Pets First Chicago

07/03/2024

We will be closing early today Wednesday, July 3rd at 4 pm and closed tomorrow Thursday, July 4th in observance of the holiday. Please contact Medvet, Premier, or VEG for emergency care in our absence. Stay safe and have a happy fourth!

06/06/2024

It's Pet Appreciation Week! 🐶🐈🐠

We know you all love your pets every week but make sure they feel extra loved, cared for, and appreciated this week ❣️

05/12/2024

Happy Mother's Day to the moms who fill their homes with love, laughter, and the pitter-patter of tiny feet and furry paws.

05/06/2024

Be cautious of any sneaky sugar-free sweeteners in peanut butter and candy. Talk to your vet about the best treats for your pet!

05/04/2024

May the force be with you! ✨

04/28/2024

Whether you're a cat cuddler, a dog walker, or a proud parent of other fluffy pals, today is all about celebrating YOU and the joy you bring to your pet's lives. Here's to the love, laughter, and countless memories shared with our beloved furry friends!

04/27/2024

Thank you for trusting us to take care of your pet's health. We are grateful for the opportunity to support so many pet parents and furry friends in our community!

04/25/2024

We appreciate our care coordinators for all they do, all year round! From managing appointments to calming nervous pets and their owners, they do it all with grace and professionalism.

03/29/2024

Chihuahua is the vibe this weekend. New found cousins Shrimpo and Weasley, plus handsome Chauncey 💖

03/18/2024

URGENT need for foster (or adoption!) will be returned to CACC this Wednesday 3/20/24

REX- 3.5 y/o, male neutered, rot/pit mix. Would do best as a solo pet, at least to start. Reactive, but showing promise with training and time (eval’d by Anything is Pawzible), no bite history.

Contact Julie ph #312-217-0380

What a cutie, please share with anyone you think is capable of fostering or interested in adopting.

02/07/2024

Join on February 13 (11am PT/2pm ET) for a live update on 'mystery' canine respiratory illness, reconvening world-renowned animal health and disease experts for a data-driven update.

Tune in as Dr. Steve Weinrauch, BVMS, MRCVS; Dr. Michael Lappin, PhD, DACVIM; Dr. Scott Weese, DACVIM; and Dr. Carrie Jurney, DACVIM (Neurology) track trends, assess severity, and share expert perspectives in this FREE webinar. Register at http://tinyurl.com/k9illness-6

12/24/2023

https://www.avma.org/blog/santas-veterinary-team-approves-reindeer-takeoff

As Official Veterinarian of the North Pole, AVMA President Dr. Rena Carlson has performed this important annual examination with the aid of Ashli Selki, past-president of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians (NAVTA).

12/22/2023

We were nominated for The Chicago Reader's Best of Chicago 2023. We are honored to be in the running and would appreciate your vote! We're under Buy Local catergory- Best Veterinarian.

https://chicagoreader.com/best

12/21/2023

🐾Happy Holidays from Pets First🐾

Thank you for all the support this year and for trusting us to care for your precious pets. For that, we are so grateful! May you and your family (furry or otherwise) have a wonderful holiday season.

Holiday hours:
Saturday, December 23rd 8AM-2PM
CLOSED- Sunday, December 24th
CLOSED- Monday, December 25th
Wednesday, December 27th 8AM-7PM
CLOSED- Monday, January 1st, 2024

11/30/2023

Our PSA on the Mystery Canine Respiratory illness compiled from the veterinary community and the most current information. Call us with any further questions or concerns!

Cases may spread quickly in a communal environment.
Respiratory diseases spread through direct dog-to-dog contact and indirectly via respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or contamination of shared surfaces. Therefore, owners of dogs that go to daycare, dog training classes, dog parks, shelters, and boarding/grooming facilities should be mindful of the potential for disease transmission in areas where dogs are in close proximity. In addition, owners should remain informed about any cases of respiratory disease in these locations.

See your veterinarian.
If a dog is experiencing respiratory signs, including coughing, sneezing, ocular/nasal discharge, fever, and decreased appetite, we suggest you consult with a veterinarian. Keep your dog isolated from other dogs to minimize the spread, especially as the details of this disease continue to emerge.

Get your dog vaccinated.
Owners should be sure their dogs are up to date with vaccinations, including those that protect against Bordetella, Adenovirus 2, Parainfluenza, and the influenza H3N2 vaccine. Please avoid bringing a dog into the community until the immune system has had time to build immunity (approximately two weeks after vaccination). If owners have immunocompromised dogs (e.g., puppies that are not fully vaccinated and senior dogs with other health problems), they should be cautious about bringing them around other dogs.

Consider getting diagnostics done early.
Because we don’t yet know the cause of the disease, it might be a good idea to get diagnostic testing done when the symptoms first arise, before starting therapy. That’s because once treatment begins and the immune response kicks in, diagnostic tests (e.g., PCR, airway culture, viral isolation) may not be able to detect the virus or bacterium that caused the symptoms.

Dear Dog Owners,

In light of the current respiratory illness circulating, we want to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry friends. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Limit Outdoor Activities: Consider reducing outdoor activities in crowded areas to minimize exposure. Opt for quiet, open spaces where your dog can still enjoy some fresh air without the risk of close contact with other animals.

Maintain Hygiene: Just like for humans, hygiene is crucial. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your dog. Regularly clean their paws after walks to minimize the risk of carrying contaminants into your home.

Avoid Dog Park Crowds: If your dog loves the dog park, try to visit during off-peak hours or consider alternative ways to exercise, such as playing in a backyard or going for solo walks.

Monitor Health: Keep a close eye on your dog's health. If you notice any signs of illness, such as coughing, sneezing, or lethargy, consult your veterinarian promptly. Early detection can make a significant difference in their recovery.

Social Distancing for Dogs: While dogs may not get sick from this respiratory illness, they can still carry and spread germs. Encourage social distancing between dogs, especially if you encounter other pet owners during walks.

Routine Vet Check-ups: Ensure your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date. Regular vet check-ups can help catch any potential health issues early on and provide peace of mind.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: Have a pet emergency kit ready, including essential supplies like food, medications, and copies of medical records. This is especially important in case of any disruptions to normal routines.
Remember, your pet's health is as important as your own. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your dog safe and healthy during these uncertain times.
Stay safe and give your furry friend an extra pat for us!

More information from Vet Specialty Center-

We are continuing to receive a lot of questions from both the referral community and the general public about the current mystery canine respiratory illness that is being covered in … Read More

11/29/2023

In response to continued reports of an upswing in respiratory illness impacting dogs across various US states, we invite you to join Trupanion's free webinar, “Separating Fact, Fiction, and Uncertainty: Canine Respiratory Illness Q&A,” on Thursday, 11/30, at 4:30pm PT / 7:30pm ET.

Register and submit your questions for the expert panelists today at https://tinyurl.com/k9illness1

11/10/2023

We will be closing early at 6 pm on Wednesday, November 22nd and closed Thursday, November 23rd for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Friday, November 24th.

Please contact one of the following emergency facilities in our absence:
Medvet Chicago #773-281-7110
Premier Veterinary Group- Chicago #773-516-5800
Veterinary Emergency Group- Lincoln Park #312-757-5444

or feel free to leave us a message for when we return for non-urgent matters.

We are thankful for our clients' trust to take care of their pets and wish everyone a happy, healthy holiday!

10/31/2023

Happy Howl-a-ween from all of us at Pets First. Stay safe and keep candy away from pets, no matter how cute the costume!🐾 🎃
Feat. Biscotti #1 and #2

10/18/2023

We will be closing early today (Weds October 18th) at 6 pm. We apologize for the inconvenience, but will be back regular hours 8am-6pm tomorrow. Thanks!

10/16/2023

Behind every wagging tail and happy purr is a team of dedicated Veterinary Technicians whose compassion and expertise help ensure our patients receive the care they deserve.

As we celebrate Vet Tech Appreciation this October, we invite you to share kind words of gratitude with our team in recognition of all they do for the pets in our community!

08/24/2023

https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/

Hawaii & how to help--
The HVMA is recommending that donations go directly to the Maui Humane Society. Greater Good Charities is moving food, vaccines, and topical parasiticides to Maui. HVMA is sending member veterinarians to Maui to assess the situation and see how they can assist the Maui Humane Society.

01 August Tue Clear the SheltersClear the SheltersDate August 1, 2023 - August 31, 2023Time 11:00 am - 5:00 pmVenue Maui Humane SocietyMore Info

07/04/2023

Wishing all our pet parents a happy and safe 4th of July! 🇺🇸 Keep tails wagging and purrs going strong, by ensuring your pet is kept secure and calm during fireworks and festivities!

06/28/2023

The best time to think about protecting your kitten is in their first year of life! In fact, nearly half of kittens experience unprecedented illness or injury before turning one.

We all want our pets to live long, healthy lives but accidents and illnesses can happen at any age. Medical insurance for your pet can help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills – talk with your veterinarian about opportunities for coverage at your next visit.

06/22/2023

Sharing some info regarding the Pride parade this weekend. We won't be open Sunday per usual, but I would plan extra time if you have an appointment or plan on stopping by on Saturday too!

PRIDE PARADE
The 52nd Annual Chicago Pride Parade will be held Sunday, June 25th. Please take a look below for the map of the route, street closures, and pedestrian crossing areas.

The route will begin at Broadway and Montrose, going North on Broadway to the 3800 block of Halsted, then will turn onto Belmont heading East, then a turn onto Broadway heading South, and finally a turn heading East onto Diversey and ending at Diversey and Canon Dr.

Staging Areas
Montrose from Clark to Sheridan
Broadway from Wilson to Montrose
Sheridan from Wilson to Montrose

Street Closures
Towing will begin at 4 am along the route
Closures for staging areas begin at 5 am
Parade Route will close at 10 am
Cross-Streets will close in rolling closures from 10 am to 10:30 am

Spectator Crossover Locations
Montrose & Broadway
Grace & Halsted
Aldine & Halsted
Cornelia & Halsted
Irving Park & Broadway
Wellington & Broadway
Addison & Halsted
Barry & Broadway
CTA

From the Red Line, Wilson, Sheridan, Addison or Belmont all provide access via a short walk to the parade route.
From the Brown Line, Diversey, Wellington and Belmont are the nearest stations to the parade.
Lakefront bus routes, including the #146 and #151, provide convenient access from the north, the Gold Coast/North Michigan Avenue and downtown, to the areas east of the parade route.

The Belmont station and the area around it tends to become the most crowded on the day of the Pride Parade. We encourage you to consider avoiding this area and enjoying the parade from other parts of the route, including near Wilson and Sheridan on the Red Line. Entry to the Belmont station may be restricted to the main entrance on the south side of Belmont Avenue.

Rerouted Bus Lines: (as early as 7am)
8 Halsted
22 Clark
36 Broadway
76 Diversey
77 Belmont
78 Montrose
80 Irving Park
151 Sheridan
152 Addison

06/18/2023

Happy Father's Day to all the dads who go above and beyond for their families, including their furry family members! Whether you're tossing a toy or cuddling on the couch, your pets appreciate everything you do.

06/18/2023

On this Veterinary Appreciation Day, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible veterinary professionals who help make Pets First Veterinary Clinic a special place year round.

Join us in celebrating these dedicated individuals who go above and beyond to keep the pets in our community happy and healthy!

05/29/2023

On this Memorial Day, we express our gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Join us as we remember and honor our heroes.

05/14/2023

Happy Mother’s Day! We’re celebrating all the pet moms who teach their dogs new tricks, cuddle with their cats, and keep their pets healthy and happy.

05/14/2023

Happy Mother’s Day to moms of all kinds. Thank you for all you do for your two and/or four legged kids. 🐾 ❤️

Reminder to get pet safe flowers to celebrate! 🌸 🐶 🐱

05/10/2023

Lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats. Even ingesting pollen or drinking the water from the lily vase can be a hazard. Keep this plant out of reach of curious paws and expert climbers.