BluePearl Veterinary Partners – Tacoma

I am only giving this place one star because of the front desk girls that assisted me. I live in Lacey and the emergency vet here wasn’t taking animals so I was told to bring my dog to Tacoma. When I originally called them, they suggested my dog had symptoms of bloat. Knowing this is very serious, I rushed my 10 year old German Shepherd here. As soon as I got in the waiting room a technician came out to meet me and took my dogs leash. She told me she was going to run some tests and immediately began pulling on his leash. My dog, who was already stressed, began freaking out even more. I asked if I could come with her because he has a lot of anxiety and she said no and again was tugging on his leash, basically dragging him. At no point did she attempt to develop a relationship with him, per him or make him (or me) feel more comfortable.
After about 5 minutes, the female vet, I believe her name was Jerico, came into the room I was waiting in and immediately said, we need to do some xrays, they are going to be $ 300, are you ok with that. I asked how my dog was doing and she said fine. I asked what they were doing right now for him and she became very defensive and began talking to me like I was stupid. I asked her how his vitals were and she said normal but then said she wouldn’t know anything till an X-​ray was done. I agree to the xrays and wait another 10 minutes. After this time the vet returns and said his xrays are clear and offers to run more tests. She begins to offer a couple different shots and prescriptions, which I didn’t understand for. When I began asking her questions, she says «well, how about I get your version of what’s going on.» Considering this is the first time I was asked this by a vet since arriving I was appalled. Especially since the tech I told to couldn’t seem to remember simple facts provided to her. The vet didn’t care one bit about anything I had to say and kept interrupting me. By far the WORST professional I have ever dealt with.
After a few more minutes, they bring my dog back to me who is very very shaken up. He is panting and pacing and I can tell very anxious. We sit in this small room for approximately 20 minutes, with no water and no air. At one point I asked the front desk girls if I could have some water and they immediately brought some to me, which my dog drank immediately.
Overall, don’t bring your pet here if you want them, and yourself to be treated like shit. I have never met people who work with animals who are as insensitive and unfriendly as the staff here. They should be ashamed of the service they provide and the lack of compassion they have for the dogs and the owners that bring them in.

I treated my cat for worms and later that night he almost died. I rushed him here and they had to perform emergency bladder surgery to remove crystals. The surgery and recovery went great, but the vet never told me if it was the worm medicine or something else that caused the crystals, so he was left untreated for worms with no other suggestions or advice.
It would have been really nice to be able to sit and talk to the vet about treatment options, but I barely got face time with anyone.

I am extremely satisfied with the professionalism and kindness of the staff at BluePearl of Tacoma. I had found my cat close to death and, in a panic and not knowing what to do, I called BluePearl. The receptionist was calm, kind, and patient in response to my panic over the phone. When I brought my cat in, the staff took her in immediately. I didn’t have too wait too long before I got an update. Dr. Thorp has such a great bedside manner. I was a wreck, yet he helped me stay calm while he clearly explained my cat’s situation. He was very honest about my cat’s condition, but also positive, which helped me to stay optimistic in an uncertain situation. The staff also let me see my cat before I left. It was difficult for me to see my cat in dire condition, but the technician who was in the room was very kind, empathetic, and reassuring.
They kept my cat for 24 hours, treating her and monitoring her. I called two times over the course of the 24 hours to get an update on my cat. The receptionist and vet were both friendly and kind over the phone. The first time I called, I couldn’t speak to the vet right away, but I got a phone call back very promptly. Thankfully my cat survived thanks to the skill and talent of Dr. Thorp and his technicians. When I picked my cat up, Dr. Thorp clearly explained what I needed to do to help her recover from a traumatic experience. Less than a week later, my cat has fully recovered! Overall, I am very impressed with the services provided by BluePearl of Tacoma.

We initially brought our 4 yr old Cockapoo, Georgie, to Blue Pearl to see Dr. Hicks on Halloween 2014, at the recommendation of a vet at ACCES Critical Care Vets in Renton, WA. He had a ruptured disc, which had been made worse during the day at South Seattle 24 hr Vet. Worse to the extent that we had taken him in early that morning in pain (we thought he may have had a blockage), able to walk. The vet who treated him throughout that day was not the one we had seen at 6am. He performed a procedure we had specifically said (noted in the chart notes by the vet we saw) we did NOT want, resulting in a ruptured disc, and paralyzed from his middle to his tail.
To make this short, even though it was 2 am, the ACCES clinic had called to let them know we were coming and they were waiting for us as we walked in. Dr. Hicks was not on duty but we saw Dr. Thorpe who confirmed the diagnosis of the ACCES clinic, that he had a ruptured disc and needed surgery. It was a serious surgery and had the normal risks any surgery has, but depending upon the severity of the injury the success rate was fairly high. It was expensive, and as noted in some other reviews, we did not have the money but they, in the middle of the night, made arrangements with Care Credit (specifically intended for medical care) for us. Mind you, the vet at ACCES had forewarned us about the cost. However, Hicks is listed in Top Docs, and is only one of a very few who are qualified to have and use an MRI and is neurological qualified and so experienced that the vet at ACCES trusted Dr. Hicks enough to treat his own dog.
We adopted Georgie and he is so smart and loving he had quickly passed his 2 Obedience classes, the AKC Good Citizenship class and was well on his way to becoming a Therapy Dog, helping but my husband and me with our medical issues. Even though we went into debt for him, it was not even a question.
Sadly, due to the extent of the damage to his spinal cord (we firmly believe was caused by the man-​handling during the day), his ability to walk wasn’t restored as we’d hoped. We are still working with him with physical therapy and see baby steps in his improvement.
We have developed a nice relationship with the vets and the staff at the clinic. They are so warm and caring with Georgie and us too. They are so gentle and caring that on the few occasions that we have needed to have him cared for while we attended to something he could not, they have taken care of him. We don’t trust anyone else to have the experience with handicap pets to care for him as well as we would.
While speaking of cost, while the treatment was not inexpensive, the ACCES vet told us that out of the few qualified neurological vets in the greater Seattle/​Tacoma area, at least one of the others would be almost twice as expensive as Dr. Hicks.
All in all, we still have no reservation in highly recommending this clinic and the staff. Everyone is so great, but I have to admit that we have a special place in hearts for Tyler and especially Elissa. While during Georgie’s initial stay she would sit on the floor and hold him for hours. She developed such a connection with her him she actually had tears in her eyes when we finally were able to take him home.
Thank you, Dr. Hicks and your staff for taking such great care of our little guy!

The reviews for Blue Pearl are incredibly surprising. Recently, my dog suffered a minor nail injury. In a panic, I Googled, «vet hospitals» and this was the closest location I could find. Three hours later, we left with medication and instructions for care.
I have to admit that we waited longer than I would have liked. However, I appreciated the attention we received. I even thought the final price for our visit was fair that included two bottles of medication. I am sorry that it seems as though many people have had painful experiences. With that said, my personal interaction was pleasant.

DO NOT TAKE YOUR PETS HERE!
My Pekingese had been sick with Pancreatitis, she had been to a different vet a few times, that afternoon we were told she would get better in a few days when her system calmed down. By 9pm she was lifeless and very sick.
I rushed her to Blue Pearl, as it was the only place I knew was open. They took her back immediately and put me in a room. When the vet came in she told me my baby was very sick and would not make it, that I should put her down now because she would not last the night. I was beyond tears before they told me this, and in this cold matter of fact manner they were breaking this news with no emotion, no update on her condition or what they were doing to help her, just she will die, thanks, bye.
Next, she told me if I did want to give her a chance I would have to agree to $ 1500 – 3000 worth of charges. They had prepared a sheet of charges before they had told me what they were doing to help her, she was blue when we got there and 30 minutes later they are more concerned with my charges than helping my little girl. I had blood work done that afternoon and a pancreatitis test, no infection, but the pancreatitis test was positive. When they finally gave me a update on her condition they told me they were giving her fluids, antibiotics and pain meds, I told them her blood work showed no infection, she didn’t give me an explanation for that but she did say her blood pressure was too low to even measure.
To make a long horrific story shorter, they made me fill out a credit application, I was denied. They then told me they could not treat her further without securing funding, she told me to call a relative to get the $ 3000. It was almost about 1am at this point.
I don’t have that kind of money but I love my dog like a child and I was dying inside thinking she would die because I didn’t have the money. Finally knowing they weren’t going to get blood from a turnip, they charged me $ 575.00 to give her «supportive care,» till 7am and at that point I could discharge her to my vet. I found out later «supportive care» for $ 575 was fluids, pain meds and the rental of a cage for her to lay in. They would not let me see her till my card was charged and accepted.
I have met animal abusers with more care and compassion than that whole place had. From the front desk staff to every tech and vet in there, they are about the money not the welfare on the animal or in my case my hurting, sick little family member. I was literally sobbing and the front desk girls sat and laughed and talked about weekend plans.
They sent me home with no hope, and told me to say goodbye to my angel forever. I got a call at 4am saying she was going to pass and I should come back. I got there, again they want to talk to me about more charges and if I was able to get the money. They did finally bring my baby to me in a room and she did perk up, not «passing» at all like they said.
I thankfully got ahold of my vet at home, she told me to rush her in. I did and as soon as I got there 3 people were treating her, I’ve never seen people move like that. Her veins in her arms had collapsed so they did emergency surgery to place a port for much needed meds as Blue Pearls port was not in a vein. Not sure how she was receiving her «supportive care» without a working port.
My vet also got her chart and all blood pressures recorded (even the one when we got there) were in the normal range, not sure why the vet told me it was too low to measure. My Dog was very sick yes, however with my vets amazing care and about 5 days of intensive recovery, my little baby is laying right here next to me, alive and snoring. Over a week of my vet answering every call at every hour of the night and treating her as if she was her own, my vet charged me an absolute total of $ 800 for intensive care, emergency surgery on her veins, over a week of numerous medications, X-​rays of her pancreas and 2 home visits.
Blue Pearl did nothing for treatment, used scare tactics to get as much money as possible, and set my dog in a cage for 5 hours and charged me $ 575, to pretty much let her die.
I will never go back there, tell every friend not to go there and will always have the memory of that horrible night, horrible people and heartless intentions.
To think, after they realized I didn’t have the money they were looking for they almost insisted I put her down. I didn’t because I was too distraught to make a clear decision not because I didn’t think I could trust them, thank god I didn’t listen even though they put on a good show.
I was given more precious time with my little baby, but not thanks to Blue Pearl, they were only willing to TAKE. They should be worried about how they will explain themselves when God asks, «what did you do to help your fellow man?»
I had to chose 1 star, but they are negative 575 stars in my book.

I was extremely happy with the service received here. My Rat Terrier, Jake was diagnosed with a tumor on his liver. Jake’s regular Vet referred Jake to BluePearl for an ultrasound. Previously, we had been referred to Summit by his Vet, but we were not happy with bureaucratic registration and unfriendly phone person at Summit. BluePearl treated us with respect with easy appointment making, competent staff and good follow up by the radiologist, who took the time to clearly explain Jake’s condition and his prognosis.

I brought my beloved 13 ½ year old golden retriever in around 2 am on Sunday morning. She was in severe distress unable to walk and I was very upset. The staff came out with a stretcher and helped me get her out of my car. They were professional very caring and compassionate. One even told me what was going on with my girl so I was able to google the condition as I waited in the waiting room. Dr Hicks I believe was the doctor. He was very compassionate as he gave me the options for my girl which were really only one. I was allowed to see my girl for a while before he came in the room. He put my girl to sleep in a very caring manner even speaking to her to sleep now. They let me stay alone with her for a while afterward too. Later in the week I received a card with a handwritten note of condolences. Thank you for helping me send my girl on in such a compassionate and caring manner.

This review is based strictly on my experience here. The front desk and techs are good and welcoming for the most part, but there will always be a caveat no matter where you go. Best to do your research thoroughly and seek every option and always more than one opinion. My iggy died after getting surgery here. I believe it could have been addressed differently and she may still be alive today. :/

Our dog Lucy fell off the table. Bad head injury. Not sure if she will make it. But we took her here. The best vet hospital for these things. Loved the staff. We have used them for over 15 years now.

My wife and I had outstanding service when we brought our 15 year-​old cat here for emergency treatment at 8:30 on a Monday morning. The several staff members we dealt with including Diana, a technician, and the lady at the front counter were extremely engaged, informative, responsive, and sensitive. Everyone introduced themselves to us by name which is unfortunately sometimes unusual in veterinary and medical settings. We were given very thorough information regarding proposed procedures, potential costs, and potential «next steps». They asked if we had questions and worked to learn what our preferences were in regard to our objectives and potentially implementing «extraordinary» measures. Dr. Katie Rawlings was an outstanding communicator. I am only sorry that I don’t remember more folks’ names. That said, I think the charges were rather high compared to our past experiences at some smaller locally owned vets, so I deducted one star. On the other hand, they are open 24/​7, they have diagnostic services such as ultrasound and Xray and they have several specialists on staff so maybe the higher costs are warranted.

I brought my ferret to this clinic upon the recommendation of Petco. When I walked in the first thing I asked was if the vet was knowledgeable about ferrets and if they saw them. I was informed yes to both. So after going over everything I went in to see Lindsey McGuire the vet. I informed her that my ferret had been in contact with someone who had the flu. She chuckeled at me and said that’s fine, ferrets can’t catch illnesses from humans it’s impossible. I asked her if she was sure and she again repeated herself. Long story short she ended up acknowledging that ferrets can get the flu from humans but only type A and her prescribed medication would likely not work. This is all after she tried to push a $ 400 bill for treatments on me which I refused. If you are a ferret owner please do not bring your offer here. Lindsey McGuire doesn’t seem to know a thing about them and seemed to enjoy making me feel like I was ignorant regarding my own power… «He’s a rodent, they get rodent like illnesses» again her words. There were many other things however this is my forth review regarding her tonight and I have a sick ferret to care for. I hope this alerts all ferret owners who are thinking about going to this vet… DO NOT TAKE YOUR FERRETS TO THIS VET. LINDSEY MCGUIRE WILL NOT ONLY ATTEMPT TO EXTORT MONEY FROM YOU FOR THE WORST DIAGNOSIS POSSIBLE BASED ON NO TANGIBLE EVIDENCE BUT SHE WILL ALSO MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A FOOL REGARDING YOUR «RODENT»

We took our puppy here when he had a high fever and meningitis symptoms (on the diagnosis by another emergency clinic, ACCES, who recommended the staff neurologist), and we had to leave him overnight so he could be monitored. To be clear, I have no problems with the doctor we saw — he did a great job with an unusual case. However, the care staff seemed fairly disinterested in actually taking care of the pets. Whenever I called to ask about my puppy, I had to prompt them for basic information like what his temperature was and whether he had eaten. They seemed fairly unconcerned that he was running an extremely high fever, and seemed frustrated that I was even calling to check. When we were able to take him home, they quoted us the wrong price, forcing us to pay extra hundreds of dollars in multiple transactions. When we finally got him home, we noticed that he was covered in dry poop, and has likely been like that all day. The quality of care was horrible and I would never leave my dog here again. Especially compared with the excellent quality of care we got from ACCES in Renton, this was disappointing.

I have been to this clinic several times with my dogs. I have to say I trust the doctors here that they know what they are doing and words cannot express how thankful I am for what they have done for me and my pets !!
I was just here tonight — it was after midnight. I realize this is a vet clinic/​ER so there is not a lot expected in terms of customer service. The people who come here are usually paying a lot of money so a minimal amount of respect/​common courtesy is appreciated. This is only my view on things …
I was there for 15 minutes sitting with no one at the desk. A woman walked back and forth to the desk avoiding eye contact each time, saying nothing to me or the other couple in the waiting room… Some time passed. The same woman came around the desk, answered the phone and rang up a couple for their services. They paid and She didn’t thank them.
I had to go and say hi … She not once greeted me or anything. There was another person (vet tech– I’m not going to assume everyone’s title) who brought my dog out to me — she was very friendly and warm. Which is noticed and appreciated. I myself currently work in customer service and have my days … Don’t expect everyone to be warm & friendly !! I am continuously grateful for EVERYone who works at the AEC !! Just writing about tonight. It was an emotional night for me so of course this is extra long !

6 weeks ago our family took on the task of bottle feeding 5 abandoned kittens left by our garage. After long nights of feeding, helping to eliminate, eye infections, we thought they were on the upswing! Our regular vet check up for the kittens was not scheduled until Wednesday, when the smallest one Mouse took a turn for the worst on this past Saturday. My husband immediately called because her breathing was very labored. Upon arrival at the vet they let us know we would need to put a 300 deposit down and they would keep us informed of further charges according to treatment needed. On Sunday we spoke to the vet who was very nonchalant regarding the survival of our little Mouse, and told us she would hate to euthanize her since they have all fallen in love with her. She explained to us it would be about 100 more for her to be on oxygen and stay another night. We agreed and said she is very important to us do what you can! Monday my husband called twice for an update both times not able to speak to a Dr until 4 and he stated they would have her ready at 7. Upon arrival to pick up our 6 week old kitten we were floored with a bill of over 800.00. We were shocked. I was highly disappointed with the lack of communication regarding billing, potential costs. Even when we picked her up no Dr. came out to speak to us or give us any information. Very disappointing and we who own 3 dogs, 2 cats and these abandoned kittens will never use this facility again.

The kindness of the staff here as we said goodbye to our beloved dog was so comforting. Giving us all the time we needed and providing us a an environment to say our goodbyes was much appreciated. Thank you for being there when our family needed you. Blessings.

I had a litter of ill orphaned kittens, a total of 9, I had been bottlefeeding for 2 weeks. Suddenly within 48 hours all became ill. 2 died earlier in the day on August 1^st 2014 and another 2 died later that evening. 5 remained who were all very sick. Some couldn’t even hold up their bodies or heads and were soon to die. It was terrible, just terrible. The entire staff was kind and they all cried it was the worst night some had experienced. The kittens all had to be put down because they were all just too sick to make it. I had went to 3 different vets with them and I tried to put off the inevitable of what was going to happen but one by one they died and they were in a lot of pain. The AEC let the other 5 go with dignity I only wish I would have stopped my efforts to save them all sooner because they were all in so much pain. Dr. Smith she was great and the entire clinic was really great. Yes it is expensive to go to emergency vets but when it is 11PM and you have kittens dying in pain violently these types of clinics are there for your pet. I am glad they didn’t keep dying at home in pain and The AEC let them go home with peace. I gave the vet a hug and I really thank her for helping them go home the right way. I’ll never ever forget every kitten I loved them like my children. I haven’t stopped crying since midnight last night. I felt I had to come on here and write this review to thank them.

I really wanted to give this clinic a single star review. But I had to be a little more generous as the clinic was very, very clean, quiet and professional. However, the professional side bordered on cold rather than warm and welcoming.
I brought my 10 lb Rat Terrier in on a Friday after being referred from Jones’ Animal Clinic. She had a bad infection of her uterus that was said to be life threatening. We were seen within 5 minutes of arriving and a spay was strongly recommended. The vet was kind and after reviewing the information we arrived with stated she would need to admit her immediately and surgery would be scheduled Monday unless they could get a surgeon to come in before that. I readily agreed until she gave me the stunning quote of $ 2500-​$ 3000 to do the spay and they would have to have the money up front. I was stunned. There was no way I could afford that. The vet finally agreed to give me antibiotics and pain killers to manage the horrid pain my sweet little dog was in. She stated that there was a very good chance my little dog would die over the weekend unless I left her there. She also warned several times that NO OTHER VET in the area would take my dog and do the spay. 30 minutes and $ 175 later we left with the medication, a heavy heart, a whole lot of guilt, and a very sick little dog.
Over the next week our dog began to slowly improve. We decided to take her to Vets for Less in Federal Way for a 2^nd opinion and to see if they would do the spay on her. After a brief exam and review of the records I brought along they scheduled her surgery for the next day. So much for no other vet in the area doing a spay on our dog. Total cost through Vets for Less? $ 762. My little doggy is back to herself and we are so glad we gave her time and did not take Animal Emergency Clinic’s comments totally to heart — I nearly had my little dog put down as I was convinced she was suffering and not going to make it unless we forked out the big dollars. I am so glad we took some time to allow the antibiotics to work and to seek out another opinion, had we not she would not be here today. I feel scammed and taken advantage of by the folks at Animal Emergency Clinic. It feels as though they are only in it for the money and not the love of animals. I will be doing a review of Vets for Less. The difference between these two clinics is astounding.

This place is amazingly bad. My St Bernard needs an EKG for a heart problem associated with previous bloat. My current vet in Tacoma doesn’t do EKGs and recommended I go back to the emergency clinic (where Chew was treated for bloat and where we spent about 5 grand total) so that they could refill his heart medication. But when I went in to get it, with the blessing of my vet, this clinic told me that I needed to go somewhere else! After that snafu, the director of the clinic called to apologize and said I could bring my dog in — but by that time I’d already taken Chew to Seattle for care.
Then, recently I needed another EKG (the EKG vet in Seattle left) — and this clinic refused! Joe at this clinic told me there was no one else waiting — he said their wait room was empty — but still refused me because they said this wasn’t an emergency. I would totally get that, except this is what they have on their website: «We work with your family veterinarian to provide emergency and specialty services in the greater Puget Sound region.» Specialty services is what I need, what my regular vet is requesting, and what my dog needs so he can get his medication.
So… I just called the new emergency clinic in Tacoma on Pacific Ave: I told them my dilemma and what I needed, and they said to «come on in!» Their exam fee is almost half of this clinic’s (although their EKG is slightly more), and they are *friendly* and helpful — this is key. My dog’s health is the most important thing to me, and AEC left me high and dry.
AEC: get better communication within your clinic and adhere to the practices you outline on your website. People’s pets depend on it…

I would like to add to my original review with a few more details.
My dog was only 10 months old, we had steep stairs at our apartment and he tripped and toppled down them fracturing his femur. My husband and I rushed him to the clinic where they charged us $ 400 to give him a painkiller. Tell us that they and all other vets would charge $ 4000 for the surgery to repair his leg. When we were stunned at the price, the vet (Who was very cold about everything), told us no other vet would charge less and that if we couldn’t afford it, we could euthanize him, or sign him over and he’ll go to a «better home» after he heals.
To inform you, we have a very loving home, our dogs are well cared for, we both work. Our pets get flea drops and shots. No lack of attention for them, yet not having $ 4000 on the spot deemed us bad owners.
The secretary felt bad for us and gave us a list of other vets. We went to Custer RD. Clinic and have never felt better about our dogs treatment. (see my review for them)
However, when I tried to leave the emergency clinic, they also threatened to withhold my dog, saying it was inhumane to take an injured animal out of their care, oh, and they wanted $ 250 per day to board him.
These people are heartless thieves.