Puget Sound Veterinary Specialty & Emergency

07/31/2025

🚨 DOUBLE TROUBLE - Lost pets 🚨

We are seeking your help in reuniting the pibbles on the loose. If you have any information about their owners, please contact our hospital directly. At 253-400-5052

07/30/2025

At Puget Sound Veterinary Specialty & Emergency, our commitment to advanced medicine and compassionate care is what sets us apart. Located in Gig Harbor, our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a team of board-certified specialists and experienced emergency veterinarians who work together to support pets and the people who love them.

See the heart of our hospital in action and learn how our team is here for your pet—anytime, every time. 🐾

Hours
Emergency: Open 24/7
Surgery: Sun-Tue | 7am-7pm
Dentistry: Mon-Thur | 7am-5pm
Neurology: Tues-Fri | 7am-5pm

Location: 6565 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

07/25/2025

📣 Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) — what every dog parent should know 🐶🩺
Addison’s is a hormonal disorder caused by a deficiency in steroids, most commonly diagnosed in dogs around 4–5 years old, but it can affect pups of any age.
🩷 Signs to watch for:
• Lethargy
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
If your dog is showing these signs, don’t wait — early diagnosis and treatment can be lifesaving. Bloodwork, supportive care, and sometimes hospitalization may be needed.
🐾 Trust your instincts and contact your vet ASAP!

07/21/2025

It’s Good Boy Monday and this handsome floof is kicking off the week with major tail wags and cool calm vibes 💙

Whether it’s bloodwork or radiographs, he handled his emergency visit like a total champ. We’re so lucky to start our week with such a sweet patient! 💉❤️

07/18/2025

Meet FIFA 🐶💚 — this sweet baby spent some time in the ICU at Puget Sound Veterinary Specialty & Emergency due to GI issues. She stayed positive with her tail wagging and her adorable spirit shining through. We’re so proud of her strength and so happy she’s back home with her loving family!
Here’s to brighter days and happy tummies ahead! 🌟🐾

07/18/2025

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at ACVIM! We loved connecting with you, swapping stories, and talking about the future of veterinary medicine. See you next year — and until then, let’s keep raising the bar for the pets and people we serve.

07/17/2025

When our out-of-town team members visit, it’s a good excuse to snap a photo. Here’s the crew at this month’s Pupdate at our Kent, WA headquarters — catching up, sharing ideas, and making a few good (bad) dad jokes.

07/15/2025

Washington DC, here we come! Catch Lakefield Veterinary Group at Booth #1344 at the AVMA Convention this weekend!

Stop by our booth to:
● Chat with our recruiting team about career opportunities
● Donate to Frankie's Friends
● Enter for a chance to WIN a trip with World Vets and your very own blue-footed b***y stuffy
● Meet Hamish, the Gentle Giant Leonberger

Plus, don't miss the Career Mix & Mingle on Friday! See you in the capital.

07/14/2025

😼 Gus reporting for duty at Token Creek Veterinary Clinic! During his exam, he hopped right in to help Dr. Covington and Laurie complete his exam notes—clearly making sure his chart said “extremely handsome” and “treats required daily.” We’re pretty sure he’s gunning for Employee of the Month! 🐾🖋️

07/12/2025

“Workin’ 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin’!”
Just another day at Puget Sound Veterinary Specialty & Emergency, and our tiniest patient is working hard at his recovery —taking names and stealing hearts 💻❤️

07/09/2025

Help Animals Impacted by the Texas Flooding 🐾💙

The recent flooding in Texas has displaced countless families and their pets. Kerrville Pets Alive is working tirelessly to rescue, shelter, reunite, and care for animals affected by this disaster — but they can’t do it alone.

We’ve set up a fundraiser through our Instagram and pages, and 100% of the funds will go directly to Kerrville Pets Alive to help provide food, medical care, and safe shelter for pets in crisis.

To amplify your impact, Lakefield Veterinary Group will match donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000. Your gift will go twice as far to help animals who need us most. Please share!

To learn more about Kerrville Pets Alive, visit https://kerrvillepetsalive.com.

07/09/2025

Travel plans ahead? ✈️

As summer adventures take you and your pets on the road, or sky, it’s important to plan ahead to keep them safe and healthy along the way. Whether you're heading to the mountains, the coast, or anywhere in between, make sure to follow the summer travel tips we’ve shared—and always take a few minutes to research veterinary emergency clinics along your route and destination. Knowing where to go in case of an emergency can make all the difference.

If your summer travels bring you to our home state, welcome! We’re proud to be part of your journey. Our emergency team is here for you should your pet need emergency or specialty care while you’re visiting. Safe travels and wagging tails ahead!

07/04/2025

🎆 Fireworks can be fun for us — but scary for our pets! Here are five quick tips to help keep your furry family members safe and calm this Fourth of July:
• Make sure your pet’s ID tags and microchip info are up to date
• Take them for a long walk or play session during the day
• Double-check that your yard and fence are secure
• Turn on the TV or radio to help drown out the fireworks noise
• Stay home if you can — your comfort matters most to them

A little planning goes a long way. Wishing you and your pets a safe, relaxing holiday — enjoy the BBQs, fireworks (from a distance!), and time with family and friends! 🇺🇸🌭

07/03/2025

UPDATE! Penny has been reunited eith her family 🥰

🚨 FOUND DOG! 🚨

This precious angel has found refuge in our team's loving care tonight, and we're eager to reunite them with their rightful family! Please call the hospital directly if you have any information on where this sweet pup belongs. 253-400-5052

07/02/2025

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Tiffany McElroy to the Puget Sound Veterinary Specialty & Emergency team!

Originally from Chehalis, WA, Dr. McElroy began her journey in veterinary medicine at St. George’s University in Grenada. She launched her career as a dairy veterinarian in California, where she quickly discovered a passion for emergency medicine. After three intense and rewarding years in large animal practice, she transitioned to small animal emergency care, which is where her heart truly lies.

Dr. McElroy brings with her a deep commitment to patient care, client education, and internal medicine. Her calm presence and thoughtful communication help support both pets and their people during stressful moments.

Outside the hospital, Dr. McElroy recharges by getting outdoors, whether it's hiking, fishing, or running with her two dogs, Fenrir and Millie. She’s also an avid gardener and is currently lobbying her husband for a chicken coop (we’re rooting for her).

We’re thrilled to have her on board and know she’ll be a wonderful asset to the community.

We are proud to provide advanced specialty and emergency veterinary care to pets and families. We develop a collaborative team with you, our staff and your regular veterinarian to provide the highest quality medical and surgical care to our patients

07/02/2025

💡Student Ambassador Spotlight 💡
Meet Max, a Michigan State veterinary student passionate about exotic animal care and rehab medicine! When he's not studying, you’ll find him hosting board game nights, hanging with his cat and blue-tongued skink, or catching a movie. Future day-one vet in the making! 🦎

07/02/2025

Worried about fireworks and your pet?

📌 Here are six tips to help keep them safe and calm.

Refill anti-anxiety medications early and follow your vet's dosage advice
Double-check collars, ID tags, and microchip info
Go for a long walk during the day
Secure all doors, windows, and fences
Turn on the TV or radio to drown out the noise
Stay home and provide comfort

Fireworks can be scary for pets, but a few simple steps can make a big difference. The sooner you have a plan, the better off your pet will be. We're here for you in case of any pet-related incidents.

06/25/2025

💡Student Ambassador Spotlight! 💡

Meet Sydney, a proud Minnesotan and DVM candidate at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2026! 🎓 She’s passionate about community and preventative care for both small animals and horses. When she’s not studying, you’ll find her camping, biking, snowboarding, or chilling with her orange cat, Gouda. Thanks for being one of our student ambassadors!

06/24/2025

Summer Dog Safety: Outdoor Playtime Tips

Worried about outdoor play in the heat? Here’s what every pet parent should know about summer dog safety before heading outside.

As temperatures rise, summer care for dogs becomes more important than ever. High heat can lead to overheating, burnt paws, and other serious health risks. Whether it’s backyard fetch or a trip to the dog park, a few smart precautions can keep playtime fun and safe.

• Plan playtime smartly. Opt for early morning (6–9 AM) or after 7 PM when the ground and air are cooler.
• Check the ground temperature. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws—stick to shaded, grassy areas or use protective booties.
• Hydrate and rest often. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water and access to shade between bursts of activity.
• Watch for heat stress. Signs like heavy panting, drooling, or slowing down are red flags, bring playtime to a stop and help your dog cool off.
• Tailor to your pet. Older dogs, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, and those with health conditions are more sensitive to the heat and need lighter activity.

If you’re ever unsure whether your pet is showing signs of heat-related illness, reach out to your primary care vet, or visit our emergency clinic. We're here when you need us.

06/19/2025

Meet Dr. Max Rinaldi, Medical Director and partner at Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Springfield, OR.

Max’s journey with Lakefield started unexpectedly—during paternity leave—but quickly turned into a story of leadership, mentorship, and meaningful growth. From his first ER shift to becoming a partner in the hospital, Max has built a career rooted in compassion and connection.

He’s proudest not just of the pets he’s helped, but of the team he’s helped grow. “Watching people rise into new roles and thrive—that’s what sticks with me.”

👀 Read his full story here: http://bit.ly/45nvHf3

A Surprising Introduction to Lakefield When Lakefield acquired Emergency Veterinary Hospital (EVH) in Springfield, OR, in 2019, Dr. Max Rinaldi was on paternity leave. “I had no idea who Lakefield was,” he said. “I came back for a meeting and suddenly found myself in the middle of an acquisiti...

06/16/2025

Louisville, here we come! Our recruiting crew is heading to ACVIM and we’re bringing the energy.

👋 Come say hey at Booth #612

✨ Enter to win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Galápagos with our amazing partners at World Vets
💙 Donate to Frankie's Friends and double your impact
🖊️ Grab one of our legendary Lakefield pens

And find out why Lakefield might be your next great adventure!

06/13/2025

Wow, what a unique patient! One of the rarest breeds in the world.

06/06/2025

Happy birthday, Dr. Simon-Vasquez! 🎂