What to expect when you walk in

Patients are seen in the order they check in, with one exception: sick patients are triaged, so the most urgent cases are cared for first. Because of that, wait times can be unpredictable — some days move quickly, others don't.

Early mornings

The front door opens most days at 8:00 AM for early surgery drop-off. You're also welcome to check in early for an office visit between 8:00 and 9:00 AM — but during that hour you must remain on the premises, or you'll lose your place in line. The clinic officially opens at 9:00 AM.

Lunch closure

We close for lunch from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, and no doctors are available during that hour. Check-ins stop 30 minutes to 2 hours before lunch, depending on how long the wait already is.

Afternoons

Check-ins for office visits end between roughly 3:00 and 4:00 PM, depending on wait times, so every checked-in patient can be seen before close.

Our lobby is open for check-in, check-out, and seating — and you're just as welcome to wait outside or in your vehicle if that's easier on your pet.

You may also leave the premises while you wait, as long as you're back before your pet is called. If you're away when your pet's turn comes up, you won't lose your visit — you'll simply rejoin the line when you return.

There are two exceptions, when you must stay on the premises:

• During the 8:00–9:00 AM early check-in hour.
• If you check in just before the 1:00–2:00 PM lunch closure.

Please mention any health concerns when you check in — even if you came in just for vaccines — so we can make sure your pet sees the right person.

If you believe your pet needs emergent care, tell the front desk as soon as you arrive. A technician assesses every sick patient, and true emergencies are moved to the front of the line.

Emergencies identified by technician triage incur a $125 emergency fee for dogs and cats. The fee applies only to genuine emergencies — it can't be paid voluntarily as a way to skip the line.

When we're closed, please call Mid-Columbia Pet Emergency Service in Pasco at (509) 547-3577 or Horse Heaven Hills Pet Urgent Care in Kennewick at (509) 581-0647.

Few visits are harder than this one, and we do everything we can to make it peaceful. An exam room is available for euthanasia visits, and our staff can help you come into the building discreetly — just let us know at check-in.

For pets who are already patients of ours, euthanasia visits are given preference in the lineup so you aren't left waiting; these visits don't include a doctor's exam. If you'd like the doctor to first examine your pet and help you weigh the decision, that's absolutely welcome — those visits follow the normal first-come, first-served order.

We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, and CareCredit.

We're unable to accept checks, and we don't offer payment plans or billing — please plan to settle your visit before you head home.

Our small team works hard to care for every pet that comes through the door, and busy days test everyone's patience — ours included. We're grateful for your understanding, and we ask that everyone treat our staff with the same courtesy they'll show you. Rude or abusive behavior isn't tolerated at our hospital.