Doney Coe Pet Clinic: Powered by the Community

In 1985, when Dr. Bud Doney was walking at Pike Place Market with his wife, Nancy, they saw many homeless and low-income people with pets. Those pets were not getting the vaccinations or preventative veterinary care they needed, so Dr. Doney and Nancy discussed how they could help the animals—and the people who loved them—live their best lives.

Dr. Doney decided to set up a clinic that offered free veterinary care for the pets of people who could not afford to visit their local veterinary practice. Dr. Doney passed away a short time later and Mrs. Doney made calls to find a vet who would be willing to take over the clinic so it could stay open. Dr. Stan Coe and several volunteers answered the call and continued Bud Doney’s legacy by starting the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic.

Stan Coe and Don Rolf caring for a patient.

In 2018—32 years later—the clinic was renamed Doney Coe Pet Clinic in honor of the Dr. Coe’s vision and leadership in building on Dr. Doney’s legacy. Dr. Stan Coe and Don Rolf have been contributing to the clinic since its founding days in 1986, serving generations of pets, and continue to do so today. They’re not alone—Doney Coe Pet Clinic is 100 percent volunteer run, with veterinarians and technicians from different practices throughout the Puget Sound area contributing their time and resources.

Doney Coe Pet Clinic has operated on the second and fourth Saturday of every month for 33 years. The first unexpected closure occurred last February, due to an unusually severe snowstorm.

Thousands of pets have been able to get treatment for common conditions, be vaccinated against preventable diseases, and receive flea prevention and basic grooming services at Doney Coe Pet Clinic. These services can be delivered at no cost because of generous donations from individuals throughout the community. A pet that visits the Doney Coe Pet Clinic will not have to suffer due to lack of funds for veterinary care.

The clinic has partnered with local veterinary practices to provide emergency and critical care. When a pet is injured or very ill and the free clinic is not open for several more days, clients may contact Doney Coe to arrange for treatment at a local veterinary office.

In addition to veterinary care, Doney Coe Pet Clinic offers a limited selection of dry and wet pet food and pet treats. Prescription diets are provided when advised by the vet. Clinic clients can also obtain puppy training pads, cat litter, and grooming accessories. New and gently used leashes, harnesses, carriers, pet beds, toys, and dishes are also available.

Dawn has brought her service dogs to Doney Coe for years. Now she helps with sign-in at the twice-monthly clinics.

Dawn and her service dogs have been clients of the Doney Coe Pet Clinic for a long time. Blu came to us as a puppy for his first vaccines and puppy wellness checks. Today, he is a strong dog that pulls Dawn’s wheelchair. On every second and fourth Saturday, Blu transports Dawn to the clinic—which operates out of the Union Gospel Mission in Pioneer Square—to get food and treats. Blu receives his flea meds, vaccines, and any wellness care he needs, along with lots of love from the volunteers. Dawn now helps the clinic by signing people in when they arrive. Clients often arrive several hours early to wait in line, to ensure their pet can be seen.

Learn more about Doney Coe Pet Clinic at www.doneycoe.org.

Contributor Marti Richardson Casey is president of the Doney Coe Pet Clinic board of directors.