I feel really fortunate to have these guys so close by for an emergency. It's so obvious how much they care and how much they put into helping their very specialized group of patients.
We came in for a parrot emergency--little dude decided he would unscrew a bottle of Tylenol and crunch up a pill like Cookie monster in the three minutes I was out of the room to go to the bathroom. We called animal poison control and were recommend to bring him to an ER right away.
The staff here were all so sweet and caring. Even their space feels thoughtful with snacks and drinks and a cozy feel to try to make a stressful day just a little easier.
Dr. Thomas went absolutely above and beyond for our feathered bestie. She wasn't rushed at all with us, taking the time to really explain all that was going on, the different outcomes, and the options we had. We made a plan and hospitalized him overnight. To my surprise, she even spent the time to go through the latest research and contacted the author of a publication to get the absolute best care option figured out. My bird was able to get the antidote treatment without needing an IV and sedation because of this. I felt so much more relieved knowing he was in such capable and caring hands.
It's a small place, and if you're here for a non-emergency appointment I'd be prepared to wait in case they are dealing with some time sensitive care. If that emergency is ever yours (I hope not!!), you'll appreciate that they do bump other appointments at times!
Can't thank these guys enough for all they do. Birds and exotics need very specialized care and this is a really special group of humans! 🦜🐇🐹❤️
I’ve had consistently negative experiences with the veterinarians here over the past year. I continued coming because, despite extensive research, this is the only major rabbit veterinary center I’ve found in Seattle. I even switched between doctors within the practice, hoping to find someone I trusted.
The technicians and front desk staff are terrific, and the facility is clean and welcoming. My criticism is specifically about the veterinarians and the care I’ve received.
I’ve had my rabbit for 12 years. As she has become extremely elderly, I’ve repeatedly sought help with changes in her weight, mobility, grooming, eating, and quality of life. Too often, extensive diagnostics have felt like the default while basic geriatric reasoning, continuity, and practical care felt secondary.
I was the one who researched arthritis and specifically brought it up. I also came to an appointment concerned that one hind leg was sitting noticeably outward. The vet examined her without mentioning it; when I specifically showed her, it was clear she hadn’t noticed it. Her previous vet had also documented mild cataracts for years, yet that established condition wasn’t reflected in the examinations or notes I received here in the last year.
At another appointment, a vet suggested a CT and ultrasound when I first brought her in for weight loss. I am not opposed to testing. I will pay for diagnostics when they answer a meaningful clinical question and could change treatment. What frustrated me was the lack of practical care alongside those recommendations. Then when I agreed to testing, and her results were poor, the vet had “no idea” what was going on because it could be “any number of things.” Umm???
Afterward, an experienced rabbit sitter suggested simply rotating different types of hay to encourage her to eat, and to try Oxbow joint support. I tried it, and it worked!!! Obviously changing hay doesn’t replace investigating unexplained weight loss. But a simple, low-risk intervention that actually improved her eating was never suggested by the rabbit specialists I had repeatedly asked for help.
Continuity has been equally frustrating. I complete detailed intake forms, bring questions, and even bring photos of her environment because I want help adapting her care as she ages. My intake is routinely more detailed than the discharge notes I receive. When I ask specific questions about previous visits, it has repeatedly become apparent that the doctor hasn’t meaningfully reviewed her history. With a geriatric rabbit, her history is the case. I shouldn’t have to reconstruct it at every appointment.
My most recent experience with Dr. Porter-Blackwell was the final straw. I explained that at nearly 12, I wanted to avoid unnecessarily burdensome procedures and repeated stressful visits. She asked what my definition of “invasive” was. I wasn’t refusing diagnostics. I wanted help deciding which tests could realistically uncover something treatable that might improve her comfort or give her more good time.
When I asked whether a sanitary shave was safe, she deadpanned that she “could prick her,” with little explanation or guidance. Later, I asked whether I might have another five years with my little lady. She said, “It’s not likely,” and left.
I know my sweet girl is a “senior citizen,” as our precious beloved vet in California used to call her. I don’t need false reassurance, and I don’t expect anyone to cure old age. I need a vet who can be medically honest, resourceful, and still be human.
Before moving to Seattle, I had wonderful exotic vets in California. They were expensive. The money is not my problem. They combined diagnostics with clinical judgment, practical guidance, continuity, and compassion.
I’m writing this because I genuinely want this practice to do better. Seattle rabbit owners have very few specialized options. Specialized care should mean more than access to sophisticated diagnostics. It should also mean careful observation, thoughtful clinical judgment, practical support, continuity, and compassion.
