By Brittany North - Boreal Community Media - September 24, 2025

Last month, Lake County Veterinary Clinic announced it would close its Grand Marais office on September 25th, ending more than two decades of service to the community. When the clinic closes, Cook County pet owners will have fewer local options for veterinary care, and some may have to travel for routine and urgent appointments. Lake County’s main clinic in Two Harbors will remain open.

For many, the closure of Lake County Veterinary Clinic represents not just the loss of a long-standing clinic but also a new challenge in securing timely and reliable veterinary care.

Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic in Grand Marais is and will remain the only full-time veterinary clinic in town. In addition to routine care, Cedar Grove offers urgent care appointments when doctors are available and shares its monthly urgent care availability on Facebook and website, giving pet owners a local option for unexpected health issues.

Dr. Samari of Cedar Grove expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the past eight years. He acknowledged the challenge of staying available without burning out — especially with three grandchildren under the age of five — and asked the community to be patient as Cedar Grove works to bring on more staff and relief veterinarians. “We’re taking new patients, and the form is available online,” he said, noting plans to bring in two full-time veterinarians and to bring a new graduate extern soon. He emphasized that he is not retiring but seeking a better work–life balance so he can continue caring for the many “wonderful clients who trust our team.”

Ely Veterinary Clinic has been another option in the past. However, Boreal Community Media contacted the clinic, who said they are no longer able to accept new clients who live in the Grand Marais/Cook County area for regular vet care, but can still help in an emergency situation or on weekends if needed. 

For emergencies and specialty care, community members may need to look beyond Cook County when a doctor isn’t available at Cedar Grove or when specialty care isn’t offered. Duluth is home to BluePearl Pet Hospital, which provides emergency services, though it is not open 24/7, and pet owners are advised to check hours before arriving. North Shore Veterinary Hospital in Duluth also offers urgent care and emergency appointments during its operating hours.

Local pet owners can also seek complementary care through Celestial Pathways in Grand Marais, which provides acupuncture, chiropractic, and other holistic treatments that support pets’ overall health. While not a substitute for emergency care, these services can play a valuable role in wellness and pain management.

As Cook County adjusts to this change, local pet owners are encouraged to plan ahead for routine care and know where to go in an emergency. The dedication of veterinarians like Dr. Samari and the staff at Cedar Grove, along with partners in Two Harbors, Duluth, and beyond, ensures that despite the challenges of distance and staffing, quality care is still within reach for the pets who are so central to North Shore life.