinic to ask what discounts are available. A few CityVet clinics partner with local animal welfare organizations that may offer vouchers for spay, neuter, or vaccination services at reduced cost.

If cost is a barrier to care, ask the CityVet staff about payment plans, sliding-scale fees, or referrals to low-cost clinics in your area. Many cities have nonprofit veterinary clinics that serve low-income households.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my pet's medical records to CityVet?

Yes. When you schedule your first appointment or arrive for a walk-in visit, tell the CityVet staff the name and location of your previous veterinarian. CityVet can request your pet's records directly from that clinic, though it may take a few days. Alternatively, you can pick up the records yourself and bring them to your CityVet appointment.

Does CityVet offer emergency services or after-hours care?

No. CityVet clinics operate during standard business hours and do not provide emergency care. If your pet has an urgent health problem outside of clinic hours, you will need to go to a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital. Ask your CityVet clinic for the phone number and address of the nearest emergency facility.

What should I do if my pet needs surgery beyond spay and neuter?

CityVet will refer you to a full-service animal hospital or a surgical specialist. The CityVet veterinarian can discuss your options and help you understand what the procedure involves and what it may cost. You can also ask for a referral to a specific hospital if you have a preference.

Can I call CityVet with questions about my pet's health between visits?

Most CityVet clinics will answer brief questions over the phone during business hours. For detailed medical information or concerns that require an exam, you will need to schedule an appointment or visit in person. If your pet is in distress and the clinic is closed, call an emergency veterinary hospital.

How often should my pet visit CityVet for wellness exams?

Puppies and kittens typically need exams every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old, then annually. Adult pets (1 to 7 years old) should have a wellness exam once a year. Senior pets (7 years and older) may benefit from exams twice a year. Your CityVet veterinarian can recommend a schedule based on your pet's age, breed, and health history.