Finding a reliable vet in a small town feels a bit like finding a good mechanic. You want someone who won't overcharge you for a "blinker fluid" equivalent but actually knows their way under the hood. For folks living near the border of Lenawee and Hillsdale counties, Addison Veterinary Clinic is basically that local landmark everyone knows but nobody really digs into until their dog starts limping or the cat stops eating.
It’s located at 6690 N Rollin Hwy. Right in the heart of Addison, Michigan.
Honestly, the first thing you’ll notice if you pull into the lot is that it’s busy. Like, really busy. People drive from two hours away—literally across state lines sometimes—just to see Dr. Kelly. That's not just local loyalty; that's a "this person actually listens to me" kind of vibe.
The Walk-In Reality at Addison Veterinary Clinic
Most people are used to the corporate vet experience. You call, you wait three weeks for an opening, you sit in a sterile lobby for forty minutes, and then you get a ten-minute slot.
Addison Veterinary Clinic does things differently. They have walk-in hours.
This is a double-edged sword. You’ve gotta be prepared for a wait. Sometimes the wait is, frankly, ridiculous. You might be sitting there with your puppy for an hour or two. But the trade-off is huge: if your pet has an urgent issue—maybe a nasty hot spot or a mystery cough—you can actually get seen that day without paying a $300 "emergency fee" at a 24-hour hospital in Jackson or Ann Arbor.
When can you actually go?
The schedule is a bit specific, so don't just show up on a Tuesday afternoon and expect the lights to be on.
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- Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Half day!)
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Great for after-work rushes)
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM
If you show up at 11:15 AM on a Saturday, you’re probably pushing your luck. The staff there, including folks like Kristin, are working hard to balance a massive caseload, and they appreciate it when you don't roll in five minutes before the doors lock.
Why Do People Travel So Far?
It’s the price. Well, and the personality.
Let's talk money. Veterinary care has become insanely expensive lately. Private equity firms are buying up local clinics and hiking prices 30% overnight. Addison Veterinary Clinic remains one of the few places where you don't feel like you're being "upsold."
If your dog needs an amputation—and yeah, that’s a real scenario local clients have faced—Dr. Kelly is known for being blunt and honest. He'll give you an estimate that actually makes sense. He isn't going to sugarcoat the situation, but he isn't going to exploit your panic either.
"He tells you how it is in a caring, compassionate manner. You can tell he does it for the love of animals." - This is the general consensus from the locals.
He’s the kind of vet who handles timid German Shepherds with enough patience that they actually stop shaking. That kind of "vet whisperer" energy is rare. It's why someone from two hours away will burn half a tank of gas just for a checkup.
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Navigating the Challenges
It isn't all sunshine and tail wags. Because it's a small-town clinic with a huge reputation, the phone lines can be a nightmare to get through. If you're calling for a refill on flea meds or a copy of vaccination records for a groomer, give yourself a few days of lead time.
Also, keep in mind:
- Wait Times: As mentioned, walk-ins mean you're on "vet time." Bring a book.
- Payment: They do take CareCredit, which is a lifesaver if you're hit with an unexpected surgery bill.
- Specialization: While they handle "small animals" (dogs and cats mostly), they are a primary care facility. If your pet needs a board-certified veterinary oncologist or a complex neurological consult, they’ll likely stabilize your pet and refer you to a specialist like Michigan State University or a larger specialty center.
What Most People Get Wrong
There's a common misconception that "cheap" or "affordable" vets provide lower-quality care. In the case of this Addison vet, that's just wrong. The technology in the back is solid, and the medical decisions are based on experience rather than corporate quotas.
They also handle some tough stuff. We’re talking about everything from routine spays and neuters to emergency surgeries for pets that have had a run-in with a car or a farm implement. Being in a rural area like Addison, you see a lot. The staff is used to high-pressure situations.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head over to 6690 N Rollin Hwy, do yourself a favor and follow these steps to make it easier on everyone:
Call ahead to confirm hours. Even though the hours are generally set, emergencies happen, or staffing levels might change. A quick call to (517) 547-7581 can save you a wasted trip.
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Bring your records. If you're a new client, don't expect them to magically know your dog's history. Bring a paper copy of previous shots and any medications they're currently taking.
Leash and Carrier rule. This should go without saying, but it’s a busy lobby. Even if your cat is "chill," put them in a carrier. There will probably be a very stressed-out 100-pound dog three feet away from you.
Be patient with the "girls." The front desk staff at Addison Veterinary Clinic takes a lot of heat when the wait is long, but they're the ones keeping the engine running. A little kindness goes a long way when the lobby is full.
For those living in the Addison, Manitou Beach, or Devils Lake area, having a resource like this is a massive benefit. It’s a bit old-school, a bit crowded, and a whole lot of heart. If you can handle the wait, your wallet and your pet will probably thank you.
Next Steps for You:
Check your pet's vaccination tags right now. If they’re expiring within the next month, plan a morning to visit the clinic during their Monday or Wednesday walk-in windows to avoid the Saturday morning "zoo" atmosphere. If you have a complex medical history for your pet, call earlier in the week to see if you can drop off records ahead of your arrival so Dr. Kelly has time to review them.