A locally owned pet urgent care has opened in Kaimuki, giving Oahu dog and cat owners a middle option between a regular vet and a costly emergency room visit — good news for pet owners facing long waits.

• The clinic handles problems that shouldn't wait but aren't life-threatening, like vomiting, diarrhea, itching, or suspected infections.
• Emergencies — a pet that can't breathe or won't respond — still belong at the emergency room.
• It was started by two Hawaii veterinarians who trained on the mainland, worked in emergency medicine, and came home after seeing the gap.
• It is open seven days a week from late morning to evening, and takes walk-ins as well as phone and online bookings.

Outlook: Expect more of these mid-level pet clinics as owners look for faster, cheaper care than emergency rooms offer.