Business Details
26 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Comprehensive Equine Veterinary Care in Tacoma, WA
Tacoma Equine Hospital has been a trusted advocate for equine health since its founding in 2000. Our mission centers on delivering superior veterinary care while fostering rewarding careers for our team. We combine decades of collective experience with advanced medical technologies to address the unique needs of horses, riders, and owners. Our veterinarians hold specialized certifications in chiropractic, acupuncture, and sports medicine, reflecting our commitment to comprehensive care. We prioritize preventative strategies, emergency readiness, and client education to ensure optimal outcomes. With 24/7 emergency services and a focus on personalized treatment plans, we serve South Puget Sound with unwavering dedication.Our team's extensive training across equine disciplines allows us to tackle complex cases with precision. From routine checkups to cutting-edge regenerative therapies, we maintain rigorous standards of professionalism and compassion. Community involvement remains central to our values, as seen through initiatives like the Equitarian Initiative. By continuously refining our practices and embracing innovation, we strive to set the benchmark for equine healthcare excellence.
Services
Preventative Care
Equine Dentistry
Emergency Services
Sports Medicine
Prepurchase Exams
Diagnostic Imaging
Therapeutic Injections
Chiropractic Care
Acupuncture
Elective Surgery
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 24/7 emergency veterinary services with immediate response
- Veterinarians certified in chiropractic and acupuncture therapies
- Personalized preventative care programs for equine health
- Advanced diagnostics including digital radiography and ultrasound
- Community-focused care with global veterinary outreach involvement
What people say
24/7 emergency availability
Compassionate care
Expertise in equine medicine
Personalized treatment plans
Dedicated team
Services
Preventative Care
Our preventative care programs emphasize early detection through annual physical exams, vaccinations, and deworming protocols. We conduct comprehensive evaluations of vital systems while providing tailored healthcare recommendations. Digital record-keeping ensures continuity of care across all preventative services.
Equine Dentistry
Specialized dental exams address equine-specific needs using power floating equipment. We perform occlusal equilibration to maintain proper jaw function and prevent premature tooth loss. Mobile services allow on-site dental procedures with electricity requirements minimal.
Emergency Services
Available 24/7 for critical conditions including colic, uncontrolled bleeding, and neurological emergencies. Our team provides immediate response with advanced diagnostic tools and treatment capabilities for life-threatening situations. Emergency guidelines help clients identify urgent care needs promptly.
Sports Medicine
Comprehensive lameness evaluations combine physical exams with diagnostic imaging to optimize equine athletes' performance. Treatment options include joint therapies, regenerative medicine, and rehabilitation programs tailored to competition requirements and individual biomechanics.
Diagnostic Imaging
Digital radiography and ultrasound capabilities enable precise diagnosis of musculoskeletal and internal conditions. Our systems support advanced imaging of equine anatomy with cloud-based storage for easy sharing and comparative analysis across multiple modalities.
People
Dr. Ashley Galen
Managing Veterinarian
IVCA-certified in veterinary chiropractic with expertise in sports medicine and dentistry. Graduated from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013 after completing a rotating internship at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital.
Dr. Lauren Watson
Associate Veterinarian
Specializes in routine care and reproductive medicine. Completed veterinary degree at Washington State University followed by an internship at Montana Equine in 2018.
Dr. Valerie Pflughoeft
Associate Veterinarian
IVAS-certified in veterinary acupuncture with experience in equine wellness. Joined Tacoma Equine in 2019 after completing an ambulatory internship in Wisconsin.
Dr. Ann Lynch
Associate Veterinarian
Focuses on emergency medicine and reproduction. Graduated from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 after completing a post-baccalaureate program at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Tessa Lumley
Associate Veterinarian
Specializes in sports medicine and diagnostic imaging. Completed veterinary training at Tufts' Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 after working as a technician at an equine referral hospital.
Questions
What equine services do you offer?
We provide preventative care, dentistry, emergency services, sports medicine, diagnostics, therapeutic injections, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and elective surgery.
Are you available for emergencies?
Yes, our veterinarians are available 24/7 for equine emergencies. Call 253-535-6999 for immediate assistance at any hour.
Do you offer mobile veterinary services?
Our ambulatory services allow on-farm visits for routine procedures, diagnostics, and emergency care across South Puget Sound.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, cash, and CareCredit financing options for veterinary services and medications.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Contact our office at 253-535-6999 during business hours or use our online appointment request form for non-urgent scheduling.
Do you provide dental care for horses?
Yes, our equine dentistry services include power floating, occlusal equilibration, and annual dental exams using specialized equipment.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Carol Erskine
May 10, 2022
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I had them come out to help my miniature horse, they ended up putting her down after the vet perforated her esophagus with the plastic tub they shoved down her throat trying to dislodge a carrot. Before they came they were mainly concerned with payment not the care of my horse. #sad sacks
Brittney Long
Dec 07, 2021
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Couldn't ask for a better equine vet especially for my high maintenance mare : I am so grateful for the thorough explanations, patience with all my questions & taking the time to talk through all available options. Such a high level of care and professionalism.
Melinda OHara
Apr 22, 2021
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I've been a customer of Tacoma Equine for a few years now, and all of my horses love their Dr's. The care and compassion for horses can be felt by the entire staff.
Cristina Vaughan
Mar 21, 2021
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Phenomenal group of knowledgeable professionals! Very thorough and up to date with the latest in equine medicine, and fun to work with. They take wonderful care of my boy! Big shout out to Dr. Pflughoef and Dr. Galen for keeping him in tip top shape.
Christina E.
Sep 09, 2020
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Really appreciated their willingness to fit me in for three interstate travel exams on short notice. Staff was very friendly and kind. Highly recommend and will definitely be using them again in the future.
S. N.
Jun 18, 2019
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The best vets around for your horse. Caring, upfront and supportive. They really take their time and do thorough care for your horse. I have always been able to contact them and get an appointment and they are always willing to give you a cost estimate or price of a procedure/test beforehand.
