http://www.vcacanada.com/altavista

VCA Canada Alta Vista Animal Hospital, 2616 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON (2026)

12/25/2025

To our wonderful community of pet parents,

On this quiet Christmas Day, we hope you are wrapped up in the warmth and comfort of home, surrounded by the people you love, and of course, your most cherished companions.

We know that pets aren't just animals; they are the family members who listen without judgment, offer endless snuggles, and provide that beautiful, unconditional love that truly anchors us through every season of life. They are the quiet (and sometimes chaotic) heart of our homes.

Thank you for allowing us the privilege of caring for these irreplaceable members of your family throughout the year. Your dedication to them inspires us every day.

From the entire team at , we are sending you peace, joy, and profound gratitude today. May your heart be full and your lap be warm! 💙🎄

12/24/2025

Twas the night before Christmas, and the house was all neat, with soft blankets arranged for a safe, cozy treat. The stockings were hung, filled with toys and with cheer, for gifts that were safe were the best ones this year!

The pets were all nestled, prepared for their sleep, While visions of vet-approved biscuits did creep. Mom in her comfort, Dad starting to doze, with no high-fat ham scraps left out for their nose.

When through the front door came no sudden clatter, for the pets were secured, no need to cause chatter! We kept them contained with a gate swift and quick, protecting their safety from holiday slick.

The tree was secured, no danger in sight, with all low-hung ornaments tucked out of reach and of light. The cords were protected, the plants put away, ready for safe, happy moments throughout Christmas Day!

The table was cleared of all sweets and all spice, just bowls full of water and dog-friendly ice. We kept puppy's quiet space ready and neat, a harmonious haven, oh so discreet.

We checked all the presents and wrappers beneath, and offered new bones that were safe for the teeth! No ribbons, no strings, no need to feel dread, just the sound of our loved ones asleep in their bed.

We finished the checklist, and locked down the door, prepared for the morning and much, much more. Then we gave them one snuggle, so gentle and deep, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good sleep! ❤️

12/22/2025

🚨 Counter-Surfers, Beware! Holiday Foods to Keep LOCKED DOWN 🔒

If your pet is an Olympic-level counter-surfer, the can be the most dangerous time of the year!

With extra treats, unattended baking, and rich leftovers everywhere, the risk of accidental poisoning or severe illness skyrockets. Our teams want to help you stay ahead of your sneaky companions by highlighting the top foods to guard against this season.

🚫The "Forbidden Feast" List for Counter-Surfers 🚫

Chocolate which contains Theobromine and can cause toxicity, vomiting, and seizures.
Xylitol (Sweetener) found in sugar-free products = LIFE-THREATENING hypoglycemia & liver failure.
Grapes and raisins found in stuffing, fruitcakes, and cookies can cause acute kidney failure.
Onions, Garlic, Chives found in stuffing, gravy, and dips cause red blood cell damage (anemia).
Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin, bacon grease, and excessive gravy can cause severe pancreatitis (painful inflammation).
Cooked turkey bones, ham, or poultry bones can splinter and cause intestinal obstruction.

Stay mindful this holiday season and keep the emergencies under wraps! If you suspect your pet has eaten something dangerous, don't wait for symptoms to appear.📞 Give us a call immediately!

Fellow Pet Parents: What's your best tip for stopping a determined counter-surfer? Share your genius below! 👇

12/19/2025

This week's story comes from a passionate who is three summers strong at the VAERC! 💪

Spotlight On: Logan V. | DVM Student, VCA Canada Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre

"Coming to VAERC with an interest in specialty practice was one of the best decisions I could have made. The management team made a real effort to place me in areas that matched my interests, and the specialists took the time to explain cases, demonstrate procedures, and answer every question I had. At the same time, I never felt like just an observer; this position allowed me to actively practice my clinical skills, including history taking, client communication, and blood draws, while also pushing me to deepen my knowledge of diseases and make the most of my time there. I left VAERC with strong references, a greater appreciation for both emergency and specialty practice, and a marked improvement in my clinical abilities. I would highly recommend applying to VAERC if you are interested in emergency or referral practice, I have no regrets."

Thank you Logan for sharing your experience, your peers and colleagues have only spoken highly of you and your work at the hospital. We couldn't be more proud to be alongside you on your journey to becoming an incredible !💙

12/12/2025

🎁 | A Little Holiday Warmth from Our Family to Yours 🎁

This week, our hearts are full and our vans were, too!❤️With the support of Royal Canin and their essential nutrition, we assembled, loaded, and hand-delivered 500 complete pet care kits to the incredible team at the Calgary Food Bank!

This effort was all about spreading a little extra warmth and hope this holiday season for the pet families in our community who might be struggling. Each kit was packed with love and essentials like variety of premium dog and cat food from puppy to adult blends, and snug, warm blankets for cozy nights.

Seeing those three full vans pull away, knowing where they were headed, was a powerful reminder of what the holidays are truly about: community, compassion, and caring for one another, including our furry best friends!

We hope these kits bring a little cheer, ease a little burden, and brighten the holidays for 500 Calgary families and their beloved pets.

Wishing you and your whole family (two-legged and four-legged!) a season filled with love and warmth.

12/11/2025

From Emergency to Recovery: Clover’s Journey 🐾

Meet Clover, a brave little pup who faced a truly terrifying accident. Run over by a car, Clover sustained a severe injury—a broken femur. His recovery journey began immediately at VCA Alta Vista Specialty & Emergency Veterinary Centre, where our dedicated emergency team sprang into action to stabilize him.

Once stabilized, Clover was transferred to our Specialty Surgery Department, where our skilled, board-certified surgeon, Dr. Le Pommellet, worked quickly to repair his femur with precision. Clover’s surgery was a success, and we're thrilled to share that he's now recovering at home, just in time for the holidays!

Check out X-rays before and after his surgery.

At VCA Alta Vista, we are proud to offer advanced specialty surgery services, including emergency and routine orthopedic surgeries, to ensure your pets get the best possible care when they need it most. Whether it's a fracture, joint issue, or more, our experienced surgeons and state-of-the-art equipment are here to help.

💚 Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your pet’s health and recovery.

12/10/2025

Meet Katie: Our VTS in Ophthalmology and Longtime RVT at Alta Vista!

Today, we are thrilled to celebrate our incredible Registered Veterinary Technician, Katie, who has been an essential part of the Alta Vista family for over 20 years. 🎉 Since graduating from Ridgetown College in 2004, Katie has worked tirelessly to provide exceptional care to our patients. Her dedication, skill, and passion for veterinary medicine have made her an invaluable member of our team.

In 2020, Katie took her expertise to the next level by earning her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Ophthalmology. 👁️ This prestigious designation recognizes veterinary technicians who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their specialty. Katie’s VTS in Ophthalmology ensures that our patients receive the highest level of care in one of the most delicate areas of veterinary medicine.

Katie’s experience, combined with her VTS, enhances the ophthalmology services we offer at Alta Vista. Her wealth of knowledge and years of experience provide our patients with specialized care and make her an invaluable resource for both our team and our clients. 🐾

Katie, thank you for your 20+ years of dedication and hard work. We are so fortunate to have you as part of the Alta Vista family, and we look forward to many more years of excellence.

12/09/2025

🎄🐾 Keeping the Holidays Merry and Bright for Your Furry Friends! 🐾🎄

The is here, bringing joy, family, and unfortunately, a few extra risks for our beloved ! We want everyone to enjoy the festivities safely.

We encourage you to stay mindful this holiday season and keep the emergencies under wraps by watching out for these common :

🚫 Top 3 Holiday Hazards to Watch For 🚫

🎁 Tinsel, Ribbons & Decorations: If ingested, string-like objects (like tinsel or glass ornaments) can cause severe linear foreign bodies, which are a serious emergency requiring surgery. Keep them out of reach!

🍫 Toxic Foods: While chocolate, xylitol (found in some sugar-free treats), and grapes/raisins, are talked about, the problem isn't just the toxins, but the fatty overload. A single small piece of turkey skin, ham fat, or gravy can be enough. Keep human food tables inaccessible.

🌿 Plants: Holiday plants like Lilies (highly toxic to cats!) and even Poinsettias can cause varying degrees of stomach upset or poisoning if chewed on.

Remember, accidents can happen even with the best precautions. We know your pet is your greatest companion, and our dedicated team is here for the whole family.

If you ever need anything, suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, or have any urgent questions, give us a call right away.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

12/08/2025

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲! 😍✨

Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our brand-new Specialty and Emergency Veterinary Centre on Walkley Road. 💙

From our advanced diagnostic areas to our thoughtfully built exam rooms, every corner of this hospital was created to support pets and the people who love them. With a dedicated team of specialists and emergency veterinarians, we’re here for your pets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We’re proud to share a first look at a new chapter in care for our community. 🐶🐱

12/08/2025

🐾 Meet | Iain - What Will He Think of Next 🐾

It’s no secret that is incredibly rewarding, but it’s also demanding. At VCA Canada, we truly believe that caring for our teams is just as important as caring for life's greatest companions.

That's where comes in. Our annual competition that encourages associates to submit brilliant, transformative ideas for our organization, and this year, a powerful concept focused on wellness hit home.

Iain, a of 32 years, submitted a powerful idea for an expanded Associate .

Iain has personally found that "exercise, activity, and mindfulness help create the right chemistry for you to be the best that you can be and have longevity to continue to contribute to this wonderful vocation. This is why I submitted the idea of an expanded associate wellness program through VCA Next to help our associates look after their own well-being through meditation, yoga, and physical activity.

VCA Next shows that VCA Canada is a true leader in the field, and to continue to be a leader, we need to make sure we are fostering a harmony between work and personal life. For our Associates, we want to attract and retain the best teams and promoting and supporting their mental and physical well-being allows them to thrive in this profession. VCA Next encourages all Associates to think about and bring forward ideas on how we can be better everyday in every way, taking care of all creatures, great and small"

Thank you, Iain, for reminding us that self-care is the best care! 🙌

12/03/2025

𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸-𝗨𝗽. 🐾

Our walk-up pharmacy window makes medication refills simple for our clients. Just stop by, pick up your pet’s prescription, and you are on your way. 💙

⏰ 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
📌 Please allow 24 to 48 hours for prescription requests to be processed.

This service is available for AVSE clients with active prescriptions. Our team is always here if you need support. 😊

12/01/2025

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: We’re Upping the Ante! 🚨

Your generousity leading up to tomorrow has been nothing short of amazing, and we feel compelled to match your energy!

To keep the incredible momentum going, and ensure every single dollar you give works even harder, we are adding an additional $5,000 to our Giving Tuesday matching pool!

That’s $5,000 more reasons for your dollar to go twice as far for Humane Canada this giving season!

Double your impact for animals 👉 https://bit.ly/4orZVmO

VCA Canada Alta Vista Animal Hospital

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