Address 4176 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone Number +13609971663
Description Animal Emergency Care strives to provide compassionate care and quality service, delivered by a team of dedicated professionals practicing state-of-the-art veterinary medicine, to all Whatcom county families, their pets and corresponding referral veterinarians. We are cooperatively owned by over 30 local veterinarians.
Our German Shepherd had emergency surgery for bloat. He is 7 and he was very very sick, so we were terrified of losing him. He was put in surgery and taken care of asap. The staff was very thorough in explaining his care, his odds, and potential risks. He’s amazingly alive because of the quick and high level care he received and we are eternally grateful. While his surgery was not cheap, we felt it was a fair price for what all his needs entailed, and they tacked his stomach so this is unlikely to ever happen again.
Today, my elderly cat had a random face plant on the bed and went limp. When I got her moving again, she seemed extremely dizzy and could not stand or walk. Her regular vet clinic was closed since it is a weekend day. I called AEC and described the situation. The receptionist was very kind, got my information, and told me what the process would look like bringing my cat in. They also provided a clear description of their location so we would have no delay finding the place. It was a very busy day with a few pets needing more critical attention, so there was about an hour and a half wait. Though, we were not ignored. The staff continued to update us and put our worries at ease. After we spoke with the vet and decided on what tests were needed, we were given a 45-minute wait estimate and said we could go if needed, and they would call once the tests were completed. We got the call 40 minutes later as we were pulling back into the parking lot. Everyone was so kind and very good at communicating, I only go into so much detail of the day because of what a difference it can make on an experience like this when you are handled with care. I wish the ER for humans was this seamless and comfortable. I will 100% be recommending this facility and will be sending my sincere gratitude.
I am very grateful for my experience today with AEC, although it ended up being a very sad day for our family the way the staff handled everything from initial phone call to facilitating my pets remains will forever be appreciated by us. Everyone was incredibly kind and patient to my cat and myself, and the vet was very clear with her communication, gave me a myriad of options to pick from, and the pricing was given for every possibility. I really appreciate her feedback when I decided on euthanasia, every pet parent has that little "what if??" in the back of their mind. It helped a lot to have validation I was making the most compassionate and logical choice even though it felt awful. Everyone was kind and respectful during my final moments with my cat, allowing me to lead the pace of when things happened. In the blur of overwhelm/trauma/grief, I made a choice in how to handle her remains in a way that didn't sit right with me hours later, and I called the clinic to see if it was too late to change my mind and bring her home for burial. The receptionist was so sweet and understanding, and was able to facilitate that change of plans. They had my kitty tucked away in a box for safe carrying, and I really appreciate that I am still able to have the final visual of my sleeping kitty in my mind. I was afraid my choice had the potential to be traumatizing, so THANK YOU so much for being mindful of that! All in all, like I said for a sad day I couldn't have asked things to go smoother and I am very grateful to the morning staff today for all of their empathy and support. You have a very, very special, very difficult job so thank you for doing what you do, you make a difference for patients like me!
I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction with the service I received during my recent visit with my dog. Upon arrival, my dog was taken for vitals, and after a wait, I was surprised to find out that she would be examined without me present. When I questioned this procedure, I was informed that my dog would be evaluated in the back while I waited alone in an exam room. This lack of communication regarding the process was concerning, especially since my dog was clearly anxious about being separated from me. Furthermore, when the veterinarian entered the exam room, she did not bring my dog with her. This was particularly distressing, as I believe it is essential for the owner to be present during examinations to provide context and comfort to the pet. The explanation that “dogs can be distracting” from the vet herself did not alleviate my concerns, as I felt it was more important for my dog to be with me during this process. Ultimately, I felt uncomfortable with the recommendations provided, leading me to refuse service. Sedating my 12 year old dog to look in her ear did not feel appropriate. I communicated my frustrations to the front office staff, but unfortunately, my concerns were not addressed adequately at that time. I followed up with a phone call the next day, which was the first time I felt my experience was truly acknowledged. This experience was unlike any other veterinary visit I’ve had, both for urgent and regular care. I strongly urge your clinic to reconsider how you communicate with pet owners and to ensure they have the opportunity to be present during their pet’s examination. I hope this feedback helps improve your services for future clients as well as give those unforuntaley coming to your clinic the communication I did not receive in regard to your office procedures.
Such caring wonderful staff and doctors! My cat Fig kept having post surgery issues and I really appreciated the empathy and kindness from AEC. Thankfully we got through it and Fig is stable!
We called on a Sunday morning-no emergency, but our 14 yr old Border Collie needed to go to heaven. They were so gracious-immediately ushered us into a large exam room. Fresh fluffy blanks arrived so our pooch would be comfortable.staff were very compassionate-got on the floor beside me for paperwork. The vet was continually getting consent to proceed. They handled it so beautifully. I thought I was prepared-didn’t expect to be a sniveling mess-they looked past that and were so amazing. It was peaceful, and he doesn’t have to struggle through today. Thank you!
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Monday:Open 24 HoursTuesday:Open 24 HoursWednesday:Open 24 HoursThursday:Open 24 HoursFriday:Open 24 HoursSaturday:Open 24 HoursSunday:Open 24 Hours
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Serves NorthWest and nearby areas