Your Trusted Gig Harbor Specialty Animal Hospital

A pet emergency is any sudden change in your pet’s health or behavior that could be life-threatening or cause serious pain if not treated right away. Common examples include:

• Trouble breathing or blue/pale gums

• Collapse, seizures, or inability to stand

• Severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood

• A bloated or painful abdomen

• Hit by a car or any major trauma

• Ingestion of a toxin, medication, or foreign object

• Difficulty urinating or not urinating at all

• Sudden eye injuries, swelling, or blindness

If you’re not sure whether it’s an emergency, it’s always safer to call. Our emergency veterinary team can help you decide whether your pet needs to be seen immediately.

Visit an emergency animal hospital when your pet needs urgent care outside normal business hours or when their condition is too serious to wait for a regular appointment. This includes:

• Symptoms that worsen over minutes or hours

• Severe pain, distress, or ongoing bleeding

• Difficulty breathing or sudden collapse

• Possible poisoning, heatstroke, or severe allergic reactions

• Complications after surgery or a recent procedure

Your family veterinarian is still an important partner in your pet’s care. Our emergency doctors work closely with primary care veterinarians to share records, test results, and treatment plans so your pet’s care stays continuous and coordinated.

For emergencies, no appointment is needed. Our emergency team accepts walk-ins during our emergency hours. If it’s safe to do so, calling us at 253-400-5052 on your way in can help our team prepare for your arrival, especially in severe or time-sensitive cases.

If your pet’s condition is urgent but stable, we may advise you on the best time to arrive and what to expect, including check-in, triage, and estimated wait times.

If your pet needs emergency care:

1. Stay as calm as possible. Your pet can pick up on your stress.

2. Call us if you can safely do so. Our team can give first-aid guidance and prepare for your pet’s arrival.

3. Transport safely. Use a carrier for cats/small pets, and a blanket or sturdy surface for larger dogs who cannot walk. Avoid muzzle use if your pet is struggling to breathe or vomiting.

4. Bring key information. Medications, recent test results, x-rays, and your regular veterinarian’s contact info are all helpful.

5. Avoid home treatments unless instructed. Giving human medications or inducing vomiting without guidance can be dangerous.

If your pet’s condition is urgent but stable, we may advise you on the best time to arrive and what to expect, including check-in, triage, and estimated wait times.

When you arrive, your pet will be evaluated through a triage process, similar to a human ER. This allows our medical team to quickly identify life-threatening conditions and begin treatment right away. Pets who are stable may wait while more critical cases are attended to.

During your visit, you can expect:

• Check-in with a client service representative

• Triage assessment performed by a trained veterinary professional

• Medical recommendations based on your pet’s condition

• A treatment estimate before diagnostics or procedures

• Ongoing communication from our team throughout your pet’s care

Our goal is to keep you informed, support your pet’s comfort, and provide fast, medically appropriate care when it matters most.