Cancel

Open app

Search

Summit Veterinary Referral Center

3.4 (329 reviews)
Open Open 24 hours
Updated over 3 months ago

Services - Summit Veterinary Referral Center

Emergency pet hospital

Pet physical or wellness exam

Pet vaccinations

Summit Veterinary Referral Center Photos

Recommended Reviews - Summit Veterinary Referral Center

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Teya W.

I am a frequent YELPer and if I had read some of the reviews for Summit, I might have chosen somewhere else - but instead I was referred by a friend I trusted, and I am so glad we chose Summit for our dog's emergency. Our darling 5 year old dachshund mix suddenly became paralyzed, and after going to our local vet who put her on pain medication, we took her to Summit who did an MRI and determined she has IVDD. The staff was caring and helpful and explained our options - euthanasia, permanent paralysis, or spinal surgery with a Neurosurgeon which they said would give her a 50-50 chance of regaining movement. In other words, 50 % chance that she would remain paralyzed after the spends surgery. We also had 15 minutes to make the decision because she was already under anesthesia and with this type of surgery, waiting to put her under again would have made her chances of walking again even less likely. I say this to explain how difficult it is to feel good about these types of situations and to feel like you got the best care. We do feel like that! Dr Finnerty was her neurosurgeon and the staff in neuron and the admin staff were great communicators, kind and helpful, and did not sugar coat anything. We got financing (did not have pet insurance) and since that time, we have had acupuncture, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, PEMF, and a variety of clothing and devices to help her regain mobility. Unfortunately she had another injury due to her nerve damage, and 8 months later we were back at Summit for another major surgery - this time a rear leg amputation with Dr.Hofeling. Some people might think we are crazy, we had not even paid off the first surgery yet, but this doggie has a strong will to live and is doing even better than before after the second surgery. The staff and care at Summit was stellar. The healing process after both surgeries was swift and uncomplicated. Yes, our pup will be a tripod doggie now, and also have a little cart for out door adventures. Summit is responsive whenever we have a question, but our new local primary vet helps us most now that the emergencies are over. I would not hesitate to refer someone to Summit. Each pet guardian has to decide if they can manage the cost and aftercare, and I can tell you those two factors are substantial. But if your dog or cat has an emergency, the vets at Summit are top notch and can walk you through your options with kindness, patience, and compassion. The surgeons we worked with are truly masters. I think the negative posts come from a "bad" experience of dealing with an emergency or loss, which is not easy, sometimes the place becomes the villain. However, I do not hesitate to recommend Summit if you have a surgical emergency.

Frenchie Nilla - Patient of Dr. Schwartz, Neuro.
Michelle F.

This review is specific to a consult with a neurologist (Dr. Malte Schwartz) at Summit - not their emergency services. After multiple panic-filled visits to our regular vet while our French bulldog was exhibiting signs of IVDD (a degenerative disc disease), they suggested having a consult with a neurologist. I spent hours researching local neurologists for dogs, requesting quotes and asking on IVDD specific Facebook pages for Frenchies who the best in the area is. Hearing the potential costs of MRIs and surgeries put my stress level through the roof, but I was willing to do whatever it would take to ensure my baby had a good quality of life moving forward. From researching 4 separate neuros in the Seattle/Tacoma area, all prices came back generally in the same range - Neuro consult = $200-250. MRI (with sedation) = $4-6k. Surgery = God help us. The scheduler for the neuro department was my first point of contact. She was very kind and patient with all of my questions/concerns. She got us set for a consult much sooner than I had expected. Getting to Summit was not difficult and the facility is spacious, clean and welcoming. The front desk ladies were very friendly and answered any questions I had in the moment. I can only imagine how stressful their jobs are considering how many scared and emotional pet parents they come into contact all day long with emergencies. The vet tech that collected us and brought us to the exam room was very kind and social. She eased some of our worries while we did the initial intake and exam. She treated our Frenchie with love and I could tell, for once, our girl was NOT stressed or scared while at the vet. She took Nilla to the back for further examination and returned her after about 15 minutes, just as happy as can be. Dr. Schwartz came in soon afterwards. He spent easily 45 minutes with my husband and I. He was extremely thorough in covering Nilla's history, recent events/symptoms, his professional opinion on her condition and suggestions on next steps. He saved us from spending thousands of dollars on an MRI during this specific visit as it may not provide the results needed right now - but may need in the future should she start showing signs of pain. I appreciate that he put our girl first rather than pushing us to spend thousands during that visit. I will for sure recommend Dr. Schwartz and this facility to any of my friends/networks. A really great experience and I am so appreciative. I left feeling like a weight had been taken off of my shoulders and felt emotionally lighter knowing we can trust the plan/process for our girl.

She passed just 48hrs after surgery.
Keomany V.

*This business is a C- rating and is not a BBB Accredited Bureau Please read all reviews before bringing your pet here. I wish I did, so far I've already read 4x review that said after a few days post surgery their pet passed. Initially, I was just so happy that I found a place that would be able to save my girl. She's was a 12year old beautiful Pitbull, that was just all about living. Our vet at Banfield informed from her X-ray that she had a mass on her spleen that needed to be removed and recommended us to a few places. I went with Summit because all other locations were not taking new patients and Old Growth was not yet opened. Below are some of my timeline: 19 Mar 25 0900 oncology consultation $245 + what you see in the estimates. 9 Apr 25 Surgery consultation $210 14 Apr we decided to go forward with Ivy surgery, with the advisement of Dr. Loomis that she was be able to live a few months to years. if no surgery she would pass even sooner with pain. 23 Apr 25 3:15 Ivy had to go in for a blood draw but collapsed at Summit. After ER fees they only found that she was weak, low in iron and GI tract had fluids. They were going to house her for $2800 but we wanted her home so it was $970. If she was strong enough she would go in for surgery on Tuesday. 29 Apr 25 @0700 Ivy was dropped off for surgery for Splenectomy/Abdominal Lymph node/Mass excision. $11,322 30 Apr 25 she remained in the hospital for recovery, which Dr. Loomis said went well for her age. 31 Apr 25 she was release from hospital with meds. 31 Apr 25 at 11pm she was given meds 1 May 25 @0605 my purest love of my life passed in agony and gasping for air in my arms, she cried one last time, gasped for air, looked up at me and collapsed. I immediately rushed her to my nearest ER where I was informed she did not have a heart rate upon arrival. I called the clinic and spoke to the doctor, described her symptoms before she passed and she said it could have been a blood clot... Just 48hrs after surgery she passed away, were we advised incorrectly on her surgery? Was the surgery too much for her body? Was she too old? Was she too weak? Could we have forgo the surgery and our baby would still be here?...doctors are supposed to advise with the professional and honest assessment, was this done? I don't care what I spent, I want my baby back. If I had to euthanize then it should have been on me, not her going through a painful surgery and dying... It's too late for me, but for those that have fur babies they love please AVOID AVOID AVOID this place. My Ivy died on my birthday 1 MAY 25!!!!!!! How sad is that!!! I will never forget her SIP Ivy girl. Please submit another review to Better Business Bureau https://www.bbb.org/us/wa/tacoma/profile/veterinarian/summit-veterinary-referral-center-1296-22673262/customer-reviews

Our beloved Winnie
Jackie M.

We had to come here under very sad circumstances; nonetheless, our experience was amazing. Our 5 1/2 year corgi had gotten extremely sick over night. She was transferred here from a different ER vet, and by morning, she had deteriorated rapidly. Dr. Stobnicki had admitted her, who was amazing. She talked with us a while and gave us an entire list of probable things that could be wrong. She ran through the treatment plan with us and was very thorough. She even called me in the middle of the night to give an important update (which I appreciated so much) and made me feel like she really cared for Winnie. Dr. Riordan took over Winnie's case and was extremely empathetic and so pleasant to speak to. She explained our options thoroughly and knew what she was talking about. Ultimately, we had decided to let our sweet girl go peacefully as we didn't want to gamble on her life and make her suffer even more. Although we will miss her immensely, I am beyond grateful for the amazing care she received from all of the staff here. If I ever have another emergency with one of my babies, I will not hesitate to come back.

This was how she looked when she woke up with her head tilted and the swelling on the left side.
Sarah H.

Stay far away from this place. I had to bring my Labrador in due to a fever and some swelling on the side of her face. My regular veterinary office had two emergencies already, so they couldn't see her until the next day. They charged me almost $4000 and told me she needed a surgery that would START at $10,000. They told me she needed her whole ear canal removed and other things. I came and picked my dog up the next day (they told me they had to keep her overnight,) and AFTER I paid the extra charges they made me wait 2 hours to get her. Makes sense since she looked 100% worse!! I couldn't believe it! The doctor told me to have a "Quality of Life" appointment with her regular veterinarian. I was devastated. I couldn't believe that over night I was maybe going to be saying goodbye to my best friend of 12 years. My vet got us in, and within 10 minutes discovered she had an abscess behind her ear that was causing 100% of her problems. We had it drained, cultured, cleaned up and within about 2 hours she looked almost completely normal. This place was going to take advantage of the fact that I would do anything for my animals and pay any price. They charged me an astronomical fee in 2022 for another dog who needed an emergency surgery, and I didn't balk at the price. I just paid it. You would think a place that you should be able to trust with your beloved pets wouldn't be a scam and a rip off. Literally go anywhere else but here. If zero stars was an option, that's what they would get. Look at the pictures I attached. They speak for themselves!!

The coffee bar for patient parents patiently waiting.
Monyca W.

OK, it's time to write a review for Summit. I waited and waited because I wanted to be sure our beloved dog was really truly healed. We came to Summit a few months with an emergency when our beloved dog suddenly stopped walking. Our regular vet had tried a few things but after agonizing days without improvement, they sent us to Summit. As we sat in the lobby, panicked, we read some of the Yelp reviews of people who had lost their pets and wondered if we made a mistake. We wondered if we should get our dog and leave. A few months of hindsight now, I can safely say going to Summit was the very best thing we could have done. We waited longer than I would have liked in the lobby that first night (and the next day, waiting for an MRI) but I truly believe now that Summit properly triaged their patients and I know they were seeing cases worse than ours. In the end, the vets that we saw were very patient and thorough and spent all of the time we needed to talk over every possible diagnosis and treatment. The primary vet who worked with us was neurologist Dr. Jerry Demuth and I cannot say enough about how patient and kind he was with us humans and our baby. He answered our questions patiently, even on the weekends. We always worry that unknown veterinarians will try to take advantage of our distress and fear when our pets are ill or injured. Summit gave us high-end and low-end estimates and had us give a deposit for the low-end cost, but we ended up getting a refund because our cost was even lower. I never felt like they steered us toward more complicated, costly, or unnecessary tests or treatments. Finally having our issues resolved and our girl has some pep in her step, I'd like to thank the staff and Dr. Demuth in particular. I'm sorry about what other pet parents experienced but I would recommend Summit without hesitation.

See all

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

5 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

14 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 3

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 7
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 2

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 2
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of H B.
128
212
82

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jodie W.
59
26
13

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Rocky C.
190
10
1

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Isa B.
3
271
3

2 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 2

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 3

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Rasa D.
2
37
31

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 6
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Customer Service

Customer Service

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Matt S.
5
106
9

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kendra C.
178
53
74

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 1

Page 1 of 9

Ask the Community - Summit Veterinary Referral Center

Review Highlights - Summit Veterinary Referral Center

Hofeling was able to diagnose a very rare condition of an elongated soft palate that was entrapping the epiglottis.

Mentioned in 12 reviews

Read more highlights

VEG ER for Pets - VEG veterinarians in surgery

VEG ER for Pets

(17 reviews)

They were able to triage and see my pup quickly and all the staff were very kind and helpful on my…read moreoptions! Thank you VEG

As soon as we walked in with our grandfur we were greeted, asked what was needed, and they took us…read morein right away. I love the open concept of this vet ER. We were there for 8 hours. We are fur sitting our daughters senior baby boy while she's out of state. On our watch, he got a hold of grandpas 68% Peruvian dark chocolate he forgot he left on his food tray. While no one was looking Shostakovich sniffed it out. And of course ate it. Although he's deaf, somewhat not able to see very well due to cataracts, and multiple health issues, he seems to find the chocolate stashes when he stays with us. His littler mate brother who actually lives with us never does. This is Shostakovich third time doing this. And we make sure to scour the place of chocolate before he comes over. Apparently not good enough. This time around we didn't even contact poison control, we drive at fast as we can to VEG er. We didn't want anything to happy while on our watch. So induce vomiting, checking vitals, since he is a high risk dog, who is going in 15 years old, high heart rate, and high BP, Dr. Shaw and poison control felt it was necessary to monitor Shostakovich overnight. So next morning after six hours of monitoring Shosta was released. We are still making sure he's ok since he had Gastro issues as well. Bit due to the chocolate, it was a separate issue he already had, but per our daughters request they tested him for it. Our daughter paid that portion of the bill. Our bill for the chocolate incident was 2300.00 yes it very high. But since it's on our watch we didn't want to have our daughter pay, the bill she had to pay for testing was about 1800.00 So whoever is reading this...get pet insurance! Our daughter has spent thousands and thousands of dollars due to his health. People say just put him down. We say, that's not an option. Even though he's a senior dog, he runs around like he's a puppy still, he's happy, doesn't show signs of pain. He's a little stinker for always getting trouble since he was born the runt of the litter, and grew double the size of his brother. But has more health issues than his brother. But unless doctors say otherwise, he will get loved until it's time. So thanks Dr. Shaw and staff for taking care of our grandfur Shostakovich. Also, their facility is way larger than others we've been to. We live closer to others, but we didn't mind the 20 minute drive. Plus after being there all night we finally got to eat dinner at midnight. It's nice that this place is not too far from the only Del Taco in the state.

Old Growth Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care - Bean! Happy and healthy!

Old Growth Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care

(39 reviews)

I would like to thank all of the staff from Old Growth Vet and emergency &critical care, from…read more reception people to tech's to veterinarian they took exceptional care of our pup, treated her with care, even with them being busy , she got care she needed thank you from pup penny and her family. sincerely Thomas/Zola

Update-Communication has improved greatly, I am receiving phone calls and texts. Received an…read moreapology their phones had issues. I'm feeling much better with the communication is key to a happy customer. Feeling they care and are concerned. Brought my pet in, we called ahead they were ready for him. Took him back right away. We had to ask a couple times for an update. Finally taken to a room to see Dr. told we could get written estimates 12 hour cheaper or 24 hour more expensive. We went middle of the row and put down $2900 some odd cents left him overnight. Was told we would get updates, texts. No calls no texts had to call. When we left him last night he was stable and doing well. My family member called to check on the pet, he's fine. Told he would be ready later today. I called on my way home and waited on hold for 28 min told I can pick him up at 8pm. This is the 24 hour mark. I don't feel well so I ask if I can pick him up sooner I'm told no I can't. I was just diagnosed with an infection right before I took my pet in, I feel so lousy and it don't seem to matter to these people who I pay good money to watch my stable pet since last night and charge arm and legs to hold my pet hostage. I won't be going here to chase answers and not get caring people to reach out to me and provide service. No way I'll go back to Sumner's animal hospital who care more for pets and pet parents.

Veterinary Emergency Group - VEG veterinarians in surgery

Veterinary Emergency Group

(76 reviews)

Interbay

So thankful for VEG and the prompt and compassionate care they gave our dog, Penny. The doctor…read morewalked me through all of our options and took amazing and gentle care of our girl in her last moments. When it was time to say goodbye we were taken to a private room so we could spend as much time as we needed together. They made sure it was a peaceful passing for Penny, but also regularly checked in on me and explained everything kindly and thoroughly. I would like to especially shout out Ashton, who was kind enough to make Penny a beautiful plate of sweets and even shared her own piece of pie. It was so helpful to be around such a caring individual at the worst moment of my life. We had taken Penny in once before, and my husband and I both appreciated the set up of the clinic - you can see your animal being cared for and be with them every second. We didn't ever stay overnight with Penny during a hospitalization, but what an amazing thing to be able to be with them the whole time. Other emergency vets aren't like that. Thank you, VEG!

The team at VEG were delightful. Great communication, from triage to checkout. My kitty has…read moresensitive skin, which comes with irritation from every little thing. She had been scratching around her eyes, and had developed some scratches that were inflamed. Ultimately, she was prescribed antibiotics, with a proposed eye dye. The medical director was my treating vet, and she explained why the eye dye was suggested, but not required. In an expensive time, I'm very appreciative that they didn't push for an unnecessary test. She and the team all had great bedside manner. Yes, the wait was a bit long, but it wasn't through any fault of the staff; multiple stat cases had come in and understandably, skin irritation wasn't at the top of the to-do list. Also, they did let me know up front that it would be a bit of a wait, so again, good communication. While I hope I never have to take my baby into an emergency vet, I would definitely come back to VEG.

Veterinary Emergency Group - VEG veterinarians in surgery

Veterinary Emergency Group

(70 reviews)

In October, we had an after-hours emergency with our labrador whose back legs were not functioning…read more Upon arrival, I immediately went to the front desk where I was greeted promptly. I explained our dog's situation and a couple of technicians grabbed a cart to assist me with transporting my large dog into the facility. They quickly evaluated her and made sure that not only was my dog comfortable, but that I was comfortable as well. The emergency room techs were very attentive to my dog. They were constantly checking on her while we waited for her to be examined. After they conducted the initial exam, they proceeded to run tests. They went above and beyond by asking me if I would like to watch from the window while they took x-rays and blood to ensure that my dog was at ease. After the exams and tests were completed, the doctor explained in great detail what had taken place. They informed me that my dog had a stroke and recommended that she be seen by a neurologist. The doctor went above and beyond by proceeding to call local neurologists and place a referral for my dog. The attentiveness and time the facility spent taking care of my dog were exceptional. I was beyond impressed with Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) of Redmond and I would highly recommend this location for care of animals in an emergency.

The folks here are great!…read more I have a dachshund who we suspected had early symptoms of IVDD and wanted to get him seen just in case. The real con here was how long we took to get seen. I understood the need to prioritize urgent/emergent needs which is why I didn't dock too much but we really didn't get checked on for like three and a half hours. When we were seen, the staff were polite kind and prescribed medication to help him with discomfort while we waited to see our standard vet. The cost wasn't too bad either, around $300 for the eval plus three medications. Would definitely be back here in case of emergency.

Summit Veterinary Referral Center - vet - Updated June 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...