Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday Open 24 hours
Internal Medicine
Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Neurology
Tuesday-Friday: 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Oncology
Monday-Tuesday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Friday-Sunday Open 24 hours
Internal Medicine
Monday-Thursday: 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Neurology
Tuesday-Friday: 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Oncology
Monday-Tuesday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Emergency Services
Available!
Your Trusted Gig Harbor Specialty Animal Hospital
Puget Sound Veterinary Specialty & Emergency was founded to provide exceptional and compassionate veterinary care to the pets and families who live in the Pacific Northwest. We believe that collaborative and exemplary care starts with caring for not only animals and their caregivers but also for our veterinary community. Our top priority at our veterinary specialty center is to develop a collaborative team with you, our staff, and your regular veterinarian to provide the highest quality medical care to our patients and emotional support to their families.
What counts as a pet emergency?
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.
When should I go to an emergency animal hospital instead of my regular veterinarian?
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.
Do I need an appointment for emergency care?
If your pet needs emergency care:
Stay as calm as possible. Your pet can pick up on your stress.
Call us if you can safely do so. Our team can give first-aid guidance and prepare for your pet’s arrival.
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.
Bring key information. Medications, recent test results, x-rays, and your regular veterinarian’s contact info are all helpful.
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.
What should I do before bringing my pet to the emergency vet?
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) 264-0401 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.
What happens when I arrive?
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.
