What Veterinarians Are Open on Saturday in Fort Worth, TX
Many veterinarians in Fort Worth are open on Saturday, including Mellina Animal Hospital, which offers urgent and emergency care during business hours from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturdays. For after-hours emergencies, Mellina recommends Fort Worth Animal Emergency Hospital.
Veterinarians Open on Saturday in Fort Worth
If you're searching for what veterinarians are open on Saturday near Fort Worth, TX, you have several solid options. Weekend hours vary by clinic, so the fastest way to secure care is to call ahead and confirm availability. Here's how to find a Saturday vet that fits your pet's needs.
- Start with clinics that list Saturday hours. Many Fort Worth animal hospitals, including Mellina Animal Hospital at 2928 W 6th St, open on Saturday mornings. We're open from 8 AM to 12 PM and accept walk-ins, though scheduling an appointment ensures less wait time.
- Call to confirm same-day availability. Saturday schedules fill quickly. A quick phone call to (817) 332-8179 lets you know if the vet can see your pet that day and what to bring.
- Check if urgent care is offered. For issues that can't wait until Monday but aren't life-threatening—like vomiting, minor injuries, or skin infections—Mellina Animal Hospital provides urgent and emergency care during our business hours, including Saturday mornings.
- Know your after-hours backup. If your pet needs care after our Saturday noon close or on Sunday, Mellina recommends Fort Worth Animal Emergency Hospital. Keep their contact info saved in your phone.
- Consider nearby neighborhoods. If you're in Arlington, Haltom City, Richland Hills, White Settlement, River Oaks, Westworth Village, or Saginaw, you're within a short drive of Fort Worth's Saturday vet options. Call ahead to verify hours, as some clinics rotate weekend staffing.
For routine wellness exams, vaccinations, or heartworm treatments, a Saturday morning visit works well. For true emergencies when no regular clinic is open, head to a 24-hour emergency facility. If you're comparing your options, see our guide to choosing a vet in Haltom City for more details on what to look for.
24-Hour Emergency Vets Open on Saturday
When your pet has a serious emergency on a Saturday—like difficulty breathing, seizures, or major trauma—you need a 24-hour veterinary hospital. Most regular clinics, including Mellina Animal Hospital, are not open 24/7. We provide urgent care during our business hours (Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–5:30 PM, Sat 8 AM–12 PM), but for overnight or Sunday emergencies, we recommend Fort Worth Animal Emergency Hospital.
A good fit if…
- Your pet's condition is life-threatening and cannot wait until Monday.
- It's after hours or Sunday when your regular vet is closed.
- You need advanced diagnostics like CT scans, overnight monitoring, or intensive care.
Consider another option if…
- The issue is non-urgent—like a routine checkup or vaccine—and can wait for a regular Saturday appointment.
- You're looking for lower-cost care; emergency hospitals typically charge more for after-hours services.
- Your pet needs follow-up care that your regular vet can provide during weekday hours.
To decide, call the emergency hospital first. Describe your pet's symptoms and ask if they recommend coming in immediately or if you can wait for your regular vet's Saturday hours. For more on recognizing emergencies, read when to see a veterinarian immediately.
Common Veterinary Abbreviations Explained
When you read your pet's medical record or a vet's notes, you might see abbreviations like BG, FB, bar, or PRN. Here's what they mean:
BG stands for blood glucose, a measure of sugar in the blood, often checked in diabetic pets. FB typically means foreign body, like a swallowed toy or bone that may require surgery. BAR is a shorthand for bright, alert, and responsive—a positive sign meaning your pet appears healthy and aware. PRN comes from the Latin pro re nata, meaning as needed; it's used for medications given only when symptoms occur.
Understanding these terms helps you ask better questions during your vet visit. If you ever see an abbreviation you don't recognize, ask your veterinarian—we're happy to explain. For a deeper look at what happens during a wellness exam, see what a full wellness exam includes.
Understanding Veterinary Credentials: DVM vs. Veterinarian
A DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) is a veterinarian who has completed a four-year doctoral program at an accredited veterinary school. The terms are essentially interchangeable—every DVM is a veterinarian, and most practicing veterinarians hold a DVM degree (or a VMD, which is the same degree from certain universities).
When you see 'DVM' after a vet's name, it confirms they've met the educational and licensing requirements to practice veterinary medicine. In Texas, veterinarians must also be licensed by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners (verify their license here). For more on how vets differ from animal hospitals, check our comparison of veterinarian vs. animal hospital.
Are Vets Open on Saturdays? Typical Weekend Hours
Yes, many veterinary clinics are open on Saturdays, but hours vary widely. Some open early (8 AM) and close by noon, while others stay open until 6 PM or later. Sunday hours are less common—many clinics are closed entirely, and those that open often have limited hours.
In Fort Worth, you'll find Saturday options like Mellina Animal Hospital (8 AM–12 PM) and various emergency hospitals that operate 24/7. The key is to call ahead and confirm, especially if you need urgent care. For a list of vets in nearby areas, see top vets in Haltom City or emergency vets in Richland Hills.
Services Available at Saturday Vet Clinics
Saturday vet clinics typically offer a range of services, but not all are available at every location. Here's what to expect:
- Wellness exams—annual checkups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention are common Saturday offerings.
- Urgent care—many clinics, including Mellina Animal Hospital, handle non-life-threatening emergencies during Saturday hours.
- Diagnostics—blood work, X-rays, and ultrasound may be available, but some clinics refer to specialty centers for advanced imaging.
- Dental cleanings—often scheduled on Saturdays, but may require a prior consultation.
- Heartworm treatments—some clinics provide this on Saturdays; Mellina offers heartworm treatment, and we also have a free heartworm treatment program for eligible pets.
- Surgery—routine procedures like spay/neuter are sometimes done on Saturdays, but emergency surgery may be referred to a 24-hour hospital.
To decide if a Saturday clinic meets your needs, call ahead and ask if they offer the specific service your pet requires. For cost guidance, see typical vet visit costs.
For details on services and visits, see the main page about veterinarian fort worth.
Also asked as
- Which vet clinics are open on Saturday near me?
- Are there any veterinarians open on weekends in Fort Worth?
- What animal hospitals have Saturday hours in Fort Worth TX?
Frequently asked questions
Do vets work on weekends?
Yes, many veterinarians work on Saturdays, but Sunday hours are less common. Saturday hours typically range from 8 AM to noon or later, depending on the clinic. Mellina Animal Hospital is open Saturdays from 8 AM to 12 PM, and we recommend Fort Worth Animal Emergency Hospital for after-hours or Sunday emergencies.
What is a DVM vs. veterinarian?
A DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) is a degree, and a veterinarian is the professional who holds that degree. They are essentially the same—every DVM is a veterinarian, and most practicing vets have a DVM or VMD. The title indicates the vet has completed accredited training and passed licensing exams.
Is there a pet hospital in Austin?
Yes, Austin has many pet hospitals and veterinary clinics. However, this page focuses on Fort Worth, TX. If you're in the Fort Worth area and need Saturday care, Mellina Animal Hospital is available from 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturdays. For after-hours emergencies, contact Fort Worth Animal Emergency Hospital.
What is the big 4 in veterinary medicine?
The 'Big 4' refers to the four major veterinary specialties: internal medicine, surgery, emergency and critical care, and radiology. These are board-certified specialties that require additional training beyond a DVM. Most general practice vets, like those at Mellina Animal Hospital, provide primary care and refer to specialists when needed.
Which is harder, MD or DVM?
Both medical and veterinary programs are rigorous and demanding. Veterinary school is often considered more challenging to get into due to fewer seats, and the curriculum covers multiple species. Ultimately, 'harder' depends on individual strengths and interests. Both require years of study, clinical rotations, and licensing exams.