Animal Emergency Care Bellingham, Washington

If this is the only option you have to save your pet then you need to do what you need to do, but you probably won’t be able to afford it and will be turned away as a result. My dog was referred to this facility after being diagnosed with a life threatening Pyometra (uterine infection) by the vet clinic we were using at the time. After waiting several hours, we were surprised when the vet informed us our dog had pyometra, something we already clearly knew. We were charged a couple hundred dollars to confirm exactly what we had been referred there for and found the charge to be completely unnecessary and a little underhanded. It was only after waiting for hours that were given treatment options and AEC wanted upwards of five thousand dollars for the procedure. This was an exceptionally high price. For reference, the vet we were lucky enough to find the day after did the procedure itself for only 1700 dollars, and the entire bill ended up around three thousand dollars. AEC DOES NOT offer any type of payment plan – you need to have the full amount in cash/debit/credit, and they will not let you leave the parking lot after they admit your dog. I contacted them via phone and email because our pet insurance has a bill to vet system, I was told they would check with their hospital administrator, but they never bothered to get into contact with me again. I don’t think this facility deserves to be hailed for helping animals, so much as recognized as taking advantage at their expense. Since they put business and money before the care of animals, they should be judged on their business merits alone. As a business they are very overpriced, do not offer payment plans, find unnecessary ways to charge you, have long wait times combined with restrictive protocols and they have poor communication. The whole process with AEC was a waste of valuable time and resources in getting my dog the treatment she needed, and frankly I was disappointed we were ever referred there. We never would have dreamed of ripping this facility off and would still have gladly paid the amount they were asking had we been given the chance. Fortunately, we did find a caring provider and my dog is okay. I would never be so bitter as to tell you NEVER to bring your dog here if that is what makes the difference between saving them and you losing a family member. Just be prepared to be turned away if you don’t have potentially 10 grand in free cash.

Animal Emergency Care All Around the best when I had to rush my pup .

Very helpful and supportive. And, have an amazing update consistency.

What a fantastic experience with AEC! Our young pup got very sick, very suddenly and we couldn’t find a vet nearby to take us. I was quoted a 6 hour wait at a hospital in Mt Vernon but only at 2 hour wait at AEC. The hour and a half drive was well worth it because they brought him in within 45 minutes of us arriving. Not being able to go in with him was heart wrenching but the entire staff was so kind and knowledgeable that they put me at ease. I hope we don’t have to go back anytime soon but I know they’ll take great care of my little guy if we ever have to.

My boy was brought in because he was drinking water incessantly. Diagnosis? Bladder infection with infection in kidney. $750.00 blood test. Took him home with antibiotics. Puked all night. Next day I called. Picked up nausea medicine. Called back on Christmas Day. He’s not drinking, eating and looks bloated. Bring him in and am told more tests will be done. Kidney stones and a hole in bladder. My boy was euthanized Christmas Night because he had tumor pretty much all over bladder, kidney… Spent over $4000.00 and never got to see my dog. I would Never bring Any of my Animals here ever again. Felt that Money was more important than the diagnosis and treatment of my Beautiful Wonderful Boy. Very difficult to get a call that he will be home the next day to be told that my boy had cancerous tumor.! Fish Smell.!

Our pup didn't make it, but the staff here was kinda and gentle and patient. I am eternally grateful for their kindness as we said goodbye to our girl.

Intake rating only: Make sure you have $150 cash or card upon arrival. Once they take your pet you aren't allowed to leave the parking lot until he's been seen, not even to run to the bank. If they see you leaving the parking lot, they call you to immediately come back and pick up your pet whether u may think he's dying or not.

10/10 recommend. I drove over an hour to have my dog seen asap. It was worth the drive. My dog woke up acting lethargic and totally not himself, wasn't eating and his eye was swollen and red. It was quite concerning. After calling around to all local vet offices, all booked and busy, and getting many different recommendations, we ended up here. Dr.Bailey was very helpful providing me with options and pricing of services. She was also wonderful while talking with me over the phone to diagnose the problem, sparing us any extra expensive testing. Very smart lady, kind and understanding as well. Vet techs were also very kind and patient with us. My little guy is feeling much better and our problem was taken care of in a resonable time frame. This was a whole day ordeal for reference, so bring a book, or prefered entertainment, and some snacks if you are unfortunately in a similar situation. One receptionist was a bit abrasive and way over quoted us on wait time, however I appreciate what she does, and maybe she was having a hard day. Thank you ×1000 to everyone at this clinic that helped us, put my nerves at ease, and found his problem so he was no longer in pain.

I'm so impressed with this business. We had an emergency, and they took such good care of my cat. What I appreciated most was that the receptionists and the care team seemed not to be in a rush to answer my questions. They all spent considerable time giving me all the information I needed. They kept me in the loop about who would be taking over care and when, and I got updates from each care professional. If we had a third of this quality care for myself and my human family, I think the world would be a better place. Glad to see my cat had the best. They've got my fullest recommendation.

Really great people, but their hands are toed due to astronomical costs and doom and gloom vets.

I called in about a potential poisoning and they were extremely helpful and understanding and quick to answer any questions I had. Great service they're providing.

Doctors were really nice and comforting with the care of my dog. They were pretty fast in receiving her and taking care of her issue. They were also informative about her issue and provided notice to my pets vets. I have used them now for the past 6 years and never had any major issues.

Omgosh there were an AMAZING bunch of people. My dog had Rat poisoning and she LIVED because of there help and caring abilities

Wonderful experience when my puppy was having issues with his eyes. Thank you for the prompt service and clear communication. We all appreciate what you do to help keep our fur babies healthy.

The best place to take your animals.The only place l will be taking mine now&have been taking them for the last 20 years at least.Wonderful staf

Nobody likes a visit to the emergency room. The empathy and professionalism of the staff made a rough night bearable and our sick pup was able to come home healthy and whole in the morning.

Great animal care for my out of town guests!

They were the only emergency vet in western Washington that wasn’t diverting or on a wait due to being at capacity on Saturday, the hour and a half drive was worth it! The entire staff was very sweet, and the doctor was very thorough, informative, and gave recommendations on what she would do for her pet. Definitely recommend them even if it’s out of your way!

They are busy but very thorough. I got all my questions answered and feel confident in the treatment plan for my dog.

Great place. Will return

We were there last night to put down our sweet old male kitty...it wasnt an unpleasant experience as far as the place goes, but was so much different care than what it was a few years ago...what changed and why?

The staff is great. They Let you know approximately how long the wait cab be. The order of patients. The cost is disscussed. All of this information is given before you are checked in. I appreciate that. My pet and I were treated with respect and dignity.

They made my cats last days better. Thank you so much, it hurts so bad to lose him. Without you he would have died in a ton of pain. You are truly heros. I could not afford to pay the price they needed for all the tests so they helped me pick the most important stuff and we ended up saving 600 dollars and they were still able to figure out the issue. Sadly there was nothing more that could be done in our circumstances. Again, thank you for giving me 3 more days with my best friend.

We had to visit for our mini dachshund Daphie who had a complications birthing. We were 1.5 hours away and very worried about her. When we arrived they already had a room prepped and staff waiting to care for her. They took her in within 60 seconds of us arriving. She received amazing care and her and her pup are doing great!! Thank you so much for helping her when we couldn't!!!

The staff was really really wonderful! My tiny 3.5 lb kitten sustained a traumatic brain injury and they gave her the best possible care. She was so bad we didn't know if she would make it through the night. If she lived we didn't know how much function she would have. They gave her incredible care and updated us on her progress through the night and the following day. They were gentle, empathetic, and extremely competent and professional. 3 weeks later now my kitten is nearly fully recovered! What an amazing blessing this place was when we needed it! Thank you! God Bless!

Great staff. Very receptive to our situation with my animal. They took very good care of him and diagnosed him when he was having some issues with his digestive system. When they ran tests my 18 year old boy had the blood work of a 10 year old dog. Very happy with the outcome this was over almost two years ago. I'm having to say that my dog is still with me. Thank you animal emergency care.

Very sweet staff and great service!

I wish I wasn't writing this review but we had an accident with our 2.5 year old choc lab that left him paralyzed in his back legs and when I called our Vet they said "oh we are full today" go ER I didn't have time to react. AEC had 4-5 people meet us at our car and were so kind and calm. I was a mess. I can't speak highly enough of the woman doctor (wish I remembered her name in this stressful situation) but she was amazing as well as the entire staff!!!!! I wish I could have them as a vet!! They are underpaid and overworked but please please know we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking care of our furry babies!

I brought in my cat Shadow. He was hurt and they took prompt and quality care of him. I was impressed. Hopefully I don’t have to go back, but if I do, I have complete trust in them.

Brought our dog in, very kind and helpful, was told 2-4 hour wait, had no choice was out and all done in less than 2 hours. Prices were reasonable. Thank you