Keeping Monroe's pets healthy for over 25 years!

AAHA accredited for over 25 years!

Welcome to Kindness Animal Clinic               360-794-8813 info@kacpets.com 

19845 Hwy 2, Monroe, WA                            Call for an appointment today!

KINDNESS ANIMAL CLINIC is a full-service, AAHA accredited, veterinary medical facility located in MONROE, WA. Our professional and courteous veterinarians and technical staff at KINDNESS ANIMAL CLINIC seeks to provide you with the best possible medical care, surgical care and dental care for your highly-valued pets. We are a small family owned clinic, and your pets will be seen by Dr. Garver every visit. He is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. KINDNESS ANIMAL CLINIC strives to offer excellence in veterinary care to MONROE, WA and surrounding areas. We are the ONLY certified Gold Level "Cat Friendly Practice" in Monroe! The American Association of Feline Practioners required our practice to meet several performance criteria and complete staff training, as well as having to make cat friendly changes to our clinic!  Please take a moment to contact our veterinarians and technical staff today to learn more about our newly expanded veterinary practice and to find out more information about how KINDNESS ANIMAL CLINIC can serve the needs of you and your cherished pet.

Hiking With Your Dog

Hiking season is here! Most dogs love to hike along with their owners. Here are a few safety precautions to keep your four-legged hiking companion healthy.

Before you go, take time for some preventative medicine:

• Make sure your dog is current on vaccinations and is on a good flea and tick preventative. Ticks are very active right now, and carry many serious diseases. We are recommending Bravecto for our canine patients who spend a lot of time outdoors. Bravecto is a new, very effective chewable tab that will kill fleas and ticks on your dog for 12 weeks.
• Make sure your dog is in shape for hiking. Dogs that do nothing but lie around all day will get stiff and sore and suffer cramped muscles if they hike difficult trails. If your dog is out of shape, start an exercise program slowly and gradually - like a daily 10 minute walk. Slowly lengthen the time and quicken the pace. Regular daily exercise is essential for keeping your dog in shape.

Keep your dog leashed on the trail. Leashed dogs are safe dogs. There are a lot of natural hazards out there - cliffs, sharp rocks, boulders, rivers and creeks to cross, wild animals. An off-leash dog is much more likely to be hurt  or get lost than an on-leash dog. Other dogs may threaten your dog - especially ones that are not on a leash. If there is an altercation, you can quickly  pull your dog away to safety. There may be wild animals. If your dog gets between a mother bear and her cub, it could develop into a dangerous situation for both of you.

AVMA recommends bringing along for your dog:

• Water and collapsible bowl. Pack enough for the entire day - approximately three liters of water for your dog's day hike. Drinking water from puddles, streams, or lakes is not a good idea for you or your dog. Like us, dogs are susceptible to water borne illnesses from drinking untreated water. Giardia intestinalis  is a  parasite that  affects both humans and dogs. These microscopic parasites attach themselves to the intestinal wall and cause damage. Symptoms of Giardia infection (in both humans and pets) are diarrhea, gas, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. It is also possible to be infected and have no signs of illness. Leptospirosis is another serious infection of dogs and people.The bacteria that cause Leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals which can contaminate water or soil. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated area, or by drinking contaminated water. Symptoms are a fever and dehydration, and which can progress to kidney failure. Leptospirosis can be prevented by keeping your dog up to date on vaccinations. If your dog develops any of the symptoms of Giardia or Leptospirosis infection post hiking, please give us a call as soon as possible. The earlier treatment is started, the better.
• Dog food and treats - Keep your dog well fed on the trail as he or she will burn more calories than usual. Bring extra snacks.
• ID tag and picture identification - Make sure your dog is properly identified with a microchip and/or tags should he/she become separated from you. A good idea is to put a photo of your dog along with their microchip number in your phone.
• Booties if you will be hiking on abrasive ground (such as basalt lava fields of the South Cascades), in areas where there is spiny, prickly vegetation (desert areas of Eastern Washington), or in snow. Choose booties that feature good,flexible upper sections so the dogs can easily bend their wrists while striding, and a tough, nonslip surface on the bottom to help them maintain good traction.
• Plastic bags - Be courteous and leave the trail as you found it. Packing out your dog's poop is  good trail etiquette.
• Basic canine first-aid kit. Includes gauze pads, nonstick bandages, and a roll of gauze (could also be used as a muzzle) in case of cuts or pad wounds. Adhesive tape for bandages, tweezers and eye wash is also helpful.

Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until he/she receives veterinary treatment.

The staff at Kindness Animal Clinic has many hiking trails that we like to take our dogs to! If you need a suggestion of a hike to take with your four legged friend, talk to us. We'll be happy to share our favorites! Pictured above is Dr. Garver and Skye at two of their favorites : Lake Serene (on left) and Lime Kiln Trail (on right). Pictured below from left to right is Lake 22 (Chrissy and Ollie), Rattlesnake Ledge (Stephanie and Yogi), Wallace Falls (Erin and Deco), Big Four Ice Caves (KAC staff and dogs), and Bridle Veil Falls (Moriah, Chrissy, Molly and Ollie). Below is Stephanie's Ariel and Chrissy's Ollie (hiking around Leavenworth). Happy hiking!

New for Fireworks: Sileo

Is your dog afraid of the sound of thunder or fireworks? They may have noise aversion - characterized by trembling, pacing, panting, hiding, or abnormal clinging to you. Or worse. Destroying property, running away and self-trauma also occur with dogs who fear noises. This is a real medical condition that if left untreated WILL progress. We now have a new prescription medication available for this! Sileo is the only FDA-approved treatment for noise aversion and it works by blocking norepinephrine receptors in the brain to reduce levels of anxiety and fear.  It's easy to use,  works quickly and reliably and it safely calms your dog without sedating them. 

Sileo is a gel formulation of dexmedetomidine that is placed between the cheek and gums and is absorbed through the mucous membranes - NOT swallowed. It comes in an easy to dose syringe. We like it because it works fast--within 30-60 minutes and the effect typically lasts 2-3 hours. Doses can be repeated up to five times if needed. It can either be given to the dog 30 to 60 minutes before the noise is to occur, or immediately after the dog first shows signs of anxiety related to noise. While on the medicine, the dog remains calm, fully functional, and is able to interact normally with the family. No more concerns about your dog falling and hurting themselves while medicated. It is a very economical choice for small dogs...larger dogs require larger doses and that increases expense. If your dog needs some assistance to get through the 4th, or the thunderstorms we've been having, we can help! For more information on Sileo, go to this website.

American Animal Hospital Association 

Why We Choose AAHA

(and you should too!)

Our veterinarians and staff hold themselves accountable to the highest possible standards every day.   This is reflected in our facility and quality of our patient care. Kindness Animal Clinic is the only AAHA accredited hospital in Monroe and east Snohomish County area. Click here for more information on AAHA.

Testimonials

Shelley D.                 

October 30, 2016

I have used Kindness for over 20 years because they have always provided exceptional care for my pups.

Bridgette T.               

October 25, 2016

Big big thanks to Dr. Garver and his fabulous staff at Kindness Animal Clinic. Their bedside manner and professionalism today was amazing as they got Maebe through an unexpected emergency surgery. We are so thankful! I highly recommend them for kind and compassionate care.

Terri M.                      

February 26, 2016

I can't say enough about Dr. Garver and his amazing team. When we recently had to bring my dog in for failing kidneys together we reviewed the whole scope thoroughly, of his condition, and they help us through the process. I also brought my new Chihuahua puppy in and we had a great time with the wellness check. Love you guys thanks again.

Brianne S.-C.              

February 19, 2016

I love this place! And so does our puppy! Always full of information and helpful hints!!!

Kalisa J.-F.                  

February 19, 2016

Dr. Garver and his team are absolutely amazing! Not only are they compassionate and caring, but they also understand that our dogs are part of our family and not just pets.

They always take the time and listen to our concerns, recommend the approaches/treatments possible, and provide detailed information regarding options and the costs/effects of each solution. Additionally, the team goes above and beyond when it comes to scheduling appointments and emergencies.

We have never had to wait long to see Dr. Garver and when our time comes, it does not feel rushed. He spends adequate time examining our dogs and resolving any issues. I feel fortunate to have such a caring and skilled veterinarian in our area. I also appreciate the care his front and back office staff provide - they are always cheerful and welcoming. And, as someone with a busy schedule, I find the texts, calls, and emails his staff sends to remind us to schedule appointments for follow up care and to confirm upcoming visits very helpful!

Jennifer M.                  

February 19, 2016

Dr. Garver and his exceptional staff won me over with the incredible, above and beyond care they provided my beloved pit bull Clyde. From the meticulous removal of over 2400 pieces of wood when he impaled himself on a stick all the way through saying good bye to him last spring. When I adopted my Wee Beasty Tucker last week I never thought twice about who his health care provider would be, I will only ever bring my fur babies to Dr. Garver. Even though I live in Bellevue, I'd be foolish to take them anywhere else. I'd happily give Kindness Animal Hospital more than 5 stars if I could.

Heather R.                  

February 19, 2016

I have been taking my animals to Kindness Animal Clinic for 16 years, ever since we found a tiny, undernourished and sick kitten. We called our regular vet (at that time) and they were unable to even see her for a week. So we called Kindness Animal Clinic. Kindness was able to get us, who they had never met before, in for an appointment on the same day. We have never looked back. Since then, they have cared for all of our animals with the same skill and compassion as they did at that first visit. That sickly kitten is now 16, and they have seen us through several health issues to keep her as a healthy, happy member of our family. Dr. Garver is always willing to answer our questions (even when they come up after the appointment), is willing to discuss treatment options, and has never pressured us to make a decision we are not comfortable with. He has seen our family through new kittens and puppies, middle aged health concerns, and the passing of beloved pets, and has always guided us through their care with expertise and sensitivity. There is no other vet we would trust with our pets' regular care. Dr. Garver and his staff truly embody their clinic name, "Kindness."

Warren M.                   

February 19, 2016

The staff at Kindness Animal Clinic treat my dogs like family, they know what my dogs like and don't, as well as their favorite treats. When it came time to make the painful decision to euthanize my dog Zeus, Dr. Garver and his staff helped make the painful process as easy as that situation can be. He gave me his honest opinion about treatment,care, and prognosis. I am thankful for that. I can't see taking my pets any place else.

Katrina C.                   

February 10, 2016

I have always had wonderful service from this clinic. We have 4 dogs and they love when they visit Dr. Garver and the girls!!!! Tiger, White, Yellow and little fortune say hi to everyone.

Merrilee O.                 

February 6, 2016

I have had the best care for my dog Nikko, not only did they save his life when he got very ill but they continue to keep him in optimal health.

Rebecca N.                 

February 3, 2016

Kindness Animal Clinic has been by far the most thorough clinic I've taken my pets to. Their prices are par with everyone else in the area, they always provide estimates and are always available via phone when I have questions. I was warned they were expensive but when I price shopped they were cheaper if not the same price as other clinics in the area. I think people think they are pricey because they offer preventative care options instead of just sending you on your way and seeing you next time there is a problem. I think prevention is cheaper than a chronic problem or an emergency!