Rainier Veterinary Hospital offers quality veterinary care in a welcoming, down-to-earth environment. Our team treats your pets as they would their own — with patience, understanding, and a caring touch. We are independently owned and committed to providing the best possible medical care throughout all stages of your pet’s life.
About Rainier Veterinary Hospital
Why We’re the Vet Seattle Trusts
We set the standard for high-quality veterinary medicine, paired with compassionate care, all at affordable rates. Veterinarian-owned, our clients are never just a number to us — we care deeply for each pet we meet and consider ourselves partners on your pet’s health journey.
Convenient Location, Open 7 Days a Week
Hours
Open Every Day, Even Weekends!
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Walk-in Wednesdays: Walk in any time 8:00 am and 4:00 pm on Wednesdays, and be seen without an appointment. Learn more.
Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Address
815 Rainier Ave. S
Seattle, Wash. 98144
Our hospital is easily accessible from both I-5 and I-90, and our lot features plenty of free parking. Making an appointment is easy too — we’re open 7 days a week, so you can bring in your dog or cat whenever fits your schedule. Current clients can schedule online. If you are a new client establishing care, welcome! Please fill out our New Client Registration Form. And for both new and current clients, if you can’t wait for an appointment, join us for Walk-in Wednesdays. Bring your pet in anytime between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm on Wednesday for any need — no appointment necessary.
The AAHA Accredited Experience
At Rainier Veterinary Hospital, we are proud to be recognized by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), a distinction only the top 15% of practices in the United States and Canada achieve. Our AAHA accreditation reflects our team’s dedication to advanced veterinary medicine and exceptional customer service, and our promise to provide exceptional care to the pets of our community. Backed by AAHA, you can trust your beloved pet is in the best hands and receiving outstanding care.
Knowledgeable and Compassionate Doctors and Support Staff
We are passionate about helping pets feel their best, physically and mentally. Our entire team is dedicated to practices that promote patient comfort and continued education so that we stay on top of modern medicine. We foster a collaborative environment where accountability, compassion, and teamwork are a top priority. Our team’s eagerness to learn and willingness to share knowledge inspire both individual growth and the continued advancement of our practice.
Nearly a Century of Serving Seattle Pet Owners
Located in the heart of Seattle, our hospital is state-of-the-art; our team is exceptional, and our roots run deep. We have been serving pets in Seattle since 1933 and are deeply committed to continuing to support our community and nonprofit partners. We are passionate about helping all pets in our community receive the care they deserve.
Our Values
At Rainier Vet Hospital, we believe that healthy pets are part of a healthy community. Everything we do is to promote your pets’ well-being, because we want to see your beloved pets thrive. Our team is aligned on core values that reflect our shared passion for helping animals and the high standards we hold ourselves to.
Quality
We are committed to advancing the quality of veterinary medicine and offering exceptional patient care through smart, sensible solutions.
Authenticity
We promise to remain transparent and honest in our communications with each other and clients.
Integrity
We are committed to staying true to our convictions, while prioritizing what is best for our patients and clients.
Team Player
We value collaboration and are united in our common mission as well as our acceptance of others.
Adaptability
We are dedicated to the success of our team and are committed to continued learning, growing, and improving to ensure success for all.
Who We Are
Rainier Veterinary Hospital is proud to be a part of the Veterinary Roots group of sister hospitals, which also includes Bothell Pet Hospital, Elliott Bay Animal Hospital, Firgrove Veterinary Clinic, and Lynnwood Animal Hospital, as well as the community nonprofit the Rainier Animal Fund. Veterinary Roots remains grounded in its commitment to support veterinarians and foster the development of independently owned veterinary practices throughout the Puget Sound region.
Our History
1910
What is now known as Rainier Veterinary Hospital was established in the home parlor of veterinarian Dr. Bagley at 1510 Rainier Avenue, becoming one of the first veterinary clinics in the Seattle area. Dr. Bagley went on farm calls to treat larger animals and opened his in-home practice to treat the small pets of the affluent community who could afford veterinary care and lived in the area that became today’s “Pill Hill.”
1932
Dr. Bagley’s practice expanded with the addition of Dr. Roy Carey, a graduate of WSC (which later became WSU).
1937
Dr. Bagley’s home was purchased for $1,000 to make way for the new I-90 freeway. His small, wood-framed house was moved and became an addition to another house located at 815 Rainier Avenuwe South, where it would officially become the location for Rainier Veterinary Hospital.
1942
Dr. Bagley passed away, leaving the practice to Dr. Carey. Dr. Ben Kadaner, also a WSC graduate, joined Dr. Carey, and the two remained partners until Dr. Kadaner ultimately purchased the practice.
1959
In December 1959, Rainier Veterinary Hospital hired Clifford Heino, a high school student, as a kennel attendant. He later graduated from WSU in 1974, becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.
1994
Dr. Kadaner retired at the age of 80. Dr. Clifford Heino became the new owner of Rainier Veterinary Hospital.
2008
Dr. Lo-Tin Kung, who had previously joined Dr. Heino for a short period after graduating from the University of Minnesota, returned and purchased the practice. When Dr. Kung owned the practice, it was still a walk-in clinic, and people lined up outside the building for their pets to be seen.
2009–2013
Dr. Kung remodeled the building to have a total of three exam rooms, and he turned the clinic from a walk-in facility to a by-appointment-only practice. He also brought digital radiography and a state-of-the-art dental machine to the practice.
2014
In April 2014, Dr. Kung sold Rainier Veterinary Hospital to Dr. Debra Nicholson, who remains committed to providing exceptional care at affordable rates.
2023
Dr. Nicholson built what is now the present-day Rainier Veterinary Hospital, replacing the building with a state-of-the-art facility. The new building is thoughtfully designed and significantly more spacious, with 8 exam rooms, expanded treatment spaces, and a dedicated diagnostic room.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Our caring team is here for you seven days a week, and we’re always happy to welcome new patients. New to Rainier Vet? Simply fill out this quick form to join our family and experience the difference of thoughtful, exceptional care. If you didn’t get a chance to schedule ahead or have an urgent care need, walk-ins are welcome every Wednesday for both new and existing clients.