I wanted to share a recent experience my family had at Columbia River Veterinary Specialists. I'm…read moreposting this to inform others in the community, especially pet owners, about what we experienced during an incredibly difficult time. This is not meant to discredit the clinic as a whole, but to be transparent about an interaction that had a significant emotional impact on us and may be important for others to be aware of. Our family recently brought our cat to Columbia River Veterinary Specialists during one of the most painful moments a pet owner can experience--having to say goodbye. I want to be very clear that the majority of the staff we interacted with were kind, patient, and compassionate. The woman at the front desk treated us with warmth and respect, the staff member we spoke with on the phone beforehand was helpful and understanding, and the veterinarian who ultimately assisted with end-of-life care was gentle, loving, and respectful. He took the time to explain everything clearly and treated both our pet and our family with dignity. Those are exactly the kinds of people you want working in a field that involves end-of-life care and emotional vulnerability. Unfortunately, our initial interaction with one staff member significantly overshadowed the experience. When our family first arrived, the individual who took our cat back (not the person who checked us in) made comments that strongly implied judgment about why our pet had not been brought in sooner. These remarks were delivered in a way that felt accusatory and lacked empathy, especially given that our pet was actively dying and we were already emotionally overwhelmed. Financial limitations are a reality for many families. Being made to feel guilt or shame for not having immediate access to thousands of dollars--at the exact moment we were facing the loss of a beloved pet--was deeply inappropriate and unprofessional. Veterinary professionals are entrusted with not only animal care, but human compassion. This was not the time for assumptions, judgment, or commentary--it was a moment that required empathy, discretion, and support. I'm sharing this because no family should be made to feel judged or shamed while saying goodbye to a pet. I sincerely hope this feedback is taken seriously and addressed internally, because the rest of the staff we encountered demonstrated the level of care and compassion that should be standard in situations like this. Our pet deserved peace and dignity in their final moments--and so did our family. I would like to call out Nicole Akerill aswell. She does not deserve to work in a profession like this! Thank you very much.

We unfortunately had to use this emergency vet for our dog but fortunately for us, they were all…read morewonderful! From the front desk, to the technician, to the veterinarian, they were all so kind, warm and excellent at their jobs. Yes, it's expensive to have a dog need emergency services. You should know that before getting a pet and you should know things are going to inevitably happen. Having a great team ready to take care of your pet the best they can is exactly why I highly recommend bringing your pet here for emergency needs. Thanks Dr. Tegan and staff!

Shoo is awesome. I found someone name her business when I went plundering the internet after newly…read moremoving to Vancouver, and after an in person meeting where she was extremely professional and reassuring of any of our concerns, we decided to have her watch our three cats. The cost is very reasonable. Of the three cats, one is a late senior and another is extremely skittish to strangers, and the senior needed to be kept to her own room apart from the others. Every morning on my trip, she would text me various pictures of all three cats, and they always looked very content, and even the skittish cat was clearly eating his meals even while she was there. I could not recommend her more for your pet sitting needs, she's the best!

Leave it to Shoo has been my cat's pet sitter for almost 8 years. I felt I could leave and trust…read moreher with them completely. Every day she would go she always sent pictures of my boys. They looked content. They liked her which was wonderful. I have just relocated to another state and hope I find someone that I can trust as much as her.