When your pet needs urgent care, having a trusted vet means the world.
Thankfully, Chicago offers top-notch veterinary clinics with emergency services, specialized treatments, and holistic care.
In this guide, we'll highlight exceptional clinics across the city, so your furry friend can get the best care in any situation. Whether it's immediate critical care, advanced diagnostics, or a safe boarding environment, these vets have you covered.
Best vets in Chicago for emergency and urgent care
When your pet faces an emergency, it's a stressful and frightening experience for both of you. Ready access to a reliable and well-equipped emergency vet can make all the difference.
How to find the best emergency vet for you
When selecting an emergency vet, here's what to think about:
24/7 availability: Emergencies don’t wait for business hours. Make sure the clinic is open around the clock if possible, or have a backup.
Advanced medical equipment: Having the latest medical technology on hand can significantly improve emergency outcomes
Experienced staff: Look for clinics with highly trained and experienced veterinary professionals.
Client reviews and testimonials: Check out what other pet parents have to say about the clinic. Google's a good place to start, but you could also ask friends, family, and neighbors with pets if they have recommendations.
MedVet
Address: 3305 N California Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: 773-281-7110
Social: Facebook, Youtube, Instagram
If the unthinkable happens and your dog requires immediate critical care, MedVet is the only Level 1 veterinary trauma center in Chicago. It’s certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Board of Regents and Veterinary Committee on Trauma and has vets on staff who provide pets with specialty care, including cardiology, neurology/neurosurgery, and internal medicine.
Great place with people that care and understand the importance of your pet's life.
Services offered
Critical and emergency care
Cardiology
Neurology and neurosurgery
Internal medicine
Diagnostic imaging
Surgery
Good Vets West Loop
Address: 901 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: 312-548-9588
Social: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, TikTok
You’ll find a modern vibe in contemporary-designed spaces at this chain of four clinics in the West Loop, Streeterville, and Uptown, as well as in the far-south suburb of Glenwood. Each location’s staff of experts provides transparent and exceptional service by offering wellness and preventative care, diagnostic services, routine and advanced surgical procedures, and urgent care during office hours.
Services offered
Wellness and preventative care
Diagnostic services
Routine and advanced surgical procedures
Urgent care during office hours
Vaccinations
Dental care
Exceptional care and support regarding my pets needs as they are getting older and developing issues with age. My concerns are acknowledged and taken care of with compassion. I truly appreciate the GoodVets Family so much.
Best vets in Chicago with boarding services
Leaving your fur baby in boarding during a medical emergency can be nerve-wracking. It’s crucial to find a facility that provides a safe, comfortable environment and comprehensive medical care.
In Chicago, several veterinary clinics offer exceptional boarding services designed for pets with medical needs. These clinics ensure your pet receives the necessary medical attention while staying in a cozy and secure setting.
Criteria for selecting a vet with boarding services
Choosing a vet with boarding services? Here’s what to look for:
Range of services: Pick a clinic that offers both boarding and veterinary care. This way, your pet gets all the attention they need in one place.
Staff experience and training: Check if the staff is experienced and well-trained. You want people who know how to handle stressed out pets, especially if they have special medical needs.
Client reviews and testimonials: See what other pet parents are saying. Good reviews can give you peace of mind that your fur baby will be well cared for.
Here are some of the best vets in Chicago with top-notch boarding services for medical scenarios:
Burnham Park Animal Hospital
Address: 1025 S State Street, Chicago, IL, 60605
Phone: 312-663-9200
Social: Facebook, Instagram, X
The first veterinary clinic in the South Loop is AAHA-certified and offers comprehensive and compassionate care. They provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures, including an in-house pharmacy, a surgery suite, X-ray and ultrasound capabilities, a closely supervised hospitalization area, indoor boarding kennels, and outdoor walking areas. This clinic basically covers all your pet’s needs in one convenient location!
The best care in the South Loop for pets, hands down.
Boarding services
Indoor boarding kennels
Outdoor walking areas
Supervised care
Veterinary services
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures
In-house pharmacy
Surgery suite
X-ray and ultrasound capabilities
Supervised hospitalization area
Heal Veterinary Clinic
Address: 4137 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
Phone: 773-888-5091
Social: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
This all-inclusive practice features state-of-the-art diagnostic testing, including in-house radiology and ultrasound services, complete with digital X-rays and full digital dentistry services. The staff also provides the resources and experience to understand and treat your dog by offering additional services like Stay, a modern dog hotel.
The vets and staff really love their patients and take good care of them.
Boarding services offered
Modern dog hotel (Stay)
Comfortable and safe boarding environment
Veterinary services
State-of-the-art diagnostic testing
In-house radiology and ultrasound services
Digital X-rays
Full digital dentistry services
Old Town Animal Care Center
Address: 511 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 312-428-2571
Social: Facebook, Instagram, X
If you need a walk-in appointment, Old Town Animal Care Center is open seven days a week (except holidays) and has free parking. In addition to comprehensive medical services, the clinic offers grooming services, daycare, and boarding.
I’ve always loved Old Town. The reception/front desk are always so friendly, supportive, and I can tell they truly care about my pet. The veterinarian staff from the techs to the doctors are all intelligent and very welcoming.
Boarding/other services
Grooming
Daycare
Boarding
Veterinary services
Comprehensive medical services
Preventative care services
Diagnostic services
Surgery
Dental care
Best vets in Chicago with additional pet medical services
Looking for specialized care for your furry friend? Some Chicago vets go above and beyond with advanced medical services like holistic therapies, rehab, and top-notch diagnostics.
Criteria for selecting a vet with additional medical services
When choosing a vet for advanced medical care, keep these tips in mind:
Range of medical services: Make sure the clinic offers a variety of services to meet all your pet’s needs.
Experienced and specialized staff: Look for vets who are experts in their field and have plenty of experience.
Client reviews and testimonials: Check out what other pet parents have to say about their experiences.
Convenience and accessibility: Think about the clinic’s location and hours. You want it to be easy to get to and open when you need it.
Here are some of the top picks for vets in Chicago with additional medical services:
Healing Tails
Address: 1921 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312-929-3780
This holistic South Loop veterinary practice offers a range of natural therapies for pets. Services include physical rehabilitation, specialized treatments for ACL or CCL injuries, chiropractic care, acupuncture, natural allergy relief, and support for pet parents dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Love this clinic! Even before my Frenchie began her 6-week sessions the staff were very helpful, informative and friendly.
Medical District Veterinary Clinic at Illinois
Address: 2242 W. Harrison St., Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 226-2588
Social: Facebook, Instagram, X
Situated in the heart of the Medical District, this clinic is the only one affiliated with the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. It’s a full-service, Fear Free® and AAHA-certified practice with a team skilled in the latest medical and diagnostic techniques. They offer comprehensive care, including preventative wellness, geriatric services, dentistry, and surgery.
No other words but amazing. I love this place I will never take any of my pets elsewhere.
West Loop Veterinary Care
Address: 815 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: 312-421-2275
Social: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, LinkedIn
The staff at this AAHA-accredited practice aims to deliver exceptional service with the highest standards of pet health care and wellness. They offer a wide range of services, including ophthalmology and glaucoma testing, laparoscopy, and cryotherapy. For your convenience, they provide “drop-off” or “day stay” appointments and a separate entrance for cats. This state-of-the-art facility ensures your pet always comes first.
The quality of care is great, and especially the way they care for the way the animals feel emotionally. I've watched so many vets and techs here go through progressions to calm nervous animals, and to make them feel good about the experiences.
Wicker Park Vet
Address: 1166 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Phone: 773-227-9700
Social: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp
At this Near West Side clinic, six veterinarians focus on preventative medicine and educating pet parents. They specialize in medical, surgical, dental, and general care for your dog’s entire life, from puppyhood to old age. Their team is dedicated to providing compassionate care and exceptional service.
I've only gone to Wicker Park Veterinary for a few months and they've already done so much for me. My rescue Walter is usually petrified of the vet, but has now tried to drag me over to the vet just to say hello.
The rest of the best vets in Chicago
BLVD Vet Logan Square
Address: 2740 W Armitage Ave A, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: 773-360-1731
Social: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
With three spots in Logan Square, River North, and Ravenswood (all AAHA-certified), BLVD Vet makes it super convenient to find a local vet. They even offer telemedicine appointments. What sets them apart is their focus on pet parents' needs—they give you a full 30-minute appointment to make sure all your questions are answered.
I found the perfect place to bring my pups for all their medical needs! The staff are so professional and have a very calm demeanor towards my monsters!
Duke Animal Hospital
Address: 3941 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: 773-697-9757
Social: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, Youtube
The vets at this West Lakeview clinic are all about getting to the bottom of your pet’s health concerns. They take a deep dive into understanding what's going on with your furry friend, working closely with you to ensure personalized and devoted care.
Their approach is holistic, addressing not just the symptoms but the overall well-being of your pet. The clinic is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, who make you feel like part of the family while providing top-notch medical care.
Started going to Duke a few years ago after trying out several other vets in the area and it has always been a great experience. They kept my older dog healthy and comfortable through aging and felt like friends.
Mid North Animal Hospital
Address: 2201 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: 773-929-0777
This Lincoln Park clinic has been serving the community for over 20 years and is AAHA-accredited. They make vet visits stress-free with their Fear-Free® approach. Offering lifelong care for your pet, they cover everything from check-ups and diagnostics to surgeries and dental care.
Dr. Egan and the staff at Mid North are incredible. They care so much and take all the time necessary to make you feel comfortable and understand any given situation.
Woodlawn Animal Hospital
Address: 6523 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: 773-249-7191
Social: Facebook
For over 90 years, this clinic, formerly known as Sweeny Animal Hospital, has been a staple in the Woodlawn community. Pet parents trust Dr. Allyson J. Harris for her straightforward and caring approach. She collaborates closely with them to provide top-notch preventative medicine and overall well-being for pets!
I would trust no one else with my pets. They are well cared for and assessed every time. Doc is open to everything I have to say and my concerns and I never feel rushed. The bedside manner of the entire staff is amazing and personal.
Choosing the right veterinary care in Chicago, whether for emergencies, boarding, or specialized services, is crucial for your pet's health and happiness.
From MedVet’s exceptional emergency care to Burnham Park Animal Hospital’s comprehensive services and Healing Tails’ holistic approach, these clinics cater to all your pet’s needs.
Having a plan for unexpected situations is essential. Pet insurance is designed to reimburse you for vital (covered) services, giving you peace of mind that your furry family member will receive the best care without as much financial stress. Learn more: