Pacific Northwest Pet Emergency & Specialty Center (PACWVETS)
Overview
Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center is a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital serving pets throughout Vancouver, WA and the greater Portland area. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency or urgent care need, don’t wait—call or visit us immediately. Our experienced veterinarians and support staff are here to provide continuous care and monitoring when it matters most.
At Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center, we understand that pets are members of the family. That’s why our doctors and medical staff strive to exceed expectations with around-the-clock medical care using the latest innovations in veterinary medicine.
We collaborate closely with your primary veterinarian to ensure your pet receives comprehensive, team-based care. You can rest easy knowing your pet is in the most capable and compassionate hands.
Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Care
If your pet is experiencing anything that worries you or feels out of the ordinary, call us — we’re here to help. Even if you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, our experienced team can talk with you, assess the situation, and help determine if your pet needs immediate medical attention.
While calling ahead is helpful so we can prepare for your arrival, no appointment is ever required for emergency care.
Common Pet Emergencies We Treat
The following symptoms should be considered emergencies requiring immediate medical attention:
Labored breathing, gasping, harsh breathing, abdominal effort when breathing, or cats breathing with mouth open
Pale, blue, or very dark gums
Collapse, fainting, seizure activity, or sudden weakness/lethargy
Sudden disorientation, head tilt, or inability to stand or walk
Bloated or rapidly worsening abdominal swelling
Unproductive vomiting or retching (especially in medium- to large-breed dogs)
Repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, diarrhea with blood, or severe abdominal pain
Straining to urinate without producing urine or crying out while urinating
Hit by a car, fall from height, bite wounds, deep cuts, or severe bleeding
Suspected broken bones or inability to bear weight
Ingestion of toxins, medications, foreign objects, chocolate, xylitol, antifreeze, or harmful plants
Heatstroke or overheating (excessive panting, weakness, collapse)
Severe allergic reactions (facial swelling, hives, or breathing difficulty)
Difficulty giving birth or prolonged labor
Any rapid or dramatic change in behavior or condition
If you are unsure whether your pet is experiencing an emergency, call us at (360) 635-5302 — our team can help guide you.
What To Do If Your Pet Is Having an Emergency
Stay calm and call us if you are able.
Transport your pet safely to our hospital immediately.
Bring medications, medical records, or toxin packaging if relevant.
If your pet has a contagious illness, call from your car for special instructions.
Emergency Services
Our emergency team is equipped to provide rapid, life-saving care for pets in critical condition, including:
Emergency surgery
Oxygen therapy and respiratory support
Hospitalization and intensive care
Advanced diagnostic imaging
Continuous monitoring and stabilization
Our Emergency Team
Markus Bilyk
DVM, Emergency
Rebecca Campbell
DVM, Emergency
Paul Chauvin
DVM, Emergency
Laura Goldman
DVM, Emergency
Alexandra Barrett
DVM, Emergency
Casey Johnson
DVM, CCRP, Emergency
Kathleen A. Keenan
MS, DVM, Emergency
Rachel McAuley
DVM, Emergency
Sara Stoll
DVM, Emergency
Hilary Torres
DVM, Emergency
Alina Banuelos
DVM, Emergency
Markus Bilyk
DVM, Emergency
Rebecca Campbell
DVM, Emergency
Paul Chauvin
DVM, Emergency
Laura Goldman
DVM, Emergency
Alexandra Barrett
DVM, Emergency
Casey Johnson
DVM, CCRP, Emergency
Kathleen A. Keenan
MS, DVM, Emergency
Rachel McAuley
DVM, Emergency
Sara Stoll
DVM, Emergency
Hilary Torres
DVM, Emergency
Alina Banuelos
DVM, Emergency
What To Expect
Check-in
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.
Triage
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.
Meeting with the Doctor
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.
After discussing care options, the veterinarian will provide a written estimate.
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.
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.
Diagnostics and Treatments
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.
Hospitalization and Visitation
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.
Discharges
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. ❤️
Forms of Payment that We Accept
Cash
MasterCard
Visa
Discover
Amex
Scratchpay
Trupanion
Care Credit
*NO CHECKS
