Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin: Dedicated Pet Care in Raleigh, NC

Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin Introduce

For pet owners throughout Raleigh, North Carolina, and its vibrant surrounding communities, finding a veterinary practice that genuinely feels like an extension of their family is invaluable. Our animal companions are not just pets; they are cherished members of our households, deserving of the highest standard of care and compassion. Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin, a name deeply embedded in the Raleigh pet care landscape since 1988, embodies this philosophy, striving to be a lifelong partner in your pet's health journey. With a reputation built on years of dedicated service, they aim to provide comprehensive care that supports your pets from their playful puppy or kitten days through their golden years, and even during the most difficult goodbyes.

Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin is committed to offering a blend of professional medical expertise and heartfelt empathy. They understand that a pet's health can be unpredictable, and they strive to be there every step of the way, whether for routine check-ups, unexpected emergencies, or managing chronic conditions. While customer experiences can vary, as reflected in varied online feedback, the hospital’s long-standing presence and dedication to a wide array of services speak to their significant role in the local pet community. This article will delve into the specifics that make Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin a notable choice for pet care in the Raleigh area, covering its accessible location, the extensive range of services it offers, significant features highlighted by their clientele, and why it remains a relevant option for local North Carolina residents.

Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin is conveniently located at 1216 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608, USA. This central Raleigh address places it within easy reach for residents across the city and surrounding Wake County. Oberlin Road is a well-established route, making the hospital straightforward to find and navigate to, which is particularly important when time is of the essence during a pet emergency or when managing a pet's discomfort. The hospital aims to provide same-day sick pet appointments, highlighting their commitment to accessible and timely care, understanding that when a pet is ill, waiting is not an option.

The hospital maintains extensive hours to accommodate diverse schedules. Their Customer Care Hours are Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Doctor's Hours are typically Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with Urgent Care Hours on Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM. This wide range of availability, including weekend and later weekday hours for customer service, demonstrates their dedication to being available for pet owners' needs.

Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin offers a comprehensive array of veterinary services designed to address the diverse health and wellness needs of small animals, specifically dogs and cats, at every stage of life. Their all-encompassing approach aims to provide continuity of care, reducing the need for multiple visits to different facilities. Their extensive services include:

Wellness & Preventative Care: This cornerstone of their practice includes routine comprehensive physical examinations, customized vaccination protocols based on a pet's age, medical history, and lifestyle, and effective parasite prevention programs (including heartworm, flea, and tick control).
Diagnostic Medicine: Utilizing an in-house laboratory for speedy diagnoses, along with advanced diagnostic imaging tools such as digital radiology (X-rays), ultrasound, and even specialized equipment like Vimago HDVI (similar to a CT scan). They also offer endoscopy for internal examinations and allergy testing.
Medical Treatment: Expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses, ensuring pets receive appropriate and timely medical interventions.
Surgical Services: A full spectrum of surgical procedures, from routine spays and neuters to more complex soft tissue surgeries, including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries (MILS) that often result in faster recovery times and reduced discomfort.
Dental Care: Comprehensive dental services, including professional cleanings, polishing, and extractions, vital for maintaining oral hygiene and preventing systemic health issues.
Pain Management: Customized and compassionate pain protocols, including laser therapy for conditions like arthritis and post-operative pain control, to enhance comfort and quality of life.
Senior Care: Specialized protocols and procedures to help senior pets age gracefully, healthily, and comfortably, addressing age-related conditions.
Puppy & Kitten Care: Partnering with new pet parents to provide essential initial care, vaccinations, and comprehensive information for new family members.
Emergency & Urgent Care: Equipped to manage emergency and urgent care needs during their office hours, including same-day injury appointments.
Behavioral Services: Assistance with addressing and managing various behavioral concerns to foster a harmonious relationship between pets and their owners.
Microchipping: A vital service for pet identification, increasing the likelihood of reunion if a pet gets lost.
Grooming & Boarding: Convenient additional services that offer bathing, grooming, and comfortable boarding cottages, providing a comprehensive approach to pet well-being.
Palliative Care & End-of-Life Support: Providing compassionate care focused on enhancing the quality of life and managing symptoms for pets in their final stages, along with sensitive bereavement support for families, including help with cremation services.

Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin possesses several key features and highlights that contribute to its standing in the Raleigh community. Many long-term clients consistently praise the profound level of care and genuine affection shown to their pets. One heartfelt review states, "They have been with us every step of the way thru well care, routine care, emergency visits, surgeries, chronic problems from the day they arrived to the day they crossed the rainbow bridge. They have loved all our pups... They genuinely do everything they can to help keep your pets happy and healthy for the best life possible. Dr. Wages, Bianca and Val have gone above and beyond too many times to count." This testimonial highlights a deep, enduring relationship built on trust and a commitment to comprehensive, lifelong care, including sensitive handling of end-of-life moments.

Furthermore, Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin is noted for its advanced diagnostic capabilities, including in-house lab services, digital radiology, ultrasound, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. They are a privately owned small business, emphasizing a vision of "caring… every client, every patient, every time." The practice also fosters clinical excellence through internal collaboration, with doctors meeting twice weekly for rounds to discuss complicated cases, drawing on a panel of veterinarians to solve "mystery cases" and staying at the forefront of medical advancements.

While some clients have shared concerns regarding diagnostic experiences for more complex or elusive conditions, or initial misdiagnoses that led to long-term consequences such as affecting pet insurance, it's important to acknowledge that diagnostic challenges can arise in veterinary medicine, and multiple perspectives are sometimes needed. The vast majority of positive feedback consistently praises the staff's kindness, patience, and the emotional support provided during difficult times. The availability of same-day sick appointments, combined with a focus on comprehensive care that includes everything from wellness to boarding and rehabilitation, makes them a multifaceted resource for local pet owners.

Long-Standing Community Presence: Serving Raleigh pets and families since 1988, building trust over decades.
Highly Compassionate Staff: Repeatedly praised for their genuine love for animals and empathetic support, particularly during end-of-life care.
Comprehensive Life-Stage Care: From puppy/kitten care to senior wellness and palliative services, supporting pets throughout their entire lives.
Advanced Diagnostic and Surgical Capabilities: Equipped with in-house lab, digital imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, Vimago HDVI), and offering minimally invasive surgeries.
Dedicated and Collaborative Veterinary Team: Doctors participate in regular rounds to discuss complex cases, promoting collective expertise.
Wide Range of Services: Includes wellness, urgent care, dentistry, pain management, boarding, grooming, and behavioral counseling.
Accessibility and Convenience: Offers same-day sick appointments and extensive customer care hours, including weekends.

For appointments, inquiries, or any concerns regarding your pet's health, please contact Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin using the information below:

Address: 1216 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608, USA

Phone: (919) 832-3107

Mobile Phone: +1 919-832-3107

Website:

www.carefirstanimalhospital.com/locations/oberlin-location/

In conclusion, for pet owners across Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding communities, Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin remains a deeply rooted and comprehensive option for veterinary care. Its accessible location, extensive range of services covering everything from routine preventative medicine and advanced diagnostics to surgery, boarding, and compassionate end-of-life support, positions it as a versatile resource for all pet needs. While some individual experiences may highlight diagnostic challenges, the overwhelming positive feedback emphasizes the enduring commitment of Dr. Wages, Bianca, Val, and the entire team to treating pets like family, providing profound emotional support, and striving for the best possible health outcomes. For locals seeking a veterinary partner with a long history of care, a wide array of services, and a genuine love for animals, Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin continues to be a significant and highly recommended choice in the Raleigh pet community.

Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin Services

Pet Groomer
Cat bathing
Dog grooming
Dog nail trimming
Dog tooth brushing

Pet Sitter
Cat boarding
Cat sitting (in-home)
Dog boarding
Dog boarding with training
Dog day care
Dog sitting (in-home)
Dog training
Other pet boarding
Other pet grooming
Other pet sitting (in-home)

Veterinarian
Exotic animals
24 Hour Emergency
Additional Animal Care
Allergy Testing
Animal Center
Animal Emergency
Animal Hospital
Animal Rescue
Blood Panels
Blood Work
Cancer Therapy
Cat Rescue
Check-Ups
Community Service
Curbside Service
Dental Health
Dental X-Ray
Diagnostic Medicine
Diagnostic Testing
Diet Plan
Digital X- Rays
Dog & Cat Boarding
Looking for a reliable, comfortable and affordable pet boarding in the Triangle area? You’ve come to the right place! Below, you’ll find the many benefits of choosing Care First Animal Hospital for your dog or cat boarding needs.
Dog Training
From puppies to “old dogs,” our classes can help. Classes start at 8 weeks of age, noting that a dog’s socialization window starts at birth and continues through 6 months. The sooner your puppy gets started on the right track, the more successful your training will be. Our classes are offered on a rolling-enrollment system, so you can start at any time.
Dog's Health
Doggie Day Camp
Emergency Care
Medical emergencies can be scary for you and your pet. At Care First Animal Hospital, it is our priority to offer quality medical services, and we do so into the evening hours, so we can be here when you need us most. That’s why we offer emergency and sick pet care in Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas evenings and weekends.
Emergency Surgeries
Emergency Vet Services
End Of Life Care
End of Life Care For Pets
Through preventive health programs and general pet health services, the team at Care First Animal Hospital does whatever we can to help your pet live a long, healthy life. That said, there comes a time when medical treatments may not always be the best option, and our end of life care is in the best interest of your pet.
Family Pet
Fecal Exam
Fecal Testing
Geriatric Medicine
Health Exams
Health Programs
Health Stay
Home Consultation
In-House Lab
In-House Laboratory
Lab Work
Laser Therapy
Minimally Invasive Surgeries
Orthopedic Surgery
Overnight Care
Patient Care
Pet Adoption
Pet Care Center
Pet Classes
Pet Emergency Services
Pet Grooming
Here at Care First, we offer the Triangle’s best grooming services. Our Raleigh and Cary groomers will take the time to get to know your pet, making sure that he or she is comfortable and happy throughout the grooming process. As a veterinary clinic, our primary concern is the health and well-being of your furry friend, so you can rest assured that they will be in the most-qualified hands when you choose Care First.
Pet Healthy
Pet Identification
According to the American Humane Association, one in three pets will become lost in their lifetime, and only about 2% of lost cats and 17% of lost dogs find their way back to their owner. The best way to avoid this happening to your pet is to have pet identification provided by Care First Animal Hospital. We not only offer pet ID tags in Raleigh, NC and throughout the Triangle but pet microchipping, as well. In addition to pet ID tags with your current contact information, pet microchipping is an effective way to identify your animal and have it returned to you if it wanders too far from home. The microchip is about the size of a large grain of rice and works due to its passive radio frequency identification technology. Inserted in your pet, the procedure only takes seconds and lasts for the lifetime of your pet. Once your Raleigh cat or dog microchip has been inserted, your pet’s ID will be stored in a national database.
Pet Immunization
Pet Medication
Pet Microchipping
Pet Rehabilitation
Pet Surgery
Pet's Health
Physical Exams
Physical Therapy
Preventive Health
Preventive Medication
Primary Veterinary Care
Puppy Classes
Rehab Physical Therapy
Rehab Services
Same-Day Appointments
Sick Pet Appointments
Sick Pet Services
The talented and nurturing veterinarians at Care First Animal Hospital are passionate about providing exceptional care for your pet, whether your furry friend is in perfect health or feeling a little under the weather. Our services are quick, yet thorough so that you can spend less time worrying about underlying causes of your pet’s ailment and more time focusing on recovery. We’re proud to possess an in-house laboratory for a quick turnaround time on services such as fecal testing and blood work for all patients.
Sick Pet Visits
Skin Issues
Soft Tissue Surgery
Spa And Grooming
Spaying And Neutering
Surgical Care
Therapy Massage
Therapy Treatments
Ultrasound Technology
Urgent Care
Vaccines And Parasite Treatment
Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary Practice
Veterinary Rehab
When your pet’s illness requires rehabilitation, we strongly recommend Peak Pet Performance, which is located in our Glenwood Ave. facility. Peak Pet Performance has the equipment, skills and genuine care to take care of your pet. Rehabilitation helps a wide variety of pets. Whether your pet has orthopedic, neurologic, or weight issues, or may be an athlete looking to increase their mobility, Peak Pet Performance can help. All patients at Peak Pet Performance will receive an individualized treatment plan that will be detailed before your pet starts in their facility.
Veterinary Rehabilitation
Veterinary Surgery
Our passion at Care First Animal Hospital is to provide exceptional surgical care for your pet. No matter what kind of surgery your pet needs, we have the solution for you at one of our three convenient locations inside of the Triangle.
Virtual Consultation
Watering Plants

Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Amenities
Toilet

Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly

Planning
Appointment required
Appointments recommended

Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin Photos

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Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin Location

Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin

North Carolina Wake County Raleigh Oberlin Road

1216 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608, USA

Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 653 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Wouldn’t dream of letting anyone else take care of my pups. They have been with us every step of the way thru well care, routine care, emergency visits, surgeries, chronic problems from the day they arrived to the day they crossed the rainbow bridge. They have loved all our pups, Jack, Blue, Salt, Sarge, Hank and Fin. They genuinely do everything they can to help keep your pets happy and healthy for the best life possible. Dr. Wages, Bianca and Val have gone above and beyond too many times to count.
July 01 · Kristin Kash
This is an honest review. First of all, the staff are nice—but my main issue is that they seem fine as long as your pet is healthy. The moment something goes wrong, they struggle to diagnose it.For example, my cat was coughing badly, so I took her to the emergency vet. It was obviously very expensive, but they couldn’t find anything wrong and sent her home. When she started coughing again, I recorded a video and brought her back (again through emergency, because I was really worried). This time, after seeing the video, they prescribed antibiotics—and she got better.Another time, I saw clear signs of tapeworms and brought her in. They did a fecal test and told me everything was fine. I had to insist, saying I could literally see the worms. Only then did they give me medication.The most upsetting experience was when they told me my other cat had a heart murmur. It really stressed me out, and I got pet insurance after that. But something felt off, so I took him to two other vets—and both said they couldn’t detect any murmur. Unfortunately, because of that first diagnosis, the heart murmur is now listed as a pre-existing condition on his insurance. That misdiagnosis created unnecessary anxiety and long-term consequences.So yes, they’re polite and pleasant when things are routine—but I’ve had three out of three concerning experiences when something actually went wrong. That’s not a track record that inspires trust.
May 31 · Nilou Yaar
We have been bringing our pets (and there have been A LOT of them) to Care First at Oberlin for 20+ years, and specifically to Dr. Wages. While Dr. Wages is still our go-to vet, Care First has employed a number of talented young vets and technicians to cover the work load. No matter who sees your pet, they will always get competent and compassionate care. The entire facility is really pet friendly and we especially appreciate the openness of the waiting area so anxious pets aren’t all crammed together. Likewise, the boarding unit is clean, spacious and well managed. An additional benefit of going to Care First is that they offer very customer friendly hours for picking up medications or dropping off/picking up pets.
June 04 · Alicesfarm
Dr. Wages has taken such great care of our pets, especially Snickers our almost 14 year old dachshund. She helped heal her leg and now manage her pancreatitis. Teeth are next! Glad we found such a great veterinarian.
April 18 · Dr. Scott Hewett
We have been taking our dog to Care First Oberlin since we adopted her 7 years ago. This is a first rate veterinary facility. They take such good care of her and address all concerns at each check-up. Communication from the vet is above and beyond- all results were reviewed quickly and a note sent via email. In addition, the vet called me to review the last result (which was normal) and to make sure all my questions were answered. So impressed!
June 17 · Kimberly Erickson