Dr. Kelly’s Opens Flagstaff Clinic as Pet Care Costs Rise

For many Northern Arizona families, getting a pet the care it needs can come down to two hard questions: How far do we have to drive and what will it cost?

Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit opened a Flagstaff clinic in October 2025 to help answer both. Located at 3502 E. Route 66, the clinic focuses on common outpatient procedures, preventive care and upfront pricing for pet owners who might otherwise delay treatment because of cost or uncertainty.

The goal is not to replace a pet’s regular veterinarian, company leaders say, but to give families another option when an animal needs care and the cost feels out of reach.

“Veterinary care has become too expensive for too many families,” said Doug Patriquin, co-founder of Dr. Kelly’s. “People are making difficult decisions every day. When a pet suddenly needs surgery, they need a practical option before cost forces them to wait, surrender a pet or make a heartbreaking choice.”

The Flagstaff clinic serves pet owners in Flagstaff and across Northern Arizona, where affordable veterinary options can be limited and even routine procedures may require planning around distance, cost and availability. In a region where communities are spread across hundreds of miles, the price of care is often only part of the burden. Time off work, fuel, transportation and uncertainty about pricing can all influence whether a pet receives timely treatment.

The challenge reflects a broader national trend. A PetSmart Charities-Gallup study found that 52% of U.S. pet owners have skipped or declined needed veterinary care, with 71% citing cost as a factor. Vetsource reported that veterinary patient visits declined 3.1% in 2025, while wellness visits dropped 3.8%, showing continued strain on pet owners and veterinary practices.

For Dr. Kelly’s, the Flagstaff location is part of a model built around outpatient surgeries and preventive services that can be scheduled efficiently and priced clearly. Since its founding in 2016, the company has completed more than 250,000 surgeries and has served pet owners, rescue organizations and families across Arizona.

“People in Northern Arizona have been asking us to come closer,” Patriquin said. “We have seen pet owners travel hours because they could not afford the same procedure elsewhere. Opening in Flagstaff means more families can get care without leaving the region.”

The clinic offers spay and neuter surgeries, dental cleanings and extractions, mass removals, vaccinations, microchipping and select outpatient surgical procedures. Clients can book appointments online, review pricing and read pre-surgical instructions before arriving.

That clarity is central to the company’s approach. Pet owners can review services and pricing before making an appointment, rather than waiting for an estimate after a consultation.

Dr. Kelly Patriquin, co-founder and lead veterinarian, said the clinic is designed for families who know their pet needs care but are worried about what it will cost.

“We are here for families who need a straightforward path to common surgeries and preventive services,” she said. “Clear pricing matters. When people understand the cost before they walk in, they can make decisions sooner and with less fear.”

For rescue organizations, predictable access to procedures such as spay and neuter surgeries, dental care and mass removals can help with planning and placement. For individual pet owners, timely care can keep manageable conditions from becoming more serious.

“When care is confusing or unaffordable, people wait,” said Dr. Patriquin. “The longer they wait, the worse the problem can become. We want to make it easier for pet owners to say yes to the care their animals need.”

At a time when veterinary costs are causing some pet owners to postpone care, the Flagstaff clinic offers a more predictable path for families trying to act before a manageable problem becomes a crisis. FBN

By Michelle Talsma Everson

For more information, visit drkellysvet.com/flagstaff-clinic. 

Michelle Talsma Everson is a freelance writer working with Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit.

Courtesy Photo: Vet technician Kat Gleason is a member of the team treating pets at the Flagstaff clinic.