Veterinarian in Des Moines, IA
Highland Park Animal Hospital (HPAH) is a locally owned, full-service hospital providing exceptional, compassionate, and accessible veterinary care to pet owners in Highland Park, Ankeny, and the broader northeast Des Moines area. For over 25 years, we have been committed to a simple philosophy: combining genuine compassion and loving care with advanced medical technology.
Our team, many of whom are locals, values the close relationships we build with both pets and their people. Whether you’ve trusted us with your pet’s care for years or you’re visiting us for the first time, our goal is always the same: to make every visit comfortable, respectful, and centered on treating your pet like one of our own.
We believe regular, preventative care is key to helping pets live long, healthy lives, and we strive to keep our pricing fair and transparent, so quality veterinary care remains accessible. Join us as we grow our team and services and experience a practice where medical excellence meets genuine kindness.
FAQs
FAQs
Discover what to expect at our animal hospital in Des Moines, IA. We want to ensure a smooth, supportive experience for you and your pet.
General Information
Where is Highland Park Animal Hospital located?
Highland Park Animal Hospital is located at:
4270 NW 6th Drive
Des Moines, IA 50313
We’re conveniently located near the intersection of NW 6th Drive and Aurora Avenue in north Des Moines, making us easy to access from Highland Park, Ankeny, and the surrounding areas.
What are your office hours?
Highland Park Animal Hospital is open:
- Monday–Friday: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
We also offer convenient drop-off appointments for clients with busy or inflexible schedules. Your pet can stay with us during the day, and our team will update you once the doctor has completed their exam.
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes! Highland Park Animal Hospital is always happy to welcome new patients and their families to our practice.
Whether you’re scheduling a wellness visit, bringing home a new puppy or kitten, or have a sick pet that needs urgent care, our team is here to help. We’re proud to offer personalized, compassionate care with a focus on clear communication and a friendly, low-stress experience for both pets and their people.
At Highland Park Animal Hospital, we are committed to creating a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all clients and their families. We are proud to care for every pet and person—regardless of background, identity, or orientation.
What services does Highland Park Animal Hospital offer?
We offer a full range of veterinary services for dogs and cats, including:
- Wellness exams and preventative care
- Vaccinations
- Sick and urgent care visits
- Surgery and dental care
- Diagnostic testing (lab work, imaging, etc.)
- Parasite prevention and treatment
- Puppy and kitten care
- Senior pet care
- Online pharmacy for convenient home delivery
Do you see exotic pets?
Highland Park Animal Hospital cares for dogs and cats only and does not provide services for exotic pets.
However, our Client Care Team keeps a list of local veterinarians who see exotic pets and would be happy to help point you in the right direction.
What makes Highland Park Animal Hospital different?
At Highland Park Animal Hospital, we believe veterinary care should be guided by veterinarians & pet owners. As a privately owned and operated animal hospital, your pet’s care is based on what’s best for them, with thoughtful, personalized recommendations and free from corporate influence.
We’re proud to be part of a community that values local businesses. When you choose us, you’re supporting a team that lives and works right here, where our success is reinvested into our staff, their families, and the community we care deeply about.
Exploring historic Highland Park without your pet, or new to the neighborhood? Treat yourself to something sweet at Hiland Bakery, browse for your next favorite read at The Little Book, or relax with a coffee at The Slow Down Coffee Co.
Payments & Insurance
Do you offer payment plans?
We do not offer in-house payment plans, but we understand that veterinary care can be an unexpected expense.
We partner with Cherry Financing to offer flexible payment options, even for those with less ideal credit.
Our team is always happy to provide estimates and discuss options so you can make informed decisions.
Do you accept pet insurance?
Most pet insurance plans operate on a reimbursement basis, meaning you pay for services at the time of your visit and then submit a claim to your insurance provider.
Our team is experienced working with different insurance companies and can provide detailed invoices and documentation to assist with your claim.
Do you offer wellness plans?
Not yet, but we’re excited to share that Highland Park Animal Hospital will be offering Wellness Care Plans beginning later this year!
These plans are designed to make routine veterinary care more predictable and affordable by spreading the cost of preventative services into convenient monthly payments.
More details, including plan options and pricing, will be available soon!
Appointments & Visits
How do I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling an appointment is easy!
You can:
- Call or text: (515) 243-4665
- Email: info@highlandparkvet.com
- Request online through our website’s homepage
If your pet needs to be seen sooner, we recommend calling or texting so we can help find the earliest available time.
Do you take same-day or urgent care appointments?
Yes! We know having a pet that isn’t feeling well is stressful for both pets and their people.
We offer same-day appointments whenever possible. Availability can vary, so we recommend calling as early as you can.
If we’re unable to see you the same day, our team will help guide you to the next best option for your pet’s care.
Do you accept walk-in appointments?
At this time, Highland Park Animal Hospital operates primarily by appointment so we can dedicate purposeful time to each patient and provide thorough, attentive care.
We do not offer traditional walk-in services, but we are happy to offer same-day appointments whenever possible for urgent concerns. We recommend calling or texting ahead so we can find the soonest available time.
We also offer drop-off appointments for clients with busy schedules, allowing your pet to be seen during the day while you’re at work.
How often should my pet be seen by a veterinarian?
Most pets should visit the veterinarian at least once a year for a wellness exam.
We typically recommend:
- Puppies and kittens: More frequent visits during the first year
- Adult pets: Annual exams
- Senior pets: Every 6 months
Regular visits help us catch concerns early and keep your pet healthy.
Urgent & Emergency Care
What should I do if my pet is sick after hours?
If your pet becomes sick or injured outside of regular hours, please contact a local emergency veterinary clinic.
We recommend:
- BluePearl Pet Specialty Hospital: (515) 727-4872
- Iowa Veterinary Specialties: (515) 280-3100
- Veterinary Emergency Group VEG: (515)259-6473
- ISU Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center: (515) 294-4900
These facilities are staffed 24/7 and can best help your pet in an emergency.
If you’re unsure whether your pet needs emergency care, it’s always safest to seek care right away.
How do I know if my pet needs urgent care or emergency care?
We offer same-day appointments whenever possible for urgent concerns.
Urgent (same-day) care may be appropriate for:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Limping or minor injuries
- Ear or skin issues
- Decreased appetite or lethargy
Go to an emergency hospital immediately if your pet has:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse or inability to stand
- Seizures
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Known toxin ingestion
- Inability to urinate
- Severe pain or distress
Preventative Care
What veterinary care is required in Iowa?
The only vaccine legally required in Iowa is the rabies vaccine.
We also strongly recommend:
- Core vaccines based on lifestyle
- Routine wellness exams
- Heartworm prevention
- Flea and tick prevention
Preventative care plays a key role in protecting your pet from serious disease.
My pet lives mostly indoors—do they really need vaccines?
Yes! Vaccines are an important part of keeping your pet protected.
Even indoor pets can still be exposed to disease through brief exposures or environmental contact.
We tailor vaccine recommendations based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors, ensuring a personalized approach to care.
End-of-Life Care
Do you provide euthanasia services?
Yes. We provide compassionate euthanasia services when it’s time to say goodbye. Our team is here to support you and create a peaceful, respectful experience for both you and your pet.
If you’re unsure if it’s the right time, we encourage you to schedule an appointment to talk through your pet’s quality of life, age-related changes, and senior care needs.
Do you offer in-home euthanasia services?
At this time, we are unable to offer in-home end-of-life services.
We recommend reaching out to providers such as CodaPet or Lap of Love, who specialize in compassionate in-home care.