Big Lake Area Veterinary Hospital
4.2 (125) 50 County Rd 43, Big Lake, MN 55309, USAHours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
How to Save Money at Big Lake Area Veterinary Hospital
Schedule Regular Vet Visits
One of the best ways to save on vet bills is to prevent expensive health issues before they develop. By scheduling regular wellness checkups, your vet can detect health issues early, helping you to avoid costly treatments and surgeries down the road.
Price Shop for Pet Prescriptions
Oftentimes our fur babies are prescribed human drugs off-label. Your vet is apt to charge more for these medications than you would pay at your local pharmacy. In fact, big-box or chain pharmacies can offer steep discounts. So it’s best to price shop.
Pet Insurance
Most pet insurance providers will pay between 80% and 90% of the vet bill. You can even get coverage for routine care and things like vaccinations and dental cleanings. If you do the math, you’ll most likely find that pet insurance makes financial sense in the long run as well as gives you peace of mind.
How Do You Choose the Right Pet Insurance Provider?
Pet Insurance Review makes it incredibly easy for pet parents to select an insurance provider they feel good about. You can use our handy comparison tool to get the gist of what a company offers. We’ve also collected over 150,000 reviews of insurance companies from real pet parents like you to rank the top providers in the market. Here is the current ranking of each:
| Rating | Provider | Total Review |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4 | AKC | 891 |
| 4.5 | ASPCA | 11,757 |
| 4.9 | Embrace | 17,158 |
| 4.9 | Fetch | 18,571 |
| 4.2 | Figo | 2,602 |
| 4.7 | Hartville | 165 |
| 4.9 | Healthy Paws | 10,008 |
| 4.9 | Lemonade | 805 |
| 4.6 | ManyPets | 2,343 |
| 4.0 | MetLife | 652 |
| 4.8 | Nationwide | 21,407 |
| 4.3 | Pet Assure | 12 |
| 4.5 | PetPartners | 113 |
| 4.3 | Pets Best | 12,232 |
| 4.6 | Pumpkin | 1,473 |
| 4.6 | Spot | 7,033 |
| 4.9 | Trupanion | 73,743 |
| 4.8 | Prudent Pet | 125 |
Or, you can simply get a fast quote from multiple providers and go from there.
Thinking of insuring your pet?
Get Quotes & CompareGetting to Know Your New Vet: Essential Questions to Ask
Choosing a new veterinarian is an important decision for any pet owner. You want to find someone who is competent, compassionate, and a good fit for you and your fur baby. To help you get the most out of your first appointment, here's a list of essential questions to ask your new vet:
Tell me about your experience with [pet type].
Different vets have different areas of specialization. Some are experts with cats, some dogs, some pocket pets, and some horses. Knowing that your vet has vast experience treating your specific type of pet can bring you peace of mind.
How do you handle emergencies?
You must know what to do in case of a pet medical emergency. Inquire what after-hours policy the clinic has, whether they have on-site emergency care available, and if they have a relationship with any nearby emergency animal hospitals.
How do you communicate with pet owners?
Good communication is key to building a trusting relationship with your vet. Ask how they prefer to communicate (phone calls, emails, online portal) and how often you can expect to hear from them.
Are there any breed-specific health concerns I should be aware of?
Some breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions. Knowing what to watch out for can help you catch problems early and get your pet the treatment they need.
Do you have any questions for me about my pet?
This is a great question to ask because the answer will show that the vet is interested in getting to know your pet as an individual and is willing to listen to your concerns.
Bonus question: Can I take a tour of your facility?
Getting a feel for the clinic's environment can help you and your pet feel more comfortable during your visits. Remember, you’re not just looking for a veterinarian, you’re looking for a partnership. Do not be afraid to ask these questions and any others you can think of. Any vet worth their salt will be happy to answer them. Because the more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to make decisions about your pet's care! And that should be every vet’s top priority.
Reviews from Google
I have Been a customer for several years and they don’t disappoint! I have had several large dogs live past 13 and I owe it to their knowledge and expertise. They care about all pets and owners and are very compassionate and friendly. Their full schedule goes to show they have many returning customers that feel the same way I do. Thanks for all you do to help keep my pets healthy with long lives!
posted: 08/01/2023
My family and I have been relying on BLAV for over 27 years now, and we cannot speak highly enough of their outstanding services and most importantly, their hearts. From the moment we stepped through their doors, it was evident that they genuinely care for all animals. Our COVID dog was terrified and tended to get anxious during vet visits, she was treated with unparalleled patience and understanding. The staff took the time to create a calm and reassuring environment for our pet and now they are among her favorite humans. We are currently working on re-socializing her, so we have her out and about with us from time to time, and she still gets nervous- but she saw her doctor on one outing and went to her for reassurance and comfort. On top of routine care they have come through during emergencies with our pets. They showed exceptional expertise in handling critical situations and promptly referred us to the ER Vet when necessary, but not before taking the time to stabilize our pets before getting us on the road. Beyond their evident love for animals, the staff are a wealth of knowledge and is incredibly informative. They take the time to thoroughly explain the pros and cons of different treatment options, ensuring we, as pet owners, are well-informed and actively involved in our pets' care. This level of transparency is a true testament to their commitment to the well-being of our furry family members. The entire team has gone above and beyond to understand our pets on a personal level. They know our pets well and have developed strong bonds with them. This personal touch sets them apart from other clinics, making us feel like our pets are in the best possible hands. LOVE THEM! YOU WILL TOO!
posted: 08/02/2023
We have been taking our dogs here since we moved to town over 9yrs ago. They have been very accommodating and always show a lot of compassion for dogs. We love Big Lake Vet Hospital and would recommend them to anyone!
posted: 08/01/2023
I cannot thank Dr McAlpin and the wonderful staff at Big Lake Hospital for the care they have given my pups when they needed urgent care. The entire staff was so kind and helpful and fit my pups in when I knew they were short staffed. I am forever grateful for all they have done with keeping my pups healthy.
posted: 08/01/2023
I make the drive to this location just because of how much the staff cares for my fur-children! I have been with Dr McAlpin at the St Michael location for decades, and now I see her at the Big Lake location also. The staff is kind and accommodating to both of my older cats - but especially to one that always has a bad attitude when she's at the clinic! The techs are patient and gentle with her. I appreciate their welcoming attitude when we arrive, now bimonthly because of the needs my "grumpy" one has. What could be a dreaded trip for me, and traumatic for Callie, is something we accept because I'm always greeted so warmly. Thank you to everyone--especially Dr McAlpin--for knowing what's best for the little lives that mean so much to me!
posted: 08/01/2023