FAQs
Clear Answers to Common Concerns
Veterinary care can come with a lot of questions, no matter how experienced a pet owner you are. For your convenience, our team at Timber Ridge Animal Hospital has compiled answers to some of the most common questions we hear from our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions at Timber Ridge Animal Hospital
We know that no two pets or their people are the same. If you don’t see your question answered here, just give us a call. Our friendly team is happy to help you get the guidance and support you need to make the best decisions for your pet’s health.
Whether you’re wondering about appointment scheduling, payment options, urgent care, or what’s normal for your pet’s behavior, you’ll find helpful information right here.
FAQs
What is the difference between urgent care and emergency care?
Urgent care at Timber Ridge Animal Hospital covers non-life-threatening situations that need prompt attention, things like vomiting, minor wounds, or sudden behavioral change. Our clinic is available seven days a week for these needs.
An emergency, however, involves life-threatening conditions such as difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or seizures where immediate, specialized hospital-level intervention is required. We are able to address these concerns with a walk-in visit, but may need to refer you and your pet to a 24-hour emergency hospital for advanced or continuous care.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
Absolutely, especially for urgent care needs. For wellness exams or non-urgent services, scheduling ahead is recommended to ensure a smooth experience.
What veterinary services do you offer?
We provide a full range of veterinary care, including preventive wellness exams, dental services, diagnostics (like X‑rays, ultrasound, and in‑house lab tests), routine surgery, nutritional counseling, and urgent care. Our team treats pets of all life stages with personalized attention and expertise.
Where should I go for after-hours emergency care?
For true emergencies outside of our regular hours, or when your pet needs immediate critical care, we recommend the following facilities:
- Summit Veterinary Referral Center
2505 S 80th St, Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 983-1114
Website
Open 24/7 - BluePearl Pet Hospital – Tacoma
5608 S Durango St, Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 474-0791
Website
Open 24/7 - Affordable Animal Emergency Clinic (Auburn)
602 Auburn Way North, Auburn, WA 98002
(253) 939-6272
Website
Open weekdays from 6 PM to 8 AM and weekends from 12 PM to 8 AM the following Monday. Open 24 hours on holidays.
Before heading over, it’s advisable to call and ensure they’re able to receive your pet, especially during off-hours or holiday periods. Calling ahead will also help ensure the clinic’s veterinary team can treat your pet as soon as you arrive.
Do you help with pet insurance claims?
Yes! We’re happy to provide detailed invoices after your visit to support your pet insurance claim. While you pay us directly, many clients find reimbursement straightforward when insured with carriers like Trupanion or Pumpkin.
How do I schedule a routine wellness exam?
It’s easy! Just give us a call or request an appointment through our PetDesk portal. We’ll work with you to find a time that fits your schedule and get your pet started on a personalized preventive care plan.
What payment options do you offer?
We aim to make care as accessible as possible. We accept:
- Cash
- Major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx)
- CareCredit (financing with flexible payment plans)
- Pet insurance reimbursement for providers like Trupanion and Pumpkin
For more information, please visit our Payment Options page.