Summit Veterinary Referral Center

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Tacoma, WA
Summit Veterinary Referral Center

Summit Veterinary Referral Center Veterinary Specialty Hospital offering 24-Hour ER /Critical Care, Surgery, Neurology, Oncology, and more!
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We are a collective of focused experience and diverse specialties. A group constructed to offer integrated and complete care to the Puget Sound veterinary community. With roots in Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, Radiology, and Surgery - our careers have followed different paths. But the common thread that wove us together remains the uncompromised passion for helping animals

lead happy and productive lives. Our story isn’t told in the surgery room or on the black and whites of an x-ray. It’s told when a game of fetch is played or a warm lap is filled again. The Summit Veterinary Referral Center was created because this singular solution requires answers to many different problems, and we are this collective. Emergency appointments are available for patients with urgent medical conditions. Every effort is made to schedule emergencies directly with the appropriate specialty service, but in some cases admission and initial management is in our critical care unit under supervision of critical care and emergency doctors. All of our doctors are highly skilled and able to provide diagnostic and supportive care, and internal consultations with appropriate specialists are facilitated. You may not be able to immediately speak with a particular specialist directly, but your pet will be fully cared for in the interim.

03/15/2025

🐾 Prescription Refill Guidelines for Your Pet's Medications! 🐾

To ensure a smooth and timely prescription refill experience, please follow these best practices:

⏳ Allow 24-48 hours for prescription refills once the department has approved it.

📞 Requesting a Refill:
Call us at (253) 983-1114, option 4, and press the number corresponding to the department where your pet's medication is located. Please note: If it's a Friday, your prescription may not be ready until Monday, so plan ahead!

🕒 Call Ahead:
Before you swing by, give us a quick call to ensure your medication is ready for pickup!

💻 Shop from Home:
Need a refill or want to shop for pet supplies? Head to our online pharmacy to refill medications, plus shop for over-the-counter items like supplements, flea preventatives, food, shampoos, medical supplies, and more. All shipped directly to your door! You can request refills and shop for pet supplies here: https://summitveterinaryreferralcenter.covetruspharmacy.com/.

🚚 Another Convenient Option:
We also use the Practice Hub through Chewy, which allows you to order directly from us! Once your order is approved, it ships straight to you. You can shop for your pets prescriptions here: https://www.chewy.com/health/practicehub

Stay ahead of your pet’s health needs and avoid any last-minute medication shortages!

03/14/2025

We made it to the second round - help

Help us help pets in need as we participate in March Veterinary Donation Competition!

By donating to our Angel Fund, which helps pets in need when their owners face financial hardships.

This fundraiser is structured like a basketball tournament—hospitals compete in brackets to raise funds. With each bracket we win, we earn additional bonus donations to further support pets in need. Join us in making a difference!

To make a donation:
- You can donate online by visiting: summitvets.donation.mybaltofoundation.org
- Stop by our hospital: 2505 S 80th St, Tacoma, WA

Help our team make it to the next round, donations for this first round must be made by 3/17 to help us advance!

03/13/2025

Celebrating K9 Veterans Day: Honoring Erin, Our Hero 🐾

Today, we proudly celebrate K9 Veterans Day and the incredible service dogs like Erin who have given so much for our country.

Erin first came to Summit in May 2023 from Bangor Naval Base for treatment of ITP. Thanks to the amazing collaboration between our Internal Medicine and Emergency departments, Erin made a full recovery and was able to return to base.

Later that year, one of our ICU technicians received a call asking if she would adopt Erin, as she was being retired. It was an immediate "yes"! Erin began her well-deserved retirement life with her new mom, gaining a whole new circle of friends and enjoying the love and care she had earned.

In March 2024, Erin developed neck pain and was diagnosed with Valley Fever. But with the combined efforts of our Neurology, Internal Medicine, and Emergency teams, Erin bounced back to her normal, playful self! She’s almost like a puppy again, and now she loves coming to work with her mom, enjoying all the attention, treats, and love she deserves.

We’re so grateful for Erin’s service and the teamwork it takes to help these brave K9 veterans live their best lives after retirement. Thank you, Erin, for your service! 💙

03/12/2025

When it comes to your pet's neurological health, expertise matters. At Summit Veterinary Referral Center, our board-certified neurologist offers cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments tailored to your pet's unique needs.

Learn more about our Neurology services here: https://www.summitvets.com/neurology

03/11/2025

When Snacks Attack!

Meet Franklin, the adorable Yorkie who mistook a fishing hook and line for a tasty treat! Unfortunately, this "snack" turned out to be a bit more dangerous than expected.

Luckily, Franklin's parents brought him straight to Summit Veterinary Referral Center, where our Emergency team quickly got to work. After some x-rays, we were able to track down where the hook had ended up. One of the many perks of having both specialists and emergency teams under one roof is the seamless collaboration that ensures the highest level of care for our furry friends.

Based on his x-rays, our Emergency team worked closely with the Internal Medicine team to explore the best way to remove the hook—by scope rather than surgery. Thanks to Dr. Milo and her technicians Conni and Deanna, the lure was safely removed with a scope! You can even see the hook in action on the camera during the procedure.

Pictured is Franklin with one of our triage techs, Rachel, who helped with his pre/post-procedure care and discharge.

03/08/2025

Why Choose Summit Veterinary Referral Center for Your Pet’s Surgical Needs?

When it comes to your pet’s health, expertise and care matter.

Here's why our surgical team stands out:

🐾 Board-Certified Surgeons: Our veterinary surgeons are ACVS Diplomates, meaning they’ve completed years of rigorous training:
✔️ 4 years of undergraduate study
✔️ 4 years of veterinary school
✔️ A 1-year internship and a 3-year residency program
✔️ Passed a challenging ACVS board certification exams

This advanced training allows them to handle everything from common surgical needs to complex soft tissue and orthopedic procedures.

🐾 Highly Trained Support Team: Our licensed veterinary technicians expertly administer and monitor anesthesia, ensuring your pet’s safety at every step.

🐾 State-of-the-Art Care: We use cutting-edge instruments, the safest anesthetics, and the latest pain relief options. Plus, our Intensive Care Unit is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year, for continuous post-surgery care.

When it comes to your pet’s surgical needs, trust the dedicated team at Summit Veterinary Referral Center for compassionate, expert care.

03/06/2025

Help us help pets in need as we participate in March Veterinary Donation Competition!

By donating to our Angel Fund, which helps pets in need when their owners face financial hardships.

This fundraiser is structured like a basketball tournament—hospitals compete in brackets to raise funds. With each bracket we win, we earn additional bonus donations to further support pets in need. Join us in making a difference!

To make a donation:
- You can donate online by visiting: summitvets.donation.mybaltofoundation.org
- Stop by our hospital: 2505 S 80th St, Tacoma, WA

Help our team make it to the next round, donations for this first round must be made by 3/10 to help us advance!

03/04/2025

At Summit Veterinary Referral Center, we are dedicated to advancing the field of veterinary medicine every day. Our relationships with pet parents, primary care veterinarians, and the wider Tacoma veterinary community are the foundation of our success. We’re proud to be a trusted resource, offering compassionate and expert care that considers the needs of everyone involved.

At Summit Veterinary Referral Center, we’re more than just a hospital; we’re a team dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine and ensuring that every pet receives the care they deserve.

Our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of pets by employing the latest techniques, technology, and expertise.

03/01/2025

Today is National Employee Appreciation Day, but at Summit Veterinary Referral Center, we believe in celebrating our team every day! Our dedicated team is the heart of everything we do, working together to provide the best care and service to our patients, clients, and community. Thank you for all that you do!

02/26/2025

In need of an Urgent Care appointment? You can schedule your pets Urgent Care appointment right from our website!

Schedule today: https://www.summitvets.com/urgentcare

02/17/2025

Happy Presidents' Day! 💙❤️

In case you should need us in the event of a pet emergency over the holiday, Summit Veterinary Referral Center is open for emergencies.

📞 (253) 983-1114

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s that special time of year to share the love – especially with your pets. We hope your day is filled with extra snuggles and sloppy kisses from your furry loved one!

How are you celebrating with your pet this year? Let us know in the comments! 💕

02/11/2025

Summit Veterinary Referral Center offers 24/7 Emergency Care & Specialty services by appointment. We are equipped with one of the largest teams of board-certified specialists in the state. Our team provides care from our state-of-the-art hospital with advanced technology to ensure your pet always receives the highest level of compassionate care.

Here are some of our offerings all under one roof:
☑️ 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care
☑️ Urgent Care
☑️ Anesthesia
☑️ Acupuncture
☑️ Cardiology
☑️ Internal Medicine
☑️ Neurology
☑️ Nutrition
☑️ Oncology
☑️ Radiology
☑️ Surgery

Make sure to save our contact information in case of a pet emergency:

📍 2505 S 80th Street, Tacoma, WA
📞 (253) 983 - 1114
💻 summitvets.com

02/07/2025

Just like humans, dogs and cats can experience heart health problems, including heart disease and heart failure. Some symptoms can be subtle, so it’s important to spot early warning signs to help prevent your pet from having an attack. A few potential symptoms include:

❤ Frequent coughing
❤ Pacing, restlessness, or difficulty walking
❤ Trouble breathing
❤ Swollen abdomen
❤ Lethargy and weakness
❤ Fainting of collapsing

Heart problems are common in animals and can range from “Let’s keep an eye on this” to “We need to take action.” The most successful way to treat pet heart disease is by checking out the condition early on and working with your primary veterinarian and cardiologist for a complete diagnosis and plan of care.

If you’d like to learn more about our Cardiology department, please visit:

🌐 https://www.summitvets.com/cardiology
📞 (253) 983-1114

02/05/2025

February is Dental Health Month!

Board-certified veterinary dental specialists recommend daily brushing of dogs teeth with or without toothpaste and yearly dental cleanings to prevent dental disease in dogs and cats. Brushing your pet's teeth can be as easy as using a wet washcloth over your finger and rubbing their teeth. Dental chews exceed the treat allowance and only remove tartar on teeth but do not prevent dental disease under the gum line. Since they exceed the treat allowance and it is better to brush their teeth daily instead, I recommend not using dental chews. Treat allowance should not exceed 10% of your pets daily calorie intake.

Recommended Toothpaste - Virbac Enzymatic Toothpaste Vanilla-Mint Flavor: https://bit.ly/41FRblC

How to Brush: https://bit.ly/4gir5JF.

01/28/2025

🥕 Personalized Nutrition for a Healthier, Happier Pet

At Summit, we believe that great nutrition is the foundation of your pet’s health.

Our Nutrition Department creates expert, personalized plans to support pets with underlying conditions, helping them thrive and live longer.

🐾 Custom Solutions for Every Pet
From crafting balanced home-cooked recipes to managing weight, food allergies, and complex dietary restrictions, our team provides tailored strategies to meet your pet’s unique needs.

🤝 Teamwork for Optimal Care
We collaborate closely with you and your pet’s veterinary team to ensure a seamless approach to their health—especially during hospitalization, where we partner with our critical care team to deliver exceptional nutrition.

✨ Specialized Expertise
Our services extend to feeding tube management and critical care nutrition, so even the most challenging cases receive the care they deserve.

📍 Summit Veterinary Referral Center—fueling health, one meal at a time.

01/24/2025

You changed your pet's life the day your brought them home ♥ In honor of National Change a Pet's Life Day, share a picture or story of the pet's life you changed (or the pet that changed YOUR life) in the comments below!

01/14/2025

When your pet needs advanced care, our board-certified surgeons are here to provide specialized expertise. Equipped with advanced technology and unmatched technical skill, they perform complex soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries to help your pet heal and thrive.

🔍 Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Masters
From thorough exams to personalized treatment plans, our surgeons will guide you through every step—explaining your options, potential risks and benefits, and post-procedure home care.

🤝 A Team Approach
If you’re referred to a Summit surgeon by another Summit doctor, we’ll seamlessly coordinate care before and after the procedure to ensure the best outcomes for your pet.

💖 Dedicated to Your Pet’s Well-Being
Trust our skilled surgical team to deliver compassionate, expert care when it matters most.

📍 Summit Veterinary Referral Center—where advanced care meets heartfelt commitment.

Address

2505 S 80th Street
Tacoma, WA
98409

Telephone

+12539831114

Website

http://www.summitvets.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&y_source=1_MTE2Njg4NjItNTU5LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D

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Videos

We would like to share an update from Penelope's mom! Little Penelope had some extraordinary care and fancy bandage art from our neurology department in 2021. (See post on July 27th, 2021 for photos) Penelope was diagnosed with severe atlanto-axial subluxation and we weren't sure if she would ever be able to walk again! But thanks to her mom's devoted care and the neurology department's weekly bandages she is now living her best life! "Just wanted to give you guys a little update on Penelope(Peanut). She's SO happy! She's recently learned how to navigate the stairs only going up them though." - Sarah Alvard

Alert! An announcement to our pet parent community! We are early in the process of a massive software transition for our entire hospital. Please be aware that during the next few weeks, you may experience longer wait times for correspondence from our specialty departments and our ER wait times may be extended. We ask for your patience during this time. We are so proud of the resilience that our staff is demonstrating while working extra hard to provide our pet parents and patients excellent care while simultaneously learning a whole new system! If you can give our staff some words of encouragement that would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Dr. Janelle Campbell

National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is today! October 12th! Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day and with Halloween right around the corner, many of us can’t stop thinking about all the treats that come along with the spooky holiday. However, there is no need to be scared away from talking about pet obesity! Worldwide, studies estimate that up to 63% of pet cats and 59.3% of pet dogs are overweight or obese. In dogs, studies have shown that obesity can reduce their lifespan by up to 1.8 years. Obesity also plays a large role in the development and progression of arthritis in dogs and cats. It also increases their risk for inflammatory skin conditions, diabetes, fat metabolism disorders, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and urinary disease. Have no fear, our Nutrition Department is here to save your pumpkins! Our nutritionist, Dr. Janelle Campbell, focuses on helping pets live long, happy, and healthier lives through optimized nutrition. Dr. Campbell offers safe and effective weight loss programs along with many other integral nutrition services. Set up a nutrition consultation today to learn more!

Pet insurance month

Happy Veterinary Receptionist Week!

Please leave a comment below to celebrate our amazing client services team! They are wonderful, compassionate, hard working super stars! We could not be more grateful for them!

National Pet First Aid Awareness Month

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month! Please follow the link below to read about pet first aid guidelines from AVMA. https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/emergencycare/first-aid-tips-pet-owners

March is Pet Poison Prevention Month!

Please follow the link below to make sure you are up to date on the potential house hold and environmental hazards that can be life threatening for your pet! https://www.aspca.org/news/announcing-top-10-pet-toxins

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Happy Valentines Day!

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!