Veterinarian in Des Moines, IA
For more than 25 years, Dr. Michael Forret proudly served Des Moines and surrounding communities through Highland Park Animal Hospital, building a practice rooted in compassion, trust, and high-quality veterinary care. In December 2025, the practice was thoughtfully transitioned to Dr. Lauren Larsen, and we are proud to continue operating as a privately owned, community-focused veterinary hospital.
Highland Park Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital committed to providing exceptional medical care by combining genuine compassion with modern diagnostics, treatment options, and technology. We believe regular, preventative care is key to helping pets live long, healthy lives, and we strive to keep our pricing fair and transparent so quality veterinary care remains accessible.
Our team—many of whom are Des Moines and Ames locals—values the close relationships we build with both pets and their people. Whether you’ve trusted us with your pet’s care for years or you’re visiting us for the first time, our goal is always the same: to make every visit comfortable, respectful, and centered on treating your pet like one of our own.
FAQs
FAQs
Learn what to expect at our animal hospital in Des Moines, IA.
Where is your hospital located?
We are located near the intersection of NW 6th Drive and Aurora Avenue in north Des Moines. Please visit our Contact Us page for a map and directions to our Hospital!
Send Us a MessageWhat are your office hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am-5:30 pm and Saturday from 8 am-12 pm (appointments on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month.
What services does your hospital provide?
We are a full-service animal hospital providing preventative services such as:
- wellness exams
- vaccinations
- deworming
- parasite testing and prevention
- flea and tick protection
- dental cleanings
- spay and neuter procedures
- and other surgeries
We offer on-site laboratory & radiology to provide diagnostic services for sick or injured pets. We have a full in house pharmacy as well as an online pharmacy offering convenient home delivery.
At this time we do not offer boarding or grooming services. We do not see exotic or pocket pets.
Learn MoreWhat should I do if I am experiencing an emergency?
As a single veterinarian practice, we are often not able to accommodate emergencies. Please call us immediately at 515-243-4665 so that we may best direct you to get help for your pet. If our doctor is unavailable to see your pet, our staff will direct you to the closest animal emergency facility.
If our office is closed and you are experiencing an emergency, please contact Bluepearl Pet Specialty Hospital at (515)727-4872, Iowa Veterinary Specialties at (515)280-3100, or ISU Small Animal Hospital at 1(515)294-4900. These facilities are staffed 24/7 and can best help your pet in the event of an emergency.
Learn MoreDo you accept walk-in appointments?
No, we see patients by appointment only. This allows us to give each patient the time and attention they deserve and allows us to keep wait times as short as possible for owners.
If we haven’t seen your pet before, you will be asked to fill out a new client form prior to your first appointment. We ask that you arrive 5-10 minutes early to do so, or visit our Online Forms page to fill out the form through our website prior to your appointment. If your pet has medical records at another hospital, please provide that hospital with our fax number so they can fax us those records. Our fax number is 515-244-6072.
If you have an upcoming appointment, please review our official statement regarding COVID-19.
Schedule NowWhat is your payment policy?
Payment is due at the time services are performed. We accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards. We also accept Care Credit. We do not offer in house payment plans, but do accept and recommend Scratchpay for individuals looking for short or long term payment plans.
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