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Our Story
Dogs and Cats Emergency and Specialty (DCES) was originally founded by Dr. Kathy Arrington and Dr. Luis Braz-Ruivo in 2003 to provide the DC Metropolitan Area with specialized veterinary services in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. Over the years, DCES expanded their services to include Neurology, Oncology, Radiology, Surgery, and a 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Department. Our highly skilled specialists and emergency doctors work together in a collaborative atmosphere to ensure every pet receives the highest standard of veterinary care.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to provide each pet with individualized, quality care through collaboration, education, integrity, and compassion. It is our vision that each team member will make a positive impact on every patient and family in need of our care.
Our Culture
At DCES, we cultivate an atmosphere of continuous learning, diversity, unity, and growth. Our culture, built on Compassion, Collaboration, Education, and Integrity, extends into every aspect of our work. As a teaching hospital with six specialist departments - Neurology, Oncology, Radiology, Surgery, Internal Medicine, and ER/ICU - we offer unparalleled opportunities for learning and collaboration. Our commitment to well-being, recognition, and diversity sets us apart, fostering a nurturing and dynamic work environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to do their best.
Our Code of Conduct
You are a vital participant in your pet's medical care. A trusting and respectful partnership between the pet owner and our healthcare team is essential to your pet receiving the very best medical care.
To help us ensure we achieve our mission to provide each pet with individualized quality care, we have outlined below the standards of behavior expected of all our team members and pet owners.
Our Programs
Care Fund Program: Assisting families, neighbors, and friends with the cost of emergency and/or specialty care for their pets.
Canine Blood Donor Program: Recruiting healthy canines to donate blood to pets who require canine blood transfusions to save their lives.
