TACOMA, Wash. — It was around noon on Monday when the staff at the Chamber Creek Veterinary Hospital noticed water pouring from a second-floor office, flooding the entire facility.
A pipe in a ceiling sprinkler system had frozen, then burst after days of frigid temperatures, shutting down the largest veterinary clinic in Pierce County.
Practice Manager Jennie Schoener said the staff moved quickly to evacuate more than two dozen dogs and cats to safety.
"We had a lot of animals in the hospital, both boarded as well as inpatients" said Schoener. "But those were successfully sent to other hospitals in our community."
On Wednesday, staff members were calling clients to let them know about the flooding. Several worked while wearing headlamps because the water damaged an electrical panel, knocking out power.
The shutdown has left clients seeking veterinary care from other doctors. The hospital expects to remain closed for at least three weeks as repairs are under way.
"We have talked to other veterinary hospitals that would see our patients on a temporary basis and then lovingly give them back to us when our crisis is over," Schoener said.
KIRO
