Family Friends Veterinary Hospital: Vet Care & Contact

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Grand Rapids, Michigan · Veterinary Care Guide · Updated September 2026

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital contact, map, hours, urgent care, pharmacy, records, payments and pet-owner instructions

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital is a full-service veterinary hospital at 6555 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. The main phone number is 616-575-6520, and the clinic lists general practice, urgent care, surgery, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, reproductive services, pharmacy and preventive care.

This guide is designed for pet owners who need more than a map pin. It explains when to call, how appointments work, what urgent-care symptoms matter, how to request records, what payment options are listed, which entrance to use for surgery or urgent care, and what official PDFs say before procedures or breeding services.

Call 616-575-6520 Book Appointment Shop Online Pharmacy Urgent Care Info
Emergency warning: If your pet has blue, white or very pale gums, labored breathing, collapse, seizures, toxin ingestion, serious bleeding, bloat signs, inability to walk, difficulty giving birth, heatstroke signs or major trauma, call a veterinarian immediately. During Family Friends urgent-care hours, call 616-575-6520. For severe or after-hours cases, use a 24-hour emergency hospital or veterinary triage service.
Clinic address 6555 28th Street SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Use this address for GPS, rideshare, pharmacy pickup, urgent-care check-in and records transfer forms.

Main phone 616-575-6520

Use for appointments, same-day urgent care, records, pharmacy, surgery check-in, billing questions and general help.

Fax 616-575-5800

Helpful when another veterinarian, specialist, emergency hospital, daycare, breeder or housing provider needs records.

Email staff@familyfriendsvet.com

Use for non-emergency coordination, records questions, resume submissions and general communication.

Urgent care 7 days a week

Appointment-based urgent care is listed Monday-Saturday 2:00 pm-10:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am-6:00 pm.

Clinic type Family-owned full-service vet

Official content describes a local, family-owned hospital with general practice and urgent/emergency support under one roof.

Start here: choose the right action before calling or driving

Use this decision table to route your need correctly. It saves time for routine visits, urgent problems, surgery questions, medication refills, records and reproductive services.

Pet-owner need Best action Prepare before contacting the clinic
Routine wellness or vaccines Book online, call the clinic or use the PetDesk portal when available. Pet name, species, age, vaccine history, prior clinic name and preferred visit window.
New client visit Use the new-client process and complete forms before your first visit. Prior records, vaccine proof, current medications, diet, allergies, behavior notes and reason for visit.
Same-day urgent care Call 616-575-6520 instead of relying only on online booking. Symptoms, start time, breathing status, appetite, vomiting/diarrhea details, toxin risk, photos and videos.
After-hours triage Use VetTriage or an in-person emergency hospital if Family Friends is closed or cannot see the case. Current medications, medical history, emergency contact, safe carrier/leash and poison/toxin details if relevant.
Medication or food refill Use the online pharmacy, PetDesk app or call the clinic pharmacy route. Medication name, dose, remaining supply, last exam date and whether shipping or pickup is needed.
Surgery or anesthesia Ask for the estimate, consent form, vaccine/testing requirements and discharge plan before procedure day. Fasting instructions, medication holds, labwork approval, vaccine status, heartworm test and stool-test status.
Breeding or reproductive service Review the breeding agreement/checklist and call to discuss health testing and timing. Breed, age, heat-cycle dates, health testing, temperament, brucellosis status, progesterone timing and prior reproductive history.
Records transfer Ask an authorized person on the pet record to request transfer. Recipient clinic name, phone, fax/email, date range, vaccine certificates, lab reports and imaging notes.

Contact information and current hours

Hours may change for holidays, staff training, weather or emergency volume, so confirm directly before leaving for a time-sensitive visit.

Contact item Current detail Use it for
Clinic name Family Friends Veterinary Hospital Appointments, records, pharmacy, urgent care, surgery, reproductive services and insurance claims.
Address 6555 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 GPS, rideshare, urgent-care arrival, pharmacy pickup, surgery check-in and mail.
Phone 616-575-6520 Appointments, urgent-care guidance, pharmacy, records, payments and general questions.
Fax 616-575-5800 Medical-record transfers and documents from another clinic or specialist.
Email staff@familyfriendsvet.com Non-urgent records coordination, general communication and clinic questions.
Service area Listed hours Planning note
General practice Monday-Thursday: 7:00 am-6:00 pm; Friday: 7:00 am-5:00 pm; Saturday: 7:30 am-2:00 pm Use for wellness, routine exams, vaccines, planned follow-ups, preventive care and non-urgent medical concerns.
Pharmacy Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm Call ahead for medication availability, prescription diet pickup and refill approval status.
Urgent care Monday-Saturday: 2:00 pm-10:00 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm Urgent care is appointment-based; call before arrival when symptoms are sudden or serious.

Google map, parking, entrances and safe arrival

The hospital tour identifies the front building view from 28th Street, a main entrance, back entrance, main parking lot, additional exit toward D&W parking lot and wheelchair-accessible ramp.

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital
6555 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Main: 616-575-6520

Use this map for route planning. Follow clinic signage for the main entrance, surgery check-in, weekday urgent-care check-in and accessible ramp. Call before entering if your pet may be contagious, painful, reactive or unable to walk.

Main entrance

Use for most scheduled wellness, medical, dental, pharmacy and routine appointments unless your confirmation says otherwise.

Back entrance

The hospital tour identifies the back entrance for surgery check-in and weekday urgent-care check-in. Confirm instructions by phone if unsure.

Parking lot

The tour references a main parking lot and an additional exit toward the D&W parking lot. Allow extra time during urgent-care or surgery drop-off windows.

Accessible arrival

A wheelchair-accessible ramp is listed at the back of the hospital. Call ahead if you need help getting a pet, carrier or mobility device inside.

Appointment process and first-visit checklist

Family Friends lists multiple scheduling routes: phone, online scheduler and PetDesk app. Same-day urgent-care requests should be handled by phone.

Choose the right booking route. For routine care, use the online scheduler, PetDesk app or call 616-575-6520. For same-day urgent care, call the hospital directly.
Describe the problem clearly. Tell the team your pet’s species, age, symptoms, start time, medication list, appetite, bathroom changes, injury risk and whether breathing or walking is affected.
Send records before the visit. New clients should provide prior medical history, vaccines, lab reports, surgery notes, allergies, current medications, diet and behavior concerns.
Expect a nurse history before the doctor exam. The new-client page describes medical-history intake by veterinary nurses, then a veterinarian exam, possible diagnostics, treatment discussion, questions and wrap-up.
Confirm follow-up and payment before leaving. Ask for written instructions, medication schedule, recheck date, estimate, itemized invoice and records transfer if another veterinarian needs updates.
No-show policy note: The clinic policy says repeated failed appointments may result in a prepaid deposit requirement for future scheduling. Call or text ahead if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Urgent care, minor emergencies and after-hours options

Family Friends describes appointment-based urgent care and minor emergency services seven days a week, supported by in-house laboratory, radiology, ultrasound, surgical suite and trained veterinary staff.

Urgent-care phone
Call 616-575-6520 if your pet is suddenly ill, injured, painful, weak, vomiting, bleeding, bloated, unable to walk or may have eaten a toxin.
Urgent-care hours
Monday-Saturday 2:00 pm-10:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Availability is appointment-based, so call first.
After-hours video triage
The clinic lists VetTriage as an after-hours video telehealth option, with sessions listed at $50 for non-equine cases.
Poison help
Pet Poison Helpline is listed at 800-213-6680 with a per-incident fee. HomeAgain microchip members may have hotline access through HomeAgain.
Urgent sign Why it matters Practical next step
Blue, white or very pale gums May signal poor oxygenation, shock, blood loss or severe illness. Call urgently and prepare for immediate transport.
Labored breathing, wheezing or frequent panting Breathing problems can worsen quickly. Do not wait for routine scheduling; call right away.
Tremors, seizures, collapse or loss of consciousness May require emergency stabilization or toxin evaluation. Keep the pet safe from falls and call before transport.
Bloated abdomen Bloat can be life-threatening, especially in deep-chested dogs. Seek emergency care immediately.
Toxin, medication, chocolate, raisins, xylitol or foreign-object ingestion Treatment depends on timing, amount and substance. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison specialist instructs you.
Difficulty giving birth Mother and puppies or kittens may need urgent reproductive or surgical care. Call immediately with breeding date, due date and labor timeline.
Transport rule: Stay calm, use a carrier or restraint, drive safely and bring another person if possible. Do not give ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen or other human medication unless a veterinarian directs you.

Veterinary services listed by Family Friends

The official services menu is broad. Use this table to match your pet’s need with the right appointment type and preparation.

Service area What is listed Helpful owner note
Wellness and vaccination Puppy wellness, kitten wellness, adult pet wellness and senior pet wellness. Bring vaccine records, diet, parasite prevention, weight changes and behavior concerns.
Preventive services Flea and tick prevention, heartworm prevention and routine prevention planning. Ask which prevention fits your pet’s lifestyle, travel, boarding, outdoor exposure and household pets.
Medical services Dentistry, radiology, dermatology, cardiology and ultrasound. For diagnostics, ask whether fasting, prior records or sedation planning is needed.
Surgical services TPLO, spay and neuter, soft tissue surgery and orthopedic surgery. Ask for an estimate, pre-anesthetic lab plan, vaccine/testing requirements and discharge instructions.
Anesthesia and monitoring General anesthesia and patient monitoring support. Discuss risk factors, age, brachycephalic breed concerns, medications and labwork before procedure day.
Health screening OFA and PennHIP certification services. Useful for breeding, orthopedic evaluation and breed-specific health screening.
Breeding services Reproduction planning, AI and breeding techniques, semen collection/freezing/storage, C-section and high-risk pregnancy care, pregnancy management and whelping support. Review breeding agreement and checklist before scheduling. Health testing, temperament and timing matter.
Alternative care Acupuncture is listed under alternative and complementary therapy. Ask whether it fits pain management, mobility support or chronic-condition care for your pet.
Additional services After-hours options and veterinary specialist referrals. Ask whether the clinic can treat the case in-house or whether referral records should be sent to a specialist.

Facility tour details: what is inside the hospital

The hospital tour adds useful context that many basic listings miss, including where surgery, urgent care, diagnostic imaging and recovery may happen.

Expanded care space

The tour describes a large-scale renovation to expand surgical, dental and urgent-care services, plus a second reception area to streamline client and patient needs.

Exam and treatment areas

The hospital tour lists 16 exam rooms, a treatment area, pharmacy, radiology and ultrasound areas.

Surgery and recovery

Tour sections include two surgery suites, a surgical consult room, surgery check-in, dog ward and cat ward for surgery patients.

Reproductive services

The tour includes a reproductive area and reproductive lab, matching the clinic’s listed breeding and pregnancy-management services.

Veterinary team and doctor-selection notes

The official team page lists practice owners, associate veterinarians, licensed veterinary nurses, exam-room technicians, assistants, triage support and customer service staff.

Veterinarian Role listed Useful booking note
Ryan Carpenter, DVM Practice Owner Official bio lists interests including bulldogs, dermatology, surgery and canine reproduction.
Kathryn Sutphen, DVM Practice Owner Official bio notes interests in surgery, dentals and acupuncture.
Katie Johnson, DVM Associate Veterinarian Official bio notes interests in neurology and emergency medicine.
Christina Cooper, DVM Associate Veterinarian Official bio notes cardiology, emergency medicine, feline medicine and geriatric pet care interests.
Kelli Davis, DVM Associate Veterinarian Official bio describes a focus on quality of life and caring for pets as her own.
Marcia Carpenter, DVM Associate Veterinarian Official bio notes emergency medicine, toxicology and soft tissue surgery.
Leah Williams, DVM Associate Veterinarian Official bio notes interests in dermatology, surgery and reproduction.
Mitch Zachos, DVM Associate Veterinarian Official bio notes surgery, internal medicine and urgent-care service.
Leslie Veneman, DVM Associate Veterinarian Official bio notes interest in radiology and abdominal ultrasound.
Booking tip: Ask which doctor is most appropriate for your pet’s problem instead of choosing only by name. Urgent care, surgery, reproduction, dermatology, dentistry, radiology and acupuncture may require specific scheduling.

PetDesk portal, online pharmacy and refill workflow

Family Friends references PetDesk for appointment management, reminders, refill requests and medical-record access, and it links to an online pharmacy for medication and product shopping.

PetDesk app uses

  • Manage appointment requests.
  • Receive reminders.
  • Request refills.
  • Access pet medical-record information when available.
  • Stay connected with the clinic for routine needs.

Online pharmacy

Use the official online pharmacy for approved medications, parasite prevention and prescription diet products. Call if a refill is urgent or if the product is not showing correctly.

Valid VCPR required

The clinic policy says prescriptions require a valid veterinary-client-patient relationship, which means an in-person exam is needed to establish and maintain prescription authority.

Refill timing

Request refills before running out. Approval may depend on exam status, bloodwork, heartworm testing, dose changes or the veterinarian’s review.

Medication safety: If the drug name, strength, dosing directions or pet name looks wrong, do not give the medication. Call the clinic before using it.

Medical records, vaccine proof and transfer rules

The hospital policy says clients may request a complete and detailed copy of pet medical records, and records transfers are handled within a stated 24-48 hour window.

Record need Best route What to include
New-client records Ask your previous veterinarian to send records to Family Friends before the visit. Exam notes, vaccines, lab results, imaging, medications, allergies, diet, surgery history and behavior concerns.
Transfer to specialist Authorized persons on the pet record can request a transfer to a third party. Specialist name, clinic, phone, fax/email, appointment date and reason for referral.
Boarding, daycare, housing or training proof Request vaccine certificates and relevant medical records. Pet name, owner name, required vaccines, date needed and delivery method.
Insurance claim Ask for an itemized invoice and medical notes after care. Diagnosis, procedure, prescription details, lab charges, discharge notes and payment receipt.
Primary vet follow-up after urgent care Ask Family Friends to send records to your regular veterinarian. Urgent-care exam summary, tests, medications, X-rays, follow-up recommendations and recheck timing.

Payment policy, estimates, CareCredit, Scratchpay and pet insurance

Veterinary costs vary by exam type, diagnostics, medications, emergency care, surgery, anesthesia, reproductive service, dentistry and hospitalization needs.

Payment timing

Official payment information says payment is expected when services are rendered and the clinic does not bill.

Accepted payment types

The payment page lists debit cards, credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express, and cash. It also says checks are not accepted.

CareCredit and Scratchpay

CareCredit and Scratchpay are listed as financing options. Approval and terms are handled by the financing providers, not by the clinic.

Pet insurance

Pet insurance usually works by reimbursement. Ask for records and an itemized invoice so you can submit a claim to your insurer.

Estimate question: “Can you separate the must-do items from optional items and explain which costs affect safety, diagnosis, pain control or long-term outcome?”

Official PDF and form details that add practical value

Family Friends has official PDFs and forms that help owners prepare for anesthesia, surgery, TPLO recovery and reproductive services.

Official PDF or form Key details inside What to ask before signing or scheduling
Anesthesia and Surgery Consent Form Explains anesthesia/surgery risk, estimate expectations, payment at discharge, emergency treatment permission, brachycephalic risk, vaccine/testing requirements and pre-surgical labs. Ask about fasting, labwork, heartworm testing, stool testing, vaccination status, medications, overnight-care limits and discharge timing.
TPLO Post-Op Instructions Notes leash or carrier protection, 12-24 hours of grogginess after anesthesia, temperature control, cough monitoring and strict crate confinement until recheck X-rays confirm healing. Ask about activity restriction, pain medication, incision checks, recheck X-rays, physical therapy and what symptoms require a call.
Breeding Agreement 2025 Recommends breed-specific health testing, healthy body condition, routine preventive care, temperament suitable for procedures and possible cardiology clearance for heart concerns. Ask whether the clinic will accept the breeding case, which tests are required, and whether your dog’s age, health and temperament are appropriate.
Responsible Breeding Checklist Mentions pre-breeding exam, age and maturity, DAPP/rabies, fecal exam, heartworm testing, OFA/PennHIP screening, progesterone testing and brucellosis testing before each breeding. Ask when to start progesterone testing, whether brucellosis testing is current and what health screening applies to the breed.
Form safety note: Do not sign anesthesia, surgery or breeding forms until you understand the estimate, risks, aftercare, testing requirements and what happens if the team cannot reach you during an emergency.

What basic listings miss about this hospital

A low-value directory page usually stops at name, address, phone and generic “services.” This article adds practical user intent that helps pet owners actually complete the next step.

Common listing detail Missing intent What this guide adds
Address and map pin Does not explain surgery check-in, urgent-care entrance, back entrance, accessible ramp or parking notes. Map, arrival rules, entrance guidance and facility tour details.
Phone number Does not explain when to call instead of booking online. Urgent-care routing, appointment script, refill route and records route.
Hours Generic hours do not separate general practice, pharmacy and urgent care. Separate hours table with practical use cases.
Services Does not connect services to owner preparation. Service table with appointment prep for wellness, diagnostics, surgery, breeding, prevention and acupuncture.
Payment options Does not explain estimates, no-billing policy, no checks, financing and claim records. Payment section, estimate question, CareCredit/Scratchpay note and pet-insurance claim workflow.
PDF links Forms are often hidden and not converted into practical prep. Anesthesia, TPLO and breeding PDF details summarized into actionable questions.

Official source checklist used for this guide

Use official pages for final live actions, scheduling, policy updates, procedure forms and care decisions.

Official source What it helps verify When to open it
Family Friends home page Address, phone, email, general practice hours, pharmacy hours, urgent-care hours, services and online pharmacy link. Before calling, checking hours or choosing a service route.
New clients page New-client welcome, what to expect, arrival, medical-history intake, exam, questions and wrap-up. Before your first appointment.
Urgent care page Urgent-care hours, urgent signs, after-hours triage, toxin resources and urgent surgery examples. When symptoms are sudden, serious or unclear.
Services page Wellness, preventive, medical, surgical, dental, anesthesia, screening, breeding, acupuncture and referral categories. When matching your pet’s need to a service category.
Hospital tour Renovation, 16 exam rooms, pharmacy, treatment, radiology, ultrasound, reproduction lab, surgery suites, wards, entrances, parking and ramp. Before surgery, urgent care, tour questions or first visit.
Hospital policies VCPR, prescriptions, scheduling, no-show/deposit policy, payment policy and records transfer rules. Before booking, requesting refills or transferring records.
Payment options Payment due at service, no checks, credit/debit/cash, CareCredit, Scratchpay and pet insurance links. Before urgent care, surgery, dentistry or major diagnostics.
Team page Veterinarian names, roles and listed interests. When asking whether a specific doctor fits your pet’s case.
Anesthesia consent PDF Surgery/anesthesia risk, payment at discharge, vaccine/testing rules, brachycephalic risk and lab recommendations. Before surgery, dental procedures or sedated procedures.
Breeding checklist PDF Pre-breeding exam, preventive care, OFA/PennHIP screening, progesterone timing and brucellosis testing. Before reproductive-service scheduling.
Independent guide notice: USHospitalGuides.com is not Family Friends Veterinary Hospital, not a veterinary provider, not an emergency service and not a government agency. Use official clinic links or the clinic phone number for final appointments, pricing, records, refills, emergency instructions and medical decisions.

Important pet health and safety notice

This page helps with contact, scheduling, location, pharmacy, records, payments and preparation. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Do not rely on online information for emergency triage. Breathing difficulty, toxin exposure, seizures, urinary blockage, bloat signs, heatstroke, severe pain, major trauma or sudden collapse needs immediate veterinary help.

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital FAQs

These questions focus on the exact address, phone, map, hours, urgent care, appointments, records, payments, pharmacy and procedure-prep details users search for most.

1. What is the address for Family Friends Veterinary Hospital?
Family Friends Veterinary Hospital is located at 6555 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Use this address for GPS, rideshare, urgent-care arrival, pharmacy pickup and appointment paperwork.
2. What is the phone number for Family Friends Veterinary Hospital?
The main phone number is 616-575-6520. Use it for appointments, urgent-care guidance, records, pharmacy questions, payment questions and general support.
3. What are the general practice hours?
The listed general-practice hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 am-6:00 pm, Friday 7:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturday 7:30 am-2:00 pm. Confirm directly before visiting because schedules can change.
4. What are the urgent-care hours?
Family Friends lists urgent-care hours as Monday through Saturday 2:00 pm-10:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Urgent care is appointment-based, so call 616-575-6520 before arrival.
5. How do I book an appointment?
You can call 616-575-6520, use the online scheduler or use the PetDesk app when available. For same-day urgent-care needs, call the hospital directly rather than relying only on online booking.
6. Does Family Friends Veterinary Hospital offer emergency or urgent care?
Yes. The clinic describes appointment-based urgent care and minor emergency services seven days a week. Severe cases, after-hours emergencies or cases needing advanced care may still require a 24-hour emergency hospital or triage service.
7. What veterinary services are listed?
Services include wellness and vaccination, preventive care, medical services, dentistry, radiology, dermatology, cardiology, ultrasound, surgery, TPLO, spay/neuter, anesthesia and monitoring, health screening, breeding services, acupuncture, urgent care and referrals.
8. How do I request my pet’s medical records?
The clinic policy says clients may request complete pet medical records and that transfers are handled within 24-48 hours. Record transfers can only be requested by authorized persons listed on the pet’s record.
9. What payment options are listed?
The payment page says payment is expected when services are rendered. Listed options include debit cards, credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express, and cash. Checks are not accepted. CareCredit and Scratchpay are listed as financing options.
10. What should I know before surgery or anesthesia?
Review the official anesthesia consent form, ask for an estimate, confirm vaccine and testing requirements, discuss pre-surgical labwork, ask about brachycephalic risk if applicable and understand discharge instructions before the procedure.