Columbia Veterinary Hospital

My little fur baby was not himself and was limping on his back leg. I spent all day at work calling different locations and no one would see scrappy or listen to me to give me any sort of advice. While I was sitting in the office waiting to see if Dr. Power would be able to see me the woman before us offered to switch and give us her appointment and she would reschedule. Then the dr. Came out and said she would see both of us. I am so thankful and relieved. She still took her time, listened, explained things in a way we could understand and was gentle and thorough in her examination. I will be taking my dog here now on since our old vet has closed his doors. Read Less

I have been going here on and off for about 7 years. Dr. Rutledge has been our primary doctor for the last 3 years and she is wonderful. Whenever I had a question, I would call in and leave a message with her and she would respond when she had a break or at least by the end of the day. I deducted 1 star due to the difficult/limited parking lot situation, inability to get seen the same day for emergencies due to low staff, and how costly it is in comparison to other places around the city. The prices for their services have definitely risen over the years but their quality in providing the services and open communication was why I keep coming back. If finances are tight, it's best if you called in and ask for what they would currently charge for an office visit and a full exam. The full exam is a requirement if you're new or haven't been seen for a full year at this place. You can always call around to other places to compare prices Read Less

I actually found this place through a Yelp search a few years ago. I was very happy with my choice. I have taken my adopted cat there since I first visited, and we have seen a few different vets. I've been pleased with all of them. They are quick, but thorough, and they make sure all of your questions are answered while providing the opportunity to return or call for any additional questions or concerns at the end of every visit.  I also want to add that they are really easy to schedule with, and they are quick to respond to calls or emails.  If you aren't sure about where to go, I'd recommend this place to anyone! The only drawback is that I wish the parking lot was larger, but given the location, it's not too bad. I have always been able to get a spot. Read Less

I have a different vet that I take my bunny to, but this clinic was closer to me and my boyfriend so we decided to give them a shot (for our puppy).First few visits went great, and the staff was always friendly. But then we took our girl to get her spayed and that's when things went downhill instantaneously. My boyfriend and myself are the owners of our pup, but neither one of us could drop her off so we had my boyfriend's dad drop her off. I, nor my boyfriend, ever got a call to confirm if these other services were okay but they went ahead and did it anyways. $250 of additional charges we did not consent to; teeth were pulled, vaccines done, microchip added, etc. Now I get these things can benefit our pup, but the fact is we did not consent to it. No document with our signature, no phone call to even NOTIFY us. We returned to find out why they proceeded, their answer was because my boyfriend's dad verbally okayed it. He is not a registered owner. He does not have the right, and even so, one of us should've been called. We did not get reimbursed, nor did we even get a simple apology.What happened was absolutely unacceptable and unethical. We will never be returning to Columbia Veterinary Hospital ever again. Read Less

I have taken my doodle to CVH since he was around 1. I am always able to make appointments within a short timeframe, they have excellent availability. Every vet we have encountered has been friendly and helpful. Dewey loves it here and so do I. I also have two cats that come here for vaccinations and vet care, they are great with cats too. I recommend CVH to everyone. Read Less

We have used this vet for 10 years. Very recently they help our old dog to the rainbow bridge and were very compassionate and made it as stress free as possible so we could focus on our dear Morwyn and our emotions. Read Less

Outstanding veterinary hospital. I was there today with Xena. Usually Xena is frightened of vets and yelps around needles. Dr. Rutledge was great: she made Xena comfortable (and me), she used a fine needle that Xena apparently didn't notice. Equally important, the front office staff were friendly, efficient and professional (that makes a big difference). I found the prices to be very reasonable. Read Less

Columbia Veterinary Hospital is outstanding. We are the proud owners of two retired racing greyhounds. Dr. Earl is kind, present and patient in caring for our dogs, who have unique health needs and physiology, and of course their owners. He provides thoughtful advice and doesn't push an agenda. We always find the reception experience to be efficient and welcoming. Highly recommended! Read Less

Everyone at the clinic is absolutely wonderful! Dr. Earl has taken care of my mini Aussie and is so good at explaining care & options. We trust him overwhelmingly ! Thank you from Stanley Recently out Norwegian Forrest cat suddenly developed lymphoma in her neck & Dr. Stacy Rutledge saw her & walked us through the few short weeks we had left with her. The day we brought her in to put her down, the staff was ready walked us right in to a room set up for us. For that I was so grateful. The respect for our last time with her the cater & concern was more than I could have imagined! The plate that came in the mail is something I will treasure forever. We now have a new kitten a Maine Coon & know she & all of our fur family are in the best of hands here. Thank you to each & every member of the staff.Read Less

I came to Columbia for my cat (aka my son) Simba J.  He was throwing up everyday and we'd (his vet who made house calls) tried everything to see what could be causing it.  That vet told me she wanted to do blood work on him but said it was going to pretty traumatic for me to hear him making a lot of noise because of what they would have to do to restrain him to get the blood from him.  I didn't want to hear that so I decided to come to Columbia so they could do it in a clinic or something that would be less stressful for both him and I.  I went in and met Dr. Power.  She explained everything that was going to happen and how long it would take.  Lab work came back normal so she said she'd like to do an ultrasound of his belly to see if there was something going on in his gut.  Again, she explained everything that would happen and told me what to expect.  Once it was done she had to call me the next day with the results of that ultrasound.  That was the hardest day of my life I'm sure.  She told me that my boy had lymphoma.  I was sick.  I was hysterical and heard nothing else she said after that.  But she called me back the next day to check on me....ME not the cat.  She explained what our options were and assured me that she and her staff were going to be there with me every step of the way because he was now a part of their family.  Sadly, the illness worsened rather quickly and within 2 months it was time to put my baby boy down.  The care that not only my baby boy received but I received by the staff at Columbia is beyond measure.  I believe that God puts the right people in your life at the right time.  Nothing is an accident.  It wasn't a chance that I decided to get the blood work done there.  God knew that I needed a caring team of professionals to help me with what was coming and that is exactly what I received.  I'm a social worker and my job makes me question humanity sometimes because of the things that I see at work.  The care I received and my baby boy Simba received from these blessed people gives me hope that God still has people here in this city, this county that demonstrate his love even if they don't know it.  I do.  You will not be disappointed if you take your furry family members to Columbia.  They are awesome!  And to the staff at Columbia...Many blessings May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. Read Less

I just want to take a moment to give a shout out to Columbia veterinary clinic. Not only do they have awesome staff and offer good care. But they really go above and beyond. I received a paw print when I had to put my dog down a week before my birthday and a card in the mail. Just received this in the mail. Thank you guys so much for all the work you do and for the awesome staff you have. Words can't describe how much the paw print and plaque mean. I've been to vets that only cared about the check. But you guys really go above and beyond and help make difficult decisions easier. You guys rock! I'll definitely keep bringing all my animals to you my Aspen I have now and my future pets. So touched and humbled by how much a simple card and plaque can mean. Read Less

We selected this establishment for our dog because of their high ratings on yelp. The two veterinarians who have seen our dog were professional. They aren't very personable like our old vet in Hawaii but you can't beat good ratings. We've visited this establishment three times within the two years we've been in Tacoma - one for removing worms and the other two for annual check ups. The only gripe I have about this place is the price. Our last check up, which included two vaccine shots and an ear infection test, costed us a whopping $200+ which was a shocker because the annual shot and ear infection test he had back in Hawaii cost way less than that.  They also bring the animals in the back to give their shots. I honestly would rather have them do it in front of us, as my old vet previously had done. As far as location, it is fairly easy to find as they do have a large visible sign and it's on the main road (6th Ave.). They only have a few parking stalls on their lot but I haven't had any issues so far with a full stall. This may be good or bad but there is also a Petco right across  the street, so if you want to spoil your pup or other pet after their doctor visit, Petco is there for you. Read Less

Dr. Rutledge is the best! Our 15 year old black lab had suffered with a chronic infection for months and months. She consulted with specialists to come up with a treatment plan, that is working! I'm so thankful she is our vet!Read Less

I rarely (probably never) do reviews, but I really want to share my opinion with Columbia vet. Whenever I call the clinic, they answer promplty. If I want to talk to our vet Dr. Earl, he will call me within the hour. He always strives for the most minimally invasive procedure first, then go from there. It's a smaller practice that is about healthy animal, not healthy paychecks.Read Less

We love Dr. Wright! We know that Molly's best interests are her major concern when we come in to see her. She truly cares about Molly. We have never felt like we were being pushed into unnecessary care. That being said, the care that Molly has received has been top notch! She is a lucky little dog! Some years ago, when we had to put our cat to sleep, Dr. Wright came to our home because we didn't want Sweetums last moments to be fearful. We sat in Sweetums favorite spot on our back deck and said ""Goodbye" sorrowfully, yet with peace. We will always be thankful for the extra time and effort given to our baby's needs. Read Less

We took our elderly dog Lola there for care during the last year of her life and the staff there was uncommonly kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable. Both of the vets that we saw (Dr. Earl and Dr. Rutledge) took time to listen, were gentle with Lola, and made sound recommendations for her care. When it was finally time to put Lola to sleep, the entire staff there were so compassionate and helpful during the whole process. When we get another dog some time in the future, we'll definitely be going back to Columbia for vet care. The only detractor is the location/parking situation, but I'll deal with it for the level of care they offer.Read Less

Thank you so much for amazing take care our first baby girl Maxxy's all life!!! We're very appreciated Dr Wright & stuff members! Columbia Vet stuff been part of our life as make me feel family:) & They care our pet like we like to do. Awesome team work with great people! Read Less

The staff is friendly, kind and helpful. I read what the others said and do not believe that this was the same clinic. The doctor was very friendly and understood my dog and his breed's issues. She made sure to take time to answer all of my questions and did not pad the bill. The clinic I used for years in Gig Harbor was about twice the price for standard tests and check-ups. Glad I switched.Read Less

2 weeks ago, I took my very sick dog to Columbia Veterinary Hospital and they started doing things like checking my dogs teeth and spine and that was all they did when it came time I was unable to pay the cost of the tests they wanted to run to find out what was wrong and as we were finishing up they made mention of euthanizing the dog because of how severe it was well due to the nature that I might have to put my dog down they told me that the "appointment fee" would be waived because of that fact. At first i thought they were going to hold true to that however yesterday i got an invoice from them demanding payment for the same fee that they said they had waived which was $66.50 roughly. After calling them to ask why I received the invoice I was told that it was only IF we chose to euthanize her that day or the day after, and they DIDNT specific that it was a IF scenario.I feel this Veterinary Clinic cares more about money then they do about the animals and the owners.If you want to spend money to be told you need to spend more money then go ahead as for me I will NOT be returning to this business anytime. Read Less

I went to Dr. Wright by referral from a friend and I could not be happier. The entire staff and Dr. make you so comfortable you would think that you knew them for your entire life. My fur kid went in and took to Dr. Wright off the bat. I was allowed to ask questions and get them answered. She did not pressure me to do this or that. My fur kid Bianca loves her and that is all that counts as she is very persnickety and a good judge of people. I would recommend them to anyone, good service and a clinic that is real not just about the money. Five stars to them. Read Less