Vet clinics can be difficult to get into, especially in an area like ours, where there are only 2 vet clinics in the greater Houghton/Hancock area: Copper Country Vet in Atlantic Mine and Northland Vet in Hancock.
The best thing you can do when you get a new pet is get them scheduled for a wellness exam at a vet clinic. Availability of vets nearby is also something you should consider BEFORE getting a pet and BEFORE moving. You might not be able to get into the vet clinic closest to you and you might have to wait a while to get in (yes, even if it’s a year or more out!!!), but getting established as a client can really pay off in the future, especially if you have an emergency. Even if it’s a ways out, take that appointment!
If you have an emergency, your best bet is to call vet clinics right when they open, typically at 8 am to try to get in on a cancellation. You will have higher priority if you are an established client. Keep in mind if your pet hasn’t been seen recently, you might not be considered a client anymore. Your next best bet is to try contacting vet clinics further out. Marquette and Wisconsin vets might also be an option. Paw Health Network in Kronenwetter, WI and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Appleton, WI are still a bit of a drive, but definitely worth looking into, especially if you have an emergency.
*Note: this is by no means a dig on our local vet clinics. There is simply a shortage of vets and we know they are doing their best to see as many patients as possible.
***Copper Country Humane Society is NOT a vet clinic, nor do we have a vet on staff. While we would love to help, shelter staff are not trained in veterinary medicine, and we will always direct you to a vet clinic.
CCHS is also not able to help with vet bills, as we have so many of our own already. We can sometimes assist with the cost of spay/neuter and we have our twice per year low cost pet vaccination clinics, but when it comes to emergencies and any other vet visits, we aren’t able to help. While we would love to help every animal, unfortunately, we just don’t have the money to do that. This is another reason why we strongly encourage everyone to think about their financial situation before adopting a pet.