Commencement Bay Animal Hospital

Vets in Tacoma

Commencement Bay Animal Hospital in Tacoma provides veterinary care for dogs and cats with compassionate, professional service. Doctors Moss and Wicklund and their attentive staff are known for their gentle approach and detailed attention to each pet's needs.

• Address: 3511 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406, USA
• Phone: (253) 475-5301
• Website: Visit website
• Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (242 reviews)
• Category: Vets

Commencement Bay Animal Hospital sits on 6th Ave near the water, and it's solid for dogs. The vets here—Moss and Wicklund especially—actually know what they're doing. They run a fear-free clinic, which means they're deliberate about keeping animals calm instead of just cranking through appointments. That matters when taking a dog in. Staff is attentive and the place feels genuinely organized. A bunch of reviews mention how gentle the whole experience is, even when it's something stressful. If your dog gets anxious at the vet, this isn't the worst place to try.

That said, pricing is on the higher end—someone paid over $600 for bloodwork and a urinalysis, which is worth knowing going in. Also be aware that communication can be spotty. One owner had to call multiple times just to get updates on their cat, and follow-up results took weeks. Not ideal when you're already dropping serious money. The clinic definitely has people who care about the work, but it's not flawless. Couple of negative reviews mention feeling rushed or getting poor service, so experiences here seem to vary depending on timing and which staff member you get.

If money's not an issue and you want someone who'll take their time with a nervous dog, it's worth a shot. You're in a decent spot near Owen Beach Pavilion and SniffSpot if the appointment runs early or late and needs a walk. Just go in with realistic expectations—good care, good people, but pricey and sometimes disorganized on the admin side.

Explore more dog-friendly places: Vets in Tacoma · All dog-friendly places in Tacoma