Pacific Northwest Pet Emergency & Specialty Center (PACWVETS)

If your pet is experiencing an emergency, please enter the lobby and check in with the front desk. Please note that payment is due at the time of service. If you have pet insurance, please provide a team member with this information.

If you are concerned that your pet may be exhibiting symptoms that may indicate a communicable disease (kennel cough, parvovirus, upper respiratory infections in cats, etc.). please park in a numbered parking spot and call (360) 635-5302. Our staff will help you complete the check in process.

If you have a young pet who has not been fully vaccinated, please let our staff know.

Please bring your cat in a carrier. If you do not have a carrier, please notify our staff and we can provide a cardboard carrier for you.

Patients will be seen based on priority: those needing immediate, lifesaving care (e.g., respiratory distress) will be treated first, followed by stable patients needing urgent care (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea), and then those with less urgent conditions (e.g., ear infections). There may be delays for stable patients, so please keep us informed if your pet’s condition worsens.

A triage team member will assess your pet’s symptoms with you in the lobby. Afterward your pet will be taken to the treatment area for a vitals assessment. This typically takes 10-15 minutes but may be longer if other emergencies arise. Though you can’t accompany your pet during this process, it helps us work efficiently. If your pet has a history of stress at the vet, inform the triage team member so we can ensure their comfort.

After the assessment, an ER team member will update you. If a veterinarian isn't immediately available, your pet may be returned to you to wait. Wait times can vary due to the unpredictable nature of emergencies. We’ll check in with you and your pet hourly. If your pet’s condition worsens, inform the front desk immediately.

Please stay in the lobby during the triage process. Leaving before signing a care estimate could delay your pet’s care. If you need to leave, notify the front desk.

1. When a veterinarian is available, your pet will be taken to the treatment area for an exam. After the exam is completed, a veterinarian will discuss care options with you.

2. After discussing care options, the veterinarian will provide a written estimate.

3. A team member will review this estimate with you. If you agree to the treatment plan, you will be required to leave the high end of the estimate.

4. Once the deposit is made, you may leave the hospital while diagnostics and treatments are completed. Do not leave before this step, as it could delay your pet’s care. If you must leave earlier, notify the front desk. It’s crucial to remain reachable by phone to avoid delays in your pet’s treatment.

Your pet’s veterinarian will discuss any diagnostic results with you once all diagnostics are completed. Please note, some diagnostic result time frames may vary depending on your pet’s treatment plan. Based on the results, an adjusted treatment plan and estimate may be provided.

Visits with your hospitalized pet may be arranged at the veterinarian’s discretion but could be limited to avoid interfering with treatments. Strict visiting times may apply.

Please refrain from leaving any personal objects or items with your pet during their stay.

Hospitalization Expectations >

We’ll contact you to schedule discharge when your pet is ready to go home. Discharges may not be available during rounds and shift changes.

Upon arrival, please check in with the front desk. A team member will review at home care instructions and answer any additional questions you may have. The discharge process typically takes 15-30 minutes so please plan accordingly.

Finally, your pet will then be returned to you. ❤️