Four Paws Animal Clinic Introduce
For pet owners across North Carolina, particularly in the vibrant Chapel Hill area, finding a veterinary clinic that truly understands and caters to the unique needs of their furry family members is paramount. It’s not just about medical expertise; it’s about a compassionate approach that prioritizes comfort, especially for pets who may experience anxiety during visits. Four Paws Animal Clinic in Chapel Hill stands out as a beloved local institution, renowned for its professional, friendly, and deeply caring team. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Four Paws Animal Clinic, helping local residents discover why this clinic is a trusted partner in their pets' health journeys.
Four Paws Animal Clinic is more than just a veterinary office; it's a place where pets are treated "as our own." With a focus on both dogs and cats, they are committed to providing the highest level of veterinary medicine alongside friendly, compassionate service. They understand that each pet is an individual with unique needs, and they go above and beyond to ensure a positive experience, especially for anxious animals. Their mission extends to building long-term relationships with clients, fostering trust through clear communication, and offering accessible support for all pet health concerns.
Led by Dr. Melanie A. Smith, a seasoned veterinarian with a passion for geriatric medicine and a graduate of North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, Four Paws Animal Clinic has been serving Chapel Hill families for over a decade. Their longevity in the community and the consistent positive feedback from satisfied clients speak volumes about their dedication to exceptional care. Whether it's a routine check-up, a complex treatment for conditions like heartworm, or simply a grooming appointment, Four Paws Animal Clinic strives to be the first stop for all your pet's needs in North Carolina.
Four Paws Animal Clinic is conveniently located at 1216 Raleigh Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA. This strategic address places them within the well-known Glenwood Square Shopping Center, making them easily accessible for pet owners throughout Chapel Hill and the surrounding communities, including Carrboro, Durham, and other parts of the North Carolina Triangle. Raleigh Road is a primary artery in the area, ensuring straightforward navigation to the clinic.
The clinic offers flexible hours to accommodate busy schedules: generally, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (though some sources indicate slightly different hours, such as 10 AM-5 PM on weekdays, it's best to confirm by phone) and Saturday mornings, with appointments preferred but drop-ins often welcome. Ample parking within the shopping center ensures a convenient arrival and departure experience. This easy accessibility, combined with a welcoming environment, makes Four Paws Animal Clinic a practical and stress-free choice for local pet owners seeking consistent and reliable veterinary care.
Four Paws Animal Clinic provides a comprehensive array of veterinary services for dogs and cats, focusing on preventive care, diagnostics, treatment, and overall wellness.
Wellness Exams & Preventive Care: Routine annual wellness exams are crucial for early detection of health problems. This includes customized vaccination schedules to protect against various diseases, and comprehensive parasite prevention programs for fleas, ticks, and heartworm. They also offer specialized care for puppies, kittens, and senior pets, including those with a primary interest in geriatric medicine like Dr. Smith.
Sick / Illness Exams: Expert diagnosis and treatment for common pet ailments such as vomiting, itching, lumps, limping, and other signs of illness. They are skilled at identifying the root cause of discomfort and providing effective solutions.
Diagnostic Testing: Equipped with in-house diagnostics and laboratory services for prompt and accurate results. This includes blood work, urinalysis, fecal testing (e.g., for issues like heartworm), and potentially imaging services like radiography to aid in diagnosing various conditions.
General Surgery: Performing a selection of routine general surgeries, including spaying, neutering, and mass removals. For more complex procedures, they may coordinate with specialty care hospitals within their network, ensuring pets receive appropriate care.
Preventive Pet Dental Care: Offering services from routine cleanings and polishing to tooth extractions, essential for maintaining oral health and preventing systemic diseases.
K-Laser Therapy: Providing advanced therapeutic laser treatment, also known as photobiomodulation. This non-invasive, drug-free therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation and speeds up the healing process for a variety of acute and chronic conditions.
Grooming and Bathing: Offering professional grooming services to keep pets looking and feeling their best, helping to prevent parasites and skin irritations while maintaining coat health.
Cat Boarding: Providing dedicated boarding services specifically for cats, offering a safe and comfortable environment for feline companions when owners are away.
Pet Supplies and Food: Stocking a variety of pet supplies, leashes, collars, treats, toys, and both prescription and non-prescription pet food, making it a convenient "one-stop shop" for daily pet needs.
End-of-Life Care: Providing compassionate medical assistance and emotional support during difficult times, ensuring a peaceful transition for pets and their families.
House Calls: As per some information, they offer house call services, providing added convenience for certain appointments or situations.
Four Paws Animal Clinic in Chapel Hill offers several key features and highlights that make it a highly regarded veterinary practice for local North Carolina pet owners.
Exceptional Care for Anxious Pets: A standout highlight is their remarkable ability to make anxious pets comfortable during appointments. The team, specifically Dr. Smith and Morgan (a staff member), are praised for doing an "amazing job" ensuring thorough exams even with very anxious dogs. This compassionate approach is invaluable for many pet owners.
Professional, Friendly, and Responsive Team: Clients consistently commend the entire staff for being "awesome," "very professional," and "friendly." The reception team and other staff members, like Morgan, are noted for always being available to help with questions or concerns between appointments, fostering a strong sense of support and gratitude from clients.
Comprehensive Healing and Wellness: The clinic demonstrates strong capabilities in treating complex and severe conditions. A customer review highlights a cat's journey from "bad spray wounds, ringworm, and then heartworm" to being "very healthy," showcasing their effectiveness in handling challenging medical cases.
Experienced Leadership: Dr. Melanie A. Smith, the owner and primary physician, is a seasoned professional with a specific interest in geriatric medicine, bringing a wealth of experience to the clinic. Her long-term relationships with clients and their pets are a testament to the consistent quality of care.
Wide Range of Services Under One Roof: Four Paws Animal Clinic offers a diverse suite of services, from routine wellness and diagnostics to surgery, K-Laser therapy, grooming, and even cat boarding. This "full-service" approach makes it a convenient "one-stop shop" for many pet care needs, simplifying the lives of busy pet owners.
Commitment to Pet Comfort and Care: The clinic's core philosophy of treating every pet "as our own" shines through in their interactions, ensuring that each animal receives loving attention and the best possible care, regardless of age or breed.
Community Trust and Longevity: Having been one of the "original businesses in Glenwood Square Shopping Center" and serving Chapel Hill families for over a decade, Four Paws Animal Clinic has built a strong reputation and deep trust within the local community.
To connect with Four Paws Animal Clinic in Chapel Hill, you can use the following details:
Address: 1216 Raleigh Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA
Phone: (919) 942-1788
Mobile Phone: +1 919-942-1788 (This is likely their primary contact number for scheduling appointments and inquiries).
For scheduling appointments, discussing your pet's specific needs, or any general inquiries, calling the clinic directly during their operating hours is recommended. Their friendly and responsive team is ready to provide assistance and ensure your pet receives excellent and compassionate care.
For pet owners in North Carolina, particularly in Chapel Hill and the wider Triangle region, Four Paws Animal Clinic stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for their pets' veterinary care. Its blend of professional expertise, comprehensive services, and a profoundly compassionate approach makes it an invaluable local resource.
Firstly, the clinic's remarkable ability to handle anxious pets with kindness and patience is a significant advantage for many North Carolina families. Knowing that their "very anxious" dog will still receive a "thorough exam" because Dr. Smith and Morgan "do an amazing job making her comfortable" provides immense peace of mind. This specialized attention to emotional well-being, alongside medical care, truly sets Four Paws Animal Clinic apart and fosters a positive association with vet visits.
Secondly, the breadth of services offered, from routine wellness checks and vaccinations to advanced treatments for complex conditions like heartworm, and even grooming and cat boarding, makes Four Paws Animal Clinic a true "one-stop shop" for pet care. This convenience is highly beneficial for busy local residents, simplifying the management of their pets' health needs and ensuring continuous, integrated care under one trusted roof. The ability to address diverse needs, as demonstrated by the successful treatment of a cat with multiple severe issues, highlights their comprehensive capabilities.
Finally, the long-standing presence of the clinic in the Chapel Hill community, coupled with consistent glowing reviews about the "professional, friendly" staff and the deep gratitude expressed by clients, solidifies its position as a reliable and cherished local veterinary partner. For North Carolinians who seek not just medical excellence but also genuine care and a welcoming environment for their beloved animal companions, Four Paws Animal Clinic is an outstanding choice that continually earns the loyalty and appreciation of its community.
Four Paws Animal Clinic Photos







Four Paws Animal Clinic Location
Four Paws Animal Clinic
1216 Raleigh Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA
Four Paws Animal Clinic Reviews
We have been taking our dog to Dr. Smith for 3 years now and are continually impressed with the care provided. Our girl is very anxious during her appointments, but Dr. Smith and Morgan do an amazing job making her comfortable and still getting a thorough exam done. Between appointments, Morgan and the reception team have always been available to help with questions or concerns. We are so grateful for this clinic!
Sep 23, 2024 · Kailey ShieldsThe staff is awesome! Very professional, friendly and etc.., I was really impressed. This will be my new groomers for my German Shepherd Pauley!
May 22, 2025 · Sharon RiggsbeeThey couldn’t have been more helpful and efficient with Taco, I was a little nervous about the vet bill but it was very reasonable..Taco would recommend Four Paws to anyone needing a no frills vet.And I’m not sure if this was an office kitty but he was probably the biggest cat I’ve ever seen
Sep 30, 2023 · d hearneAndy is the 4th dog I've had and taken to Dr. Smith at Four Paws. She and her staff are the best of the best! Plus there's Heather the groomer who is also excellent, making it even more convenient. It's a small practice and the people are very calming, which is so important to pets.
Feb 27, 2024 · Elizabeth PerryOur beloved chihuahua passed away a couple of years ago, and we have finally mended enough to get TWO more! I immediately took them to Four Paws after we adopted them because we had such a great experience with our first dog there. They remain the same professional and caring vet clinic that we remembered! Highly recommend!
May 21, 2025 · Karen Kent
More Vet Near Me

1217 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

1703 Legion Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA

1728 Fordham Blvd #161, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA

101 Two Hills Dr Suite 110, Carrboro, NC 27510, USA

112 W Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510, USA

1401 W North Carolina 54, Durham, NC 27707, USA

7015 NC-751, Durham, NC 27707, USA

50150 Governors Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA

8200 Renaissance Pkwy #1012, Durham, NC 27713, USA

104 NC-54 M, Carrboro, NC 27510, USA

735 W North Carolina 54, Durham, NC 27713, USA

110 Banks Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites





