Patient Information

What to Do In An Emergency

If you know what you can expect at our emergency veterinary clinic, the process will be easier for both you and your pet. Here are the steps you should follow:

Our Pet Care Philosophy

When emergency medical care is required, we act as an extension of your primary care veterinarian. We are committed to working closely with your family veterinarian and our network of specialists to provide the best course of treatment for your pet. 

As leaders in emergency veterinary medicine, we're committed to delivering around-the-clock service. and we're proud of our compassionate, collaborative, and trustworthy approach to veterinary care. We serve the areas of Tumwater, Dupont, Tacoma, South Puget Sound, and surrounding communities.

FAQs

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions we've received about our emergency veterinary care services and office policies. 

• Do I need to call ahead?

  It is always best to contact us in advance if you can, but we understand that in emergencies that's not always possible. 

  If the situation does not allow time for you to call, please do not hesitate to bring your pet to our clinic for immediate attention.

• What types of payment options are available? 

  Payment is due in full at the time services are provided or upon discharge of your pet. We accept payment via check, cash, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express. 

• Are there payment plans available for my pet's care? 

  We are proud to offer CareCredit and Scratchpay as a financing options. They offer an easy application process that will send you results in minutes.

  Apply for CareCredit Financing
  Apply for Scratchpay

• When is your clinic open?

  We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. We're open on evenings, weekends, and major holidays.

  If you are experiencing an emergency and your primary care veterinarian is not available call us right away. 

• What is considered an emergency?

  If your pet is experiencing any symptoms or behaviors that you are concerned about, come to our office right away. Contact us in advance if you can.

  The following are examples of emergencies that require immediate care:

  • Heat stress or heatstroke
  • Injuries to the eye(s)
  • Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
  • Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
  • Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea; more than two episodes in 24-hours
  • Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
  • Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
  • Seizures and/or staggering
  • You know or suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
  • Fractured bones, severe lameness, or inability to move leg(s)
  • Unconsciousness
• What types of animals do you treat?

  Our emergency veterinarians are most experienced with cats and dogs.

• How long will we have to wait to see the vet?

  A veterinary emergency hospital is just like a human emergency department—it can be unpredictable and you may have to wait. 

  We cannot predict what cases we will see and when they will arrive, but we will prioritize cases based on their medical needs.

  We provide a comfortable area for waiting and we will do our best to keep you updated about wait times and the status of your pet. 

• What happens if my pet needs to stay at the hospital?

  You may come and visit your pet while they are in the hospital and we will provide you with updates about their status and care.

  While in our care, our dedicated team will treat your pet as if they were our own. 

• Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?

  Yes, we coordinate with your family veterinary clinic to update your pet’s medical history and files to ensure seamless, integrated care.