We see patients primarily on a referral basis. While you may self-refer, we strongly encourage you to include your primary veterinarian in this decision so that all members of your pet’s team are informed and involved as we move forward. Information describing the referral process for clients and referring veterinarians is outlined below.

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253-983-1114

       2505 S 80th St, Tacoma, WA     

What we do:
Most of our patients are referred by their primary care veterinarian when specialized expertise for a particular condition or problem is indicated.  Depending on the nature of the problem, your pet’s case may only require input from a boarded specialist a few times, or you may become a longer term client.  We make every effort to maintain communication with your family veterinarian.  For ongoing care, we often work closely with your primary veterinarian to ensure continuity of care for your pet.

Our mission:
We strive to create a collaborative environment in which every member of your pet’s health team, including your family veterinarian, may work together to provide optimal and comprehensive state of the art care.  We are committed to providing compassionate and empathetic support for our patients’ families as they pursue a better quality of life for the animals in their lives.  Each member of our team derives personal satisfaction from the relationships we create with our patients and their families, for as long as we are needed.

What to expect:
Initial consultations are typically between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on the service and the individual case.  We make every effort to review your pet’s prior medical history, when available, before your appointment.  During the initial consultation, the doctor will clarify any history needed, examine your pet, and discuss recommendations and options thoroughly.  Our goal is to give you the information you need to make appropriate decisions for your family.

If diagnostics or procedures are indicated, we may be able to perform them the same day, or may schedule a return visit.  If your pet is in need of hospitalized support, we can provide that as well.  Prior to any diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, an estimate of costs will be provided.

Emergency appointments are available for patients with urgent medical conditions.  Every effort is made to schedule emergencies directly with the appropriate specialty service, but in some cases admission and initial management is in our critical care unit under supervision of critical care and emergency doctors.  All of our doctors are highly skilled and able to provide diagnostic and supportive care, and internal consultations with appropriate specialists are facilitated.  You may not be able to immediately speak with a particular specialist directly, but your pet will be fully cared for in the interim.

Prepare for your first visit (non-emergencies):

 1. Fasting:

  • Unless your pet is diabetic, we request that he/she be fasted on the day of the initial consultation appointment.  Please pick up your pet’s available food by midnight of the night before your appointment.  Your pet should be allowed access to water until you leave for the appointment.  Morning medications should be administered as prescribed.  If you have specific questions about medications, please ask our specialty service technicians.  When pets are fasted, we may be able to proceed with recommended additional diagnostics or sedated procedures on the day of your initial appointment.
  • If your pet is diabetic, please feed and administer insulin as you would normally unless otherwise instructed by the specialty service.

 

2. Medications:

  •  Please take a few moments prior to your scheduled appointment to list all of your pet’s current medications, including drug name, strength of tablet (or liquid), dose and frequency.  We will want to know when the most recent dose of each was administered.  For chronic problems or pain management, any medications that were tried in the past but considered ineffective are also helpful to know.  You are welcome to bring the actual medications if you wish.  Finally, if your pet has ever had an adverse reaction to a drug we would like this information as well.


3. Paperwork:

  •  Client information and patient history forms need to be completed prior to your pet’s appointment time. You may fill these out in advance and fax or email to the office. If you bring completed forms from home or wish to fill them out in the office on the day of your visit, please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to your pet’s scheduled appointment time.
  • If your family members have multiple last names, please list your pet under the last name he/she is listed under at your referring veterinarian’s office. This makes communication with your referring doctor’s office much more efficient.