VCA Canada Island Animal Hospital

08/22/2024

Please be advised that there is extensive road construction on Bowen rd. We suggest giving yourself a little more time to navigate the road conditions if you are stopping by or have an appointment at our clinic.

08/08/2024

We are SO excited to announce that our local VCA clinics (Ladysmith, Island, Applecross and Central Sanich) will be at our Aug 15th clinic hosting a pet pantry, offering pet food for anyone in need. If you don't need our services this month but could use some pet food, come on down and say hi and grab a bag!

08/03/2024

Only a few days left to vote for the best in city!

Our team appreciates your support, vote today for your favourite!

Make your votes count. Submit your choices in the 2024 Best of the City reader survey by August 5, 2024 at 11pm. Everyone that votes has a chance to win a $250 gas card from Mid Island CO-OP. Good luck everyone and thanks for the votes.

07/24/2024

Great job to our amazing team! 🥰💜

Congratulations and huge bear hugs to VCA Canada Island Animal Hospital for winning the Most Pledges: Corporate Award! Joining us for the first time this year, their animal themed boat won Heat 6 with a time of 4:58! Way to go team!!

07/19/2024

Feel-good-story-Friday, featuring some creative handiwork from our staff! 🥰🌺 This week our technician Erinn, and technician-in-training Joanna, tended to a juvenile Anna's Hummingbird that was brought to us lethargic, stunned and very hungry. They made a delicate flower out of vet wrap and attached it to the end of a syringe. After some oxygen therapy, they offered Dextrose and our new little friend was a huge fan! Thanks to their thoughtfulness and ingenuity, this little baby pulled through the night and was off to wildlife rehab the following morning 💜

From giant bald eagles, to mischievous river otters, to the tiniest hummingbirds, our dedicated team pours their heart and soul into every wildlife patient who comes through our doors. Feathered, fury, or scaled, all are treated with the same compassion and respect as the owned pets 💜🐾🦜🐹🦅🦉

07/12/2024

Today was quite the adventure for this father-son duo! 😍 🐾 Cypress and Jasper visited us today for their neuter procedures, and were both exceptionally good boys during their time in clinic.

Wishing both of them a speedy recovery 🥰❤️

*posted with owner permission

07/10/2024

It is hot out there folks!☀️ Please remember to advocate for our furry friends during this heat wave, and monitor for signs of heat stroke 🐾 Some tips to remember:

➡️Avoid walking dogs during the mid-day heat, instead opt for an early morning or late evening walk.
➡️Please keep pets in the shade if outdoors, with access to fresh, cool water
➡️Complete the "pavement test" prior to a walk: If the pavement is too hot for you to comfortably hold your hand on it for 10 seconds, it is too hot for your pet's paws!
➡️Don't leave pets in cars unattended- even if it is "just for a minute"!
➡️For a sweet treat, consider offering your pet a frozen snack, such as frozen canned food on a lick mat!

The summer months can bring dangers for your pets, and overheating can lead to serious, sometimes fatal, medical complications. Get everything you need to know about protecting your pet from the heat today!

07/01/2024

Wishing you, your families, and your furry friends a Happy Canada Day!

06/28/2024

Please note, we will be CLOSED this upcoming Monday for Canada Day❤️🐾

06/26/2024

🐶 What does normal growth and development look like?

Puppies grow quickly, maturing to adulthood by the time they are 10-12 months of age for small and medium sized breeds and 18-24 months for large and giant breeds.

Growth rates for puppies vary by breed and involve a complex process of interactions among genetics, nutrition, and the environment. Proper nutrition is critical to the health and development of puppies, regardless of breed, and it directly influences their immune system and body composition. The nutrient density of food and the amount of food fed can mean the difference between optimal growth and maximal growth.

06/18/2024

🎉 Happy Veterinary Appreciation Day! 🎉

Today, we celebrate and thank the amazing veterinarians who dedicate their lives to keeping our furry friends happy and healthy. 🐾❤️ From routine check-ups to life-saving surgeries, their expertise and compassion make a world of difference.
Let's show them some love! 💚

✨ Share your story: Tell us about a time when your vet went above and beyond for your pet. 🐶🐱 Use the hashtag to join the celebration and spread the appreciation!

Together, let's make this day special for those who make our pets' lives better every day. 🌟


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Feel free to share pictures or videos of your pets, too! Let's flood the feed with gratitude and love. ❤️📸

06/14/2024

💉 VCA Canada is proud to celebrate our partner, Canadian Animal Blood Bank this World Blood Donor Day!

The CABB is a not-for-profit, CRA-registered charity that saves the lives of dogs across Canada by leading education in transfusion medicine and providing the highest quality blood to veterinarians and dog owners.

This World Blood Donor Day, we want to highlight the critical work CABB does and encourage all dog owners to consider becoming part of this lifesaving initiative.

Throughout the year, CABB hosts donor clinics at various VCA Canada hospitals nationwide. Thinking of becoming a donor? The CABB ensure a stress-free environment for both you and your beloved companions (with plenty of treats included).

To all the pet parents who have registered their dogs as blood donors, we want to say a huge THANK YOU! ❤️ Together, you and your greatest companions are saving dogs' lives every day.

06/12/2024

🐱 What does normal growth and development look like?

Kittens grow quickly, maturing to adulthood by the time they are 10-12 months of age. Their growth rate slows as they approach 80% of adult size at about 30 weeks of age, and they reach adult body size at about 40 weeks of age.

Growth rates for kittens vary by breed and involve a complex process of interactions among genetics, nutrition, and the environment. Proper nutrition is critical to the health and development of kittens, regardless of breed, and it directly influences their immune system and body composition. The nutrient density of food and the amount of food fed can mean the difference between optimal growth and maximal growth.

06/11/2024

🐱 Hugging your cat isn't just a simple gesture; it's a heartwarming expression of love and affection that deepens the bond between you and your furry friend. 💕

Happy !

06/08/2024

🐱 Considering adopting a cat? It's a decision that's bound to bring endless love, laughter, and joy into your life! Adopting a cat isn't just about giving a furry friend a forever home; it's about welcoming a new member into your family and embarking on a heartwarming journey filled with purrs, cuddles, and unforgettable moments.

Happy

06/06/2024

🎶She wants to break free🎶 We need YOUR help to break Jordan free!

🐾 Our very own lovely receptionist, Jordan, will be participating in the "Lock in for Love" fundraiser through the SPCA, raising money for animals in need. On June 22nd she will be locked in an SPCA dog kennel until she meets her donation goal of $1500 🐾 Help break her free!

🐶🐱🐹🦉🦮🐈‍⬛

If you would like to donate, please click the link below:
https://lockin.spca.bc.ca/fundraiser/jordanlockinforlove?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2y7BIwHEnVbdIwHxPF7DoCkMnXsq_wSr6uJUUqLRRPDFGm2mK8J_zepMg_aem_AfhAhx5Os8-MNhiyg2UfKOrdYCp0D3WRoGrawQyrH1jWF9Ja-yREdRPmPQSCtqKQ8VUF2aA2gWJ1ZhXozZnjsBUX

Help me raise money for animals in need! Just like your kindness and compassion are part of who you are, loving animals is part of who I am. That's why Im participating in the BC SPCAs Lock...

05/30/2024

🐾 Attention Pet Parents! 🐾

Planning a trip to the U.S. with your furry companion? 🐶✈️

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their travel rules for dogs, effective August 1, 2024, and it might affect your plans. It is very important to make sure you’re up-to-date on these new regulations before you leave by checking out the full list of requirements on the CDC website.

Here's a quick look at the rules that have been updated:
• Dogs must be at least 6 months of age at the time of entry or return to the U.S.
• Dogs must have an implanted International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compatible microchip.
• Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival, or they may be required to undergo isolation, veterinary examinations and additional testing, at the importer’s expense, to determine if the dog has a contagious disease.
• Owners must have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt that includes all current information, including the correct port of entry where the dog is arriving.

To learn more about the many specific details that accompany each new requirement, click the link below.

https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html

05/16/2024

Happy Victoria Day weekend! Please note we will be CLOSED Monday May 20th☀️🐾

If you have any concerns during this time, please contact the lovely folks at Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital.

05/10/2024

A sweet-as-pie appointment for Dr. Large... Meet Hunter! This lovely boy visited us for his puppy vaccinations, and we were just smitten!! 💜🩵 We are so excited to watch you grow Hunter!

* Posted with owner permission

05/08/2024

🐱 How often do I need to clean the litter box?

Most cats are fastidious by nature. Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, and naturally prefer a tidy bathroom as well. Consider a human going into a public restroom: if someone has failed to flush, do you proceed and use the toilet? Doing our best to keep the litter clean and appealing to cats is one of the most important factors in maintaining good elimination habits.

Every day: Scoop out all clumps. Some cats prefer the litter to be scooped even more frequently.
Every week: Empty all litter and any residue from the box, refill with clean litter.
Every month: Empty all litter and thoroughly scrub the box with hot water and mild soap before refilling. Some cats prefer this to be done weekly.
Every year: Completely replace the litter box.

05/03/2024

😺 Whiskers & Wine 🍷 hosted by BC SPCA Nanaimo & District Animal Centre

*Venue has both gravel and grassy areas, amd includes a vineyard tour, so wear appropriate shoes!

Join us for an unforgettable evening dedicated to supporting our furry friends!

Among the vineyards of Millstone Estate Winery, treat your friends and family to exquisite wines and the live music of Jona Kristinsson.

This event, hosted by the BC SPCA Nanaimo & District Animal Centre and generously sponsored by our presenting sponsor, VCA Canada Island Animal Hospital promises an evening of delight!

We hope to see you for an evening of wine, entertainment, and a shared dedication to our beloved furry companions.

Tickets are priced at $80 per ticket.

Join us on May 24, 2024, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at Millstone Estate Winery; 2300 E Wellington Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6V7.

Link to buy tickets below! Only 100 available!

https://can.givergy.com/WhiskersandWine/?controller=home

05/03/2024

🌟Defying the odds and stealing our hearts every day! From wheelchair zoomies to fearless adventures, these furry heroes remind us that nothing can dim their spirit or determination. They may have challenges, but they're living proof that love knows no bounds and that every pet deserves a chance to shine. Let's celebrate their resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit, and show the world that being different is what makes them truly extraordinary! 💖

Happy !

05/03/2024

Our Hospital Manager (Kim) and Medical Director (Dr Clooney) are in Calgary this week at the VCA Canada Leadership Conference. Leaders from VCA across Canada have come together to learn new leadership skills and build relationships between hospitals. We made sure to make some new friends, but also connected with Team VanIsle, our superstar team of VCA clinics on Vancouver Island!

04/30/2024

Introducing our pet of the week, " Tui"! 💙🐾

Sweet Tui just visited us for his annual examination and vaccines. He was the first kitty to test out our new exam room shelves -and we think he approves! 🐱🐱

Fun story about Tui: a few months ago, Tui visited us for a strange, hacking behaviour. Dr. O'Brien gave him some sedation to make him nice and sleepy, and discovered this long piece of grass stuck at the very back of his nose! She gently removed it, and he has since been doing great ☺️(His owners still have that piece of grass as a souvenir 😉)

Good job Tui!!

*Posted with owner permission

04/28/2024

🐾 April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. This week, we are bringing awareness to tail docking and the removal of articulated dewclaws, procedures which VCA Canada proudly bans across all hospitals.

Tail docking (literally removing most of the tail) is a purely cosmetic procedure. This surgery is typically performed at a very young age with no, or minimal analgesia. Infections at the site of the surgery are not uncommon with this procedure as well. Removing articulated dewclaws along with the attached bone is very painful, and is unnecessary. This procedure is also prone to secondary infections at the surgical site.

04/26/2024

Happy Veterinary Receptionist Week! ✨ This week we would like to spotlight the hard working individuals at the face of our clinic!

Julia is one of our lovely receptionists you may meet welcoming you and your pets into Island Animal Hospital! 🐾🐾

Thank you to our receptionists- We appreciate you! 💕💕

04/26/2024

Reminder to our lovely clients, that we are still experiencing some minor disruptions while our clinic receives a face lift! 👷👷‍♀️⚠️

We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing the new space with you! 🐾

04/15/2024

🐾 April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. This week, we are bringing awareness to declawing - a procedure which VCA Canada proudly bans across all hospitals.

Declawing is a very painful procedure in which the third bone of the toe (literally the last digit in each person’s finger) is cut off with the attached nail. Some pet parents that have cats want declawing performed, as they suspect that it will result in less damage to furniture and other potential scratching surfaces in the home. It has been proven though that cats that are declawed can still cause significant destruction of home items.

Many cats that cannot scratch end up biting clients and other animals in the home out of frustration. Most importantly, multiple studies have documented that declawing leads to increased aggression, increased litter box aversion with urination around the house instead of in the box, increased inter-cat aggression in the home, and back pain that can be debilitating.

Significant back pain can lead to litter box aversion, leading to the cat urinating outside of the litter box. Feline pet parents are often concerned that not allowing declawing would lead to more cats being surrendered to shelter facilities.

Further research has proven that declawed cats are much more likely to be surrendered to a shelter than are cats that have intact digits. That is, all of the predicted poor outcomes expected when declawing was banned did not occur; cats that were not declawed were significantly less likely to be surrendered to a shelter or to be rehomed.

04/11/2024

🌟🐾 Happy !

Pets bring immeasurable joy, companionship, and love into our lives. They are more than just animals; they are cherished members of our families, loyal companions who enrich our days and fill our hearts with happiness. From the moment they enter our homes, pets have a remarkable way of brightening even the darkest of days.

04/09/2024

Tuesday means it's the second day of !

At VCA Canada, we're thankful to have multiple mentors to uplift and motivate the next generation of veterinary professionals.

A huge thank you to Dr's Langelier, Wintemute, Duke and Finch!