Big Lake Area Veterinary Hospital

4.2 (125 reviews)
50 County Rd 43, Big Lake, MN 55309, USA

Hours

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 on Veterinary Costs at Big Lake Area Veterinary Hospital

Preventive care

Routine wellness exams can help identify health issues early, often before they become more serious or expensive to treat. Regular checkups are one of the most effective ways to manage long term veterinary costs.

Compare prescription pricing

Some pet medications prescribed at veterinary clinics may also be available through local or online pharmacies. It can be helpful to compare pricing when appropriate to reduce ongoing medication costs.

Consider pet insurance

Pet insurance may help cover a portion of eligible veterinary expenses depending on the plan, including accidents, illnesses, and in some cases preventive care. Coverage details, reimbursement levels, and deductibles vary by provider.

Why Pet Insurance Information Appears on This Page

Looking for information about Big Lake Area Veterinary Hospital? This page also includes pet insurance resources to help pet parents understand how to prepare for unexpected veterinary expenses.

Veterinary care costs can vary widely depending on the type of visit, treatment, or emergency. Many pet parents explore pet insurance before they need it so they are better prepared when unexpected situations arise.

How to Choose a Pet Insurance Provider

Pet Insurance Review helps pet parents compare insurance providers using verified customer reviews and real-world experiences. Our tools make it easier to evaluate providers based on claims experience, service quality, and overall satisfaction.

We have collected more than 220,000 reviews from pet parents, creating one of the largest independent databases of pet insurance feedback available.

How rankings are determined

Unexpected veterinary expenses can happen at any clinic. The providers below are ranked using verified reviews submitted by real pet parents through Pet Insurance Review. Results reflect overall satisfaction, claims experience, and value based on real world feedback. Rankings are updated regularly as new reviews are submitted.

Top Pet Insurance Providers of 2026
Rating Provider Total Review
4.8 Adoro 19
4.5 AKC 1,801
4.4 ASPCA 12,232
4.9 Embrace 19,979
4.9 Fetch 5,924
4.1 Figo 2,868
4.4 Hartville 183
4.9 Healthy Paws 11,375
4.8 Lemonade 833
4.6 ManyPets 2,416
4.7 MetLife 11,290
4.8 Nationwide 25,718
3.9 Pet Assure 15
4.3 PetPartners 121
4.9 Pets Best 15,355
4.8 Prudent Pet 2,868
4.7 Pumpkin 3,556
4.6 Spot 11,604
4.9 Trupanion 55,033

Compare Pet Insurance Plans

You can compare coverage options from multiple providers to find a plan that fits your budget and your pet’s healthcare needs.


Getting to Know Your Veterinarian

Choosing a veterinarian is an important decision for pet parents. A strong vet relationship is built on trust, communication, and understanding your pet’s individual needs.

Experience

Ask whether the clinic has experience treating your specific type of pet, since care can vary between dogs, cats, and pocket pets.

Emergency Care Procedures

It’s helpful to understand how the clinic handles after-hours emergencies, including whether they provide emergency services or refer to nearby emergency hospitals.

Communication Preferences

Ask how the clinic communicates with pet parents, including updates, test results, and follow up questions.

Breed Specific Health Considerations

Some breeds may be more prone to certain health conditions. Early awareness can help with prevention and early treatment.

Facility Tour

If available, touring the clinic can help you and your pet feel more comfortable before the first visit.


Final Note

Pet care decisions often involve both medical and financial considerations. Having access to trusted veterinary information alongside pet insurance comparisons can help pet parents feel more confident when planning for their pet’s health and wellbeing.

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Reviews from Google

4.2

125 reviews

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!

Aug 1, 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!

Aug 2, 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!

Aug 1, 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.

Aug 1, 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!

Aug 1, 2023