Southpaw Veterinary Clinic and Emergency Care

This was the only place open after hours (except one or two places that I did not want to go to from past experience)and my Doberman swallowed 2 socks! so had to get X-rays. I didn’t even know this place existed! I had a horrible experience at a different emergency clinic once upon a time so I was not willing to go back there if I could help it! Somehow I found them they got me in right away, got her x-rayed and got our results and treatment basically within an hour! The doctor was super cool too! He thoroughly helped me understand what was going on and I did not feel rushed. Definitely felt like they actually cared about my dog.The whole experience was good. I will definitely go back. I have noticed a lot of vet clinics have very icy atmospheres when you walk in for whatever reason and this place was the exact opposite! That is the first thing I notice when I go anywhere. So that’s actually really important to me!

Southpaw was amazing. We ended up there because of a scare with our dog and everywhere else was closed. From the moment we walked in, the staff was friendly, personable, and genuinely caring. It was a holiday weekend, so they were very busy, which was completely expected considering they’re one of only a few emergency vets open in town on weekends. But even with everything going on, when it came time to talk about my dog, the staff and doctor made me feel like we had their full attention. Our doctor was wonderful. They got right down on the floor to interact with my dog and my toddler, and even brought in a fun kids book about animals that kept my little one occupied long enough for us to actually talk. The doctor was so patient with all of my questions and explained everything in a way that was easy for me to understand. What I appreciated most was that I never felt rushed or pressured into expensive tests. Honestly, the total bill was a lot less than I was anticipating. I’ve read some negative comments about wait times, but that’s just the reality of emergency medicine, whether it’s human or veterinary. The sickest patients have to come first. As hard as it is to wait when you’re worried about your pet, if your wait is longer, that usually means someone else is facing an even more critical emergency. And if it were our own pet in that position, we’d want them to be the top priority too. Hopefully we do not have any more holiday weekend emergencies, but if we ever do, Southpaw will absolutely be our first choice.

My rabbit was 15 years old. He had fallen and broken his arm. That coupled with other health complications and his age I knew I had to make the difficult decision that no pet parent wants to make. I called around frantically looking for some where to take him because I didn't want him to suffer but nobody could help. After 6 attempts I called Southpaw and they got me in right away. I wish I could remember the names of all the staff who helped us ,but I want to sincerely thank them for being so helpful and kind while I was a complete wreck. a special thanks to the Dr. he was incredibly kind and gentle and even took the time to compliment the care I had given pickles while I had him. They let me say my goodbyes for as long as I needed and got my nose prints before I even left the building. I would absolutely recommend them.

Best urgent care I could have taken my baby Pepper to. Pepper was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, though for a time we believed it might be FIP. From the very beginning, the doctors and nurses at Southpaw were incredibly thorough, compassionate, and patient—answering every question and concern I had without ever making me feel rushed. Pepper was truly loved by everyone who cared for her while she was there, and that meant everything to me. The cost was also much more reasonable than what I would have paid in Lincoln, which helped during an already overwhelming time. They consistently called to check for updates, and I never waited long on the phone to speak with someone. While they don’t have a cardiology department—which is understandable for an urgent care—they were very upfront about that and provided strong recommendations for next steps. Because of them, I took Pepper to ISU. Sadly, she passed while they were trying to get her heart back into rhythm. Southpaw was always honest and straightforward about possible outcomes and treatment plans, while still being kind and compassionate. It’s absolutely worth the hour drive to know your baby is getting the best care possible. I am deeply grateful for the care, transparency, and humanity they showed both Pepper and me during one of the hardest moments of my life. (Plus they sent me cute pictures of her with her updates!)

My cats health declined rapidly from his disease, (congestive heart failure diagnosed late July) and I had to put him to rest on Christmas Eve. I called and the receptionist though busy, was very thorough, and thoughtful. We were able to be with him as we passed. The staff was very respectful, and I feel that if we need anymore vet care, I will make the drive for good service. I was offered a couple of items to buy to remember Fritz. I opted for the paw imprints. We requested to pick him up for burial. The box was even well thought out. Not just a cardboard box. It was a sad time, but it made things easier. I cannot thank the staff enough.