Companion Pet Clinic

Very kind and professional employees. The office was very clean and had a lot of space to wait (although we didn’t have to!)
I’ll bring puppy back for her checkups!

Sketchy area. Folks smoking weed in the parking lot. (I know it’s legal). They don’t take appointments so plan on a wait. Perhaps a long wait as in my case.
Initially said it was an hour. Got my name in and returned in 55 minutes. They said I was next. Another 40 minutes later, still not seen. I would have left, but believed them when they kept saying it was minutes away.
Disorganized, poor customer service, didn’t seem to care about taking care of customers. Shady area.
UPDATE:
Btw, I did not «take it out» on you receptionist. I was courteous and polite and asked for the papers back and left. If anything I was consciously polite.

I know I have written for them before, but it just needs repeating: Dr. B (and staff) are just incredible. Yeah, sometimes the wait sucks, but it is always worth it. I trust them with both of my dogs because they are caring and competent. My dog, Shamus, needed some teeth extractions and while he was under, they noticed a couple teeth that were worse than they originally thought. They called for permission and then removed all of the problem teeth. When I came to pick him up after the procedure, the staff explained in detail what they had done and what concerns they have with his overall health. I left there SO PROUD that we are patients of Dr. B. Thanks for the constant, excellent service. Oh, and I like your funny Facebook posts, too!

I’m a big fan of this place. Who would have thought that taking my dog in to see a vet as awesome as Dr. Birchmeier could also be so affordable (well, as far as vet bills go…) at the same time?
My puppy isn’t exactly the easiest. She is fearful of new things to the extent that she doesn’t let strangers touch her. Nevertheless, Dr. B has been so patient and understanding, and did a fascinating job of spaying her and treating her for a couple other minor ailments on various occasions.
Like some other reviewers mentioned, this is a walk-​in based clinic so sometimes you do have to wait. I usually take my dog in at 8 am when they open, and while sometimes there is already a small line in front of the door, it’s never been too long a wait for me so far. Besides, given the very reasonable prices and the level of service, I don’t mind the wait.
I think for many of the other things that some reviewers find inconvenient about this place, it has to do with keeping costs down. Well, as long as they can continue treating my puppy effectively without breaking the bank, I don’t need red carpet service.

Owned by Dr. Birchmeier, CPC Seattle is by far the best veterinarian in the King County Metro area. We have been taking our pets to Dr. B for years. She and her staff have the best concern, knowledge, skill, sense of humor, and reasonable prices. Our beagle is nearly 14 years old, and Dr. B. has cared for her in wonderful ways including check-​ups, surgeries, and needed prescriptions. We recently moved from Seattle to Sammamish, and we still make the time to take our pets to CPC of Seattle. As of today, our two new Aussie Shepherd puppies, have joined the ranks of dogs taken care of by Dr. B and her staff. We highly recommend her and will continue our relationship with CPC Seattle.
You can’t go wrong here and you can feel confident knowing your pets are in the best care with CPC.

I had my two kittens spayed, neutered, and vaccinated here. The level of miscommunication and incompetence at Companion Pet Clinic is mind-​blowing.
APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING
I called two weeks out to schedule my kittens’ procedures, surgeries being the only thing for which they take appointments. I booked the girl first, and the boy four days later. Naomi said to bring my girl in at 8:30 a.m., and that I’d be out in 10 – 15 minutes. She also asked that I bring her back four days later, along with the boy, to have her incision checked for any complications. Great!
DROP-​OFF #1: PRE-​SPAY
I showed up at 8:25, checked in with Chuck, and sat down to wait. And I waited, and waited, and waited – for 50 minutes, as I watched every walk-​in in the lobby get called in before me. Even though I had an appointment for a major surgery, I was treated like just another walk-​in and ended up waiting four times the promised delay, while my kitty shivered in fear. When I was finally seen by Liz (tech trainee), I politely brought up the discrepancy in wait to see how I could plan better next time. Instead of offering an apology or solution, she got defensive and said, «we’re understaffed and I’m the only one here.» As we worked our way down the surgery paperwork, Liz was unable to answer my questions with confidence and I was often met with «uhhh“s and blank stares. The doctor was nowhere to be found and I left with a bitter taste in my mouth, without having even met the person who was going to cut my kitty open.
PICK-​UP #1: POST-​SPAY
Liz brought out my girl, went over the post-​op care guidelines, said to bring her back in 10 – 14 days to remove the stitches, and sent me on my way. Remembering my earlier conversation with Naomi, I asked if I should still bring her back in four days along with the boy. «For what?» she asked. I explained I’d been told when I made my appointment that they’d want to see her after the surgery. Getting only silence and a blank stare from Liz, I looked at Chuck. He said, «we do like to see them again to make sure everything’s okay.» I looked back at Liz, who after another blank stare said, «maybe for a recheck ???» I reiterated that’s what I’d been told over the phone, and I asked her and Chuck – who were right next to each other – to conclusively tell me if I was or wasn’t supposed to bring her back. More blank stares. «You can if you want to,» she said. Irritated, I dropped the subject and asked if the sutures were dissolvable to see if I could save a visit to this craphole. More blank stares. «If we don’t take them out, they’ll take longer… maybe a month or two… to fall out.» Um, sutures don’t «fall out.» If they’re dissolvable they dissolve, and if they aren’t, they remain until mechanically removed. What does it say about this place that the person they put in charge of dealing with patients can’t answer basic questions? Jesus christ.
DROP-​OFF #2: PRE-​NEUTER
This time around, Chuck checked me in and took my boy to the back himself, instead of making me wait for Liz like last time. Thank god. I turned down the take-​home Buprenex, since I had some left over from the girl. Before I left, I asked if they could weigh the boy. «We always do.» I mentioned that the girl’s paperwork said «0 lb,» so I’d assumed she hadn’t been weighed. «They must have left it out of the computer; we’ll look for it in the paperwork.» Oookay.
PICK-​UP #2: POST-​NEUTER
I was charged for the take-​home Buprenex even though I’d turned it down at drop-​off. Because Chuck didn’t show me the bill before taking my payment, we had to do a refund after the fact. Next, I noticed that the dates on the bill for the boy’s procedures were wrong – they were backdated by five days. I asked Chuck if he could fix the dates, and he tried to blow it off as inconsequential. I insisted and he was like, «uhhh, I don’t know if I can change it; let me try.» Several minutes later, he reported that he couldn’t change the dates. Alright, then. Next problem: The boy’s paperwork also said he weighed zero pounds. I asked Chuck if they’d weighed him and found out the girl’s weight as promised that morning, and he took my request to the back. Liz then came out with the kittens’ weights handwritten on a sticky note. How professional!
BACK AT HOME
While filing away the kittens’ paperwork, I realized I’d been given a neuter certificate for the boy but no spay certificate for the girl. Why am I not surprised? I now have to interact with CPC again and hope they can fax me a copy, lest I have to drive another 40 miles for a piece of paper. In the meantime, I have removed the girl’s sutures myself and will be switching vets immediately.
CONCLUSION
Dr. Birchmeier may herself be a great veterinarian, but the people working for her give CPC a bad name. Considering that after two surgeries I haven’t even gotten to meet the doctor, I’m sadly left with nothing but bad things to say about her practice.

So So where do i start… How about that I have brought my dog here several times in the past, so I can establish a good connection with the vets and my dog. What’s crazy and unexpected is the way that my last visit went down. My dog had a tumor on his front paw that scared me to death. Thinking that I would be in good shape taking him to see the dr. I did not hesitate to put faith into the professionals that have treated him in the past.
WRONG…not only was my dog put on the back burner, after sugury, I waited in the waiting room for hours after they called me saying that he was finished up. Thinking all bad thoughts on why I was still sitting in waiting room with no information was horrible.
After several days it seemed that whatever dressing they put on my dogs paw wasn’t right as blood and puss were seeping out. Back we went, as I was terrified. No compassion, no understanding, no diagnosis, a simple «this is your fault», «you let your dog chew on his paw». not a question, a statement. And no, I didn’t let my dog chew on his paw… I didn’t even let him lick it. So they gave him more pain meds, re-​stitched, gave some more antibiotics and rewrapped his paw. Off I go again. My confidence level now is weaning… I tried to ask questions about what was happening to his paw. All I got was «we took care of it, don’t let him chew on it again»!!!
To finish off this nightmare, I finally got to the date circled on the calendar to get stitches removed. A date that they set up ahead of time. Showed up to get them out and waited an hour to have them removed. An emergency happened, i understand. but waited another hour before anyone even thought to ask me if I was ok, or if my dog needed anything. Serious. I waited for another 30 minutes or so and left. I have found another vet that I’m going to be taking my dog to, and by the reaction of my story to the vet, these people should be outta business for what kind of work they perform on our pets. If anything please research this place before you put your pet through what i did.

Had to take my dog in for an emergency visit for itching. He’s a pit mix and has the tendency to get very vocal and spastic around other dogs. The vets and vet-​techs here were so friendly and understanding and put my mind at ease. They set him up with the appropriate medication and the entire visit was incredibly reasonably priced. I can think of no better place to take my dog when he’s sick. I give this place 5 enthusiastic stars.

I am visiting my family, and I am from California. My dog Tanner, is a 15 ½ year old Nova Scotia Toller.
I called this clinic because of the reviews I read on line. I was not disappointed at all, I found Dr B, to be very compassionate and so very kind to my loving companion of 15 years.
She prescribed some meds for his inflammation and he seems to be comfortable. And for this I am very greatful. No unneeded tests, she understood I just want him to be as comfortable as possible till the end.

I have been bringing my kitty here for 3 years and my dog for the past year (since I’ve had him). This place is amazing. Sure it’s walk-​ins only policy can be a bit annoying at times (I have literally waited for 2 hours before) but honestly it’s worth it to me!
I take my animals here to see Dr. B and her vet tech staff. They’re all amazing and they remember my animals my name (I don’t come in that often I swear!). They genuinely genuinely care about your fur babies. I have been to other vets in the area and I have yet to find one that cares as much as these folks do.
And it’s not just your pets they care about, they’re also extremely conscious of your costs. I’ve never felt that they ran any excessive tests or prescribed any overly expensive medications. It is all very moderately priced and I frequently have friends with other pets saying «you paid HOW MUCH for their ear infection appointment and medication?!» In awe of the pricing.
I only took one star off because I wish they had just a slightly better system down for waiting… Maybe something people can check online to see how long the wait is currently? Or maybe you can make an appointment to be seen in an hour time frame? I’m not sure but regardless I recommend this place!

Wow. My visit was amazing. My older dog was in a lot of pain and I needed a walk-​in location. Dr. B was about 10 times as helpful as other vets I’ve seen. Everyone was helpful, upbeat, kind, professional. Cost about half what I was expecting. About 20 minute wait to get into the exam room, about 10 minute wait for the vet after that.

I have a very old cat and we’ve moved all around the country over the years. Finding a vet in a new city is always an anxiety-​filled process, because I’m pretty picky.
The minute I met Dr. B, though, all my worries melted away. She’s absolutely my favorite vet I’ve ever been to. Her bedside manner is wonderful and she is excellent at making my cat (and by extension, me) feel comfortable during the session. Her staff is also super competent across the board and share her compassion and consideration for my cat.
The walk-​in part of the clinic can be a good and a bad thing. I appreciate being able to stop by anytime, but sometimes the wait can be quite long. But Dr. B is 100% worth waiting for. It’s also worth noting that prices here are super reasonable. So grateful to have her close by!

So, there have been a lot of changes since I last posted. With Dr. B’s assistance, we enjoyed almost 2 more years with our Jasper. I really appreciated that the vet staff here allowed me to pickup refills of food, fluids, and medicines without bringing him in every time. When it came time to let him go, we went somewhere closer to home. For everything else, we made the drive.
Fast forward to about a year ago. We decided being catless wasn’t for us, and adopted two adorable rescue cats. One has some chronic medical issues, and of course we took her to Dr. B. The clinic had been remodeled, and there had been a lot of staff turnover. The new staff were. .. not friendly, but Dr. B was her usual awesome self, and we left with a treatment plan and medication. Our cat doesn’t travel well, so I was super happy we’d be able to get refills without bringing her in.
Refill time came; I called ahead and was told to come on in. I got there, and was asked to wait. Which I did, for an hour. I finally got up to the desk and was told they couldn’t find my records, so they couldn’t give me the medication. No, I couldn’t talk to the vet. Probably I should call tomorrow. Not happy, I left.
I called the next day. I called again a few days later. No help, total rudeness each time, stonewalled when I ask to talk to Dr. B, although I did have a brief, icy conversation with the other vet at the clinic. Bottom line, we would need to bring her in again for a new exam because our records were well and truly lost. Only. .. if we come in, we aren’t guaranteed to see Dr. B. Might get Dr. Ice. No thanks.
Long story short, we found a new vet. I miss Dr. B, and really hope the staff situation has been sorted.

We are still coming to this clinic and I still love it. Walk in is so nice! The receptionist, Chelsea, is very sweet and helpful. Dr. B is so calm, warm, and knowledgeable. Our course of action on issues has always been the easiest option first before getting into complicated expensive procedures and tests. My bills have always been fair and manageable. Can’t say enough nice things!

Even though there could be a long wait due to the walk-​in nature of this clinic (and popularity of Dr B), it’s well worth it. Dr Birchmeier is one of a kind in her bed side manners and competency.
I had to take a cat here in a very bad shape after an accident. While it was still a lot for my budget, it costed me quite a bit less of what would have costed me elsewhere. And the surgery itself for the laceration repair was only about $ 150 (the total bill came over $ 500 after other medications and procedures). And in that case I was seen much quicker than usual, because of the triage for very sick or injured animals requiring immediate attention. Plus the followup visits were complementary, which shows the Dr B cares about the well-​being of animals more than about her bottom line.
Oh, and Dr B is not jumping to unnecessary tests. In other clinics they were all about X-​Rays and lab analysis — even for trivial things. When I once brought my limping dog, she told me there is no need for X-​Rays, even when I’ve asked about them. She determined the diagnosis just by feeling my dog (without using a muzzle on my shy dog like one of my former vet did), and prescribed anti-​inflammatory medicine which worked wonderfully!

We have been using Companion pet clinic ever since we arrived in Seattle (4yrs) and we are fans. Dr. Birchmeier is an absolutely first rate vet and her staff/​techs are both caring and considerate. The rates for services are often half what you might pay at a non clinic vet and your pet still receives the same professional care.
But please note, this is a walk in clinic, that means some waiting will be involved. If you want to cut down waiting times it is best to show up at the time they open. If you have an emergency there are a few special hospitals in the area that can provide immediate care (Access for one). Our wait times in general at Companion have been less than 40 mins. Again, if you come early you can often be the first to be seen. However if you show up when the place is a little crowded it could take awhile.
Just know that Dr. B provides the care and time necessary to each case and she will not be rushing you out when you get to see her. We’d rather wait knowing this than go to a vet that is just trying to fill a cash quota for the day.
PS. I never give 5 stars so 4 is the highest mark i can give any business.

Love Companion pet clinic !. Dr Birchmeier is the best. You can tell she is a honest person who loves her profession and loves animals. Chuck at the front desk is also vary helpful. He helped me with getting records for my adopted dog Roxy. With many phone calls he got the records for me. I am sure other places wouldn’t do all that. all the people there are vary nice, my little girl Roxy loves them all.
Prices are great too.
Waiting is okay,
Try and get there early. The later in the day the more waiting you might do.
One thing you must understand is there is no appointments there. Walk in only.
So people that complain about wait times. Might want to go somewhere else and pay more.

Dr. Birchmeier is super friendly and comforting. I am a care freak with my dog and from a friend’s referral I decided to give this place a try.
On myfirst visit, I wasn’t that happy from waiting so long and my dog was in pain, but what can I do I chose to come to this place right? (So don’t blame the wait on the clinic, you came to a walk in only clinic)
And today, I had to visit the vet again because my dog seemed to be diagnosed with anal sac infection; and I was hoping to meet the same doctor and yay I did!
Their interior is a mess because the place was flooded awhile ago so I understand, but if they can get more cleaner & comfortable chairs it would be nice, since we do need to wait a long time.
Bring some books or something to entertain you since the wait will take at least an hour and there is no music or any sort of entertainment.
I will visit the clinic again because everyone in the vet makes me feel comfortable, even if im all irritated from the wait!
PS. Four stars because there is no entertainment in the lobby or comfortable chairs. Maybe you guys should make the corner section as a playroom for doggies! If our dogs are happy, so are we.:)

I have been taking my cats to CPC for about a year, but have become increasingly disappointed with their services. This time last year, I had to go several times for routine kitten shots and the wait times were sometimes long, but usually not too bad. However, this fall I’ve gone several times with a new kitten and the wait times are always horrendous. I was even there before opening one day, was the first person in the door, and still waited more than an hour. A 2+ hour wait is not uncommon, even if the waiting room is mostly empty.
On one memorable visit, I was taking the new kitten in for stomach troubles and she had diarrhea in her carrier during our long wait. I asked if they had baby wipes I could use to clean her up a bit and they helpfully brought out a pack of wet wipes. As I was wiping her down, I noticed the wipes had a strong chemical smell. I stopped to investigate and saw that they were BLEACH wipes with big labels stating «DO NOT USE ON SKIN.» EEEKKKK!!! I brought it to their attention and someone corrected the mistake and gave me baby wipes instead. They were very apologetic about the error, but I was angry and concerned about it affecting this tiny kitten’s health. Needless to say, she got a bath as soon as we got home.
The vet techs in general don’t seem to be the most experienced bunch on the planet. When my first cat had her spay and front declaw, they were unsure about questions I had regarding her sutures and removal. I’m an ICU nurse, I possibly had some harder-​than-​average questions for them, but I wasn’t impressed. However, the vets that I’ve met have all seemed knowledgeable and were very friendly.
In summary… the care my pets have received has been fine. No complaints there. The wait times are horrendous and incredibly frustrating. The office staff (not including the vets) is mediocre. The prices are great, definitely on the low end. So, is it worth it? Your call… depends on how busy you are and how much your time is worth. I’m not sure if we’ll be back.

My husband and I took our Shiba Inu, Judo here last week. We got lucky as there was no other patient there when we checked in. The front desk was very friendly and attentive. The vet was also very friendly and nice to Judo. We couldn’t really figure out the exact cause for Judo’s rash/​soreness but the vet prescribed some steroid based meds.
What bothers me a little is that the meds are labeled wrongly. They put someone else’s name on the meds. Which makes me wonder, if a simply avoidable mistake like this happened, what kind of other blunders could possibly happen…