Birch Island Veterinary Center

09/19/2024

🐱 KITTENS FOR ADOPTION 🐱

This beautiful litter of 10-week old kittens are waiting for their furever families! Three males (1 grey, 2 tuxedo) and one female (mostly black) have received their initial vaccines, health checks & dewormings. The boys are all little playful purr machines who love attention; the girl is on the more shy side but is gaining confidence (just needs the right humans to show her how fun life can be 🩷). All these babies are absolutely adorable 🥰

They are located in our hospital reception area at 14485 Philips Highway in Jacksonville, so come down and meet them!

BOYS:
Grey & White - Richard
Black w/ White Face & Chest - Tuxi
Black w/ White Toes - Mittens
⭐️ Adoption Fee: $50 each (includes neuter with us)

GIRL:
Mostly Black w/ White Patches - Little Bit
⭐️ Adoption Fee: $75 (includes spay with us)

*️⃣ Any remaining vaccines needed after adoption are financial responsibility of new owner.

09/16/2024

⭐️ ADOPT-A-LESS-ADOPTABLE PET WEEK

Celebrated during the 3rd week of September each year, Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable Pet Week aims to highlight those animals in shelters & rescues who are often overlooked due to illness, age, appearance or other reasons that may place them backseat to others.

“Less Adoptable” pets often include those who are older, have medical or behavioral concerns, physical disabilities or deformities, are hearing or vision impaired, or even just don’t “stand out” in terms of their appearance. Black dogs & cats are notoriously in this category. Pets who haven’t been adopted in over 48 weeks are also classified as such. To add to their already heartbreaking circumstances of being brushed off, these sweet, sensitive souls often become depressed, anxious or hopeless which furthers their chances of adoption.

Stories of certain special needs pets in shelters often make the rounds on social media or news outlets and attract lots of attention & prospective adopters. But for every one of those, there are many behind the scenes who are just as worthy & wonderful. If you visit your local shelter or check out a rescue’s website, you’ll find them. Those beautiful & amazing dogs, cats & other pets who are waiting for someone to see them and to realize what might make them “different” actually makes them more unique and incredibly grateful.

If you have concerns about a pet you are interested in adopting who may have special medical or behavioral needs, our staff is happy to discuss those with you and guide you through how best to manage them ❤️.

Here are a few awesome dogs in our area looking for families to open their hearts. Reach out to their prospective rescues for more information.

BABY: A gorgeous 1.5 year old gal who is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and ready to give you her whole heart. Baby had an eye procedure which causes some runniness but doesn’t need any meds. She’s a lovely, healthy girl available through Paws for Putnam, Inc where the volunteers rave about her sweet personality and wonderful demeanor.

CAPTIVA: This 4-year old medium-sized beauty has been described as “amazing” & “perfect” through the volunteers & staff at Animal Care & Protective Services where she’s been overlooked by potential adopters for her non-contagious skin condition. Unfortunately, healing can be tough in a shelter environment so a caring, loving home would help her immensely. Well-behaved, dog-friendly, an outdoor enthusiast and sweet as can be, Captiva is spayed, current on vaccines and microchipped.

MONI: Yes, even puppies can face challenges with finding a family. This 6-month terrier mix was surrendered to a shelter after it was discovered she had a liver condition. Moni was diagnosed with microvascular hepatic dysplasia which means her liver struggles to remove toxins. Testing revealed she is in good health otherwise and a special prescription diet can keep this playful & loving little gal going strong. Meds may be needed in her future and she’ll require yearly bloodwork and monitoring, but Moni will reward you with grateful affection & devotion. At only 11-lb, she is spayed, up to date on vaccines & microchipped. Moni is available through Papillon Pals Rescue, Inc who is taking great care of her while she waits for her furever family.

❤️

09/14/2024

Did you know that over 75% of people celebrate their pets' birthdays? Whether it's throwing a party, buying special treats, or simply giving them some extra love and attention, our furry friends hold a special place in our hearts. How do you celebrate your pet's birthday? Share your favorite ways to show them how much you care! 🐾🎉

09/12/2024

PET SAFETY WITH VENOMOUS SNAKES

Lately, there has been an increase in snake sightings & encounters due to heavy rains. Becoming familiar with snake bite prevention and protocol may help save your pet’s life.

There are 5 main species of venomous snakes in our area: Corals, Cottonmouths (aka Water Moccasins), Pigmy Rattlers, Eastern Diamondback Rattlers and Timber Rattlers. All of these can cause severe injury or death to pets and require immediate attention.

🐍 Bite Prevention Tips
- Keep your dog leashed while on walks, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Monitor your dog while in your yard.
- Snakes tend to avoid mid-day heat, so walking your dog around noon may be safer (if not too hot).
- Stick to walking paths while hiking.
- Keep your lawn mowed regularly and shrubbery trimmed.
- Keep your cat inside.

🐍 Signs Of Venomous Snake Bite
DOGS: Extensive swelling which may spread rapidly, bleeding at site (most often face and front limbs), fang puncture wounds (not always obvious), yelping in pain, drooling, excessive panting, vomiting & diarrhea, collapse.
CATS: Shortness of breath, weakness, swelling, drooling, inability to vocalize, seizures, paralysis, dilated pupils, vomiting & diarrhea.

(Your pet may only experience a few of these symptoms and some may show none at the beginning. If you actually witness a snake bite, go to the vet immediately).

🐍 What To Do If You Suspect a Bite
- Contact your vet ASAP. Make sure they carry antivenin (an antiserum containing antibodies against snake venom). WE STOCK ANTIVENIN AT BIRCH ISLAND. If after hours, go to an Emergency Vet.
- Carry your pet if possible; be aware they are in pain and might act aggressively; muzzle your dog if necessary and have your cat contained in a carrier.
- Assume any snake bite is venomous.
- If possible to be done safely & quickly, try to get a pic of the snake.
- Know that some rattlesnakes can still envenomate after they’ve been killed.
- Don’t try to address the poison yourself by “sucking it out” or applying creams, etc. GO TO THE VET.

🐍 Medical Concerns With Snake Bites
- Tissue & blood vessel damage
- Destruction of red blood cells
- Clotting disorders
- Neurological deficits or neuromuscular defects
- Shock
- Death

*Cats and dogs that are small, elderly or medically compromised are more likely to succumb to a venomous snake bite.

Some helpful FB snake ID pages:
🟡 Florida Snake Identification & Discussion
🟡 Florida Snake ID
🟡 What kind of snake is this? Florida.
🟡 Nocatee Snake Identification
🟡 Southern Snake Lady

This FB group aids in active snakebite medical support for both pets & people: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/8u47w5TUMvAo67YM/?mibextid=K35XfP

If you need help relocating a snake from your property, check out Free Snake Relocation Directory. For this area, you can text Shasta Tsoukias at 904-707-9982.

It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the local snake species and what they look like.
Although we all need to be cautious when it comes to venomous snakes, there are many harmless species in the area as well. Please do not take it upon yourself to eradicate any snake you come across. Many are extremely beneficial to the ecosystem.

A helpful resource website:

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW229

09/11/2024

Today we remember all the heroes & lives lost on 9/11. Included in the rescue mission were over 300 dogs trained to locate, retrieve and recover those in the rubble. Under extraordinarily difficult & dangerous circumstances, these dogs and their handlers courageously committed to exhaustive searches as well as providing comfort to the victims. The last known surviving 9/11 deployed dog was Bretagne who passed away on June 6, 2016, not long before she would have turned 17.

Our hearts & thoughts go out to all those who both lost and saved loved ones that day. Never forgotten.

http://www.thedogfiles.com http://www.facebook.com/dogfilesA tribute to the more than 300 search and rescue dogs that helped in the rescue effort at the Worl...

09/06/2024

WEEKEND VIBES 🐾

Wishing everyone a fantastic Friday and wonderful weekend ahead! These canine campers are loving the fresh air, pool playtime, fetching fun and hanging with their BFF’s, both four-legged & two 🥰. Our feline friends are also enjoying sunny views, comfy lounging & lots of TLC 🐱.

Want your furry friend to join our pack? Call us at 904-717-6840 for more info on all our daycare & boarding amenities!

09/05/2024

Summer’s coming to an end…but holiday festivities are just around the corner! Our resort is already largely booked for Thanksgiving ,and Christmas is filling up quivkly! To make sure your pup has a place to stay & play during your vacation plans, call us ASAP to reserve. 904-717-6840 🍂

09/02/2024

Happy Labor Day! 🐾 Enjoy a day of rest and relaxation with your furry friends. You've earned it!

09/01/2024

Did you know that September 1st is Ginger Cat Appreciation Day? It’s an occasion to celebrate all those outstandingly orange kitties who bring us joy with their peachy keen cuteness & charisma 🐈

Whether their coats are swirly, striped or spotted - long or short - these bright-eyed beauties are known for their endearing, playful, sociable personalities. All orange cats are considered “tabbies” due to their fur patterns and each sports a distinctive “M” marking on their forehead. Another interesting trait is that about 75-80% of all orange cats are boys. The 'ginger gene' which produces the orange color is on the X chromosome; males only need one whereas females need two, which sways the odds favorably in the male’s direction.

Whether your orange cat resembles more of a Garfield, Heathcliff, Puss in Boots, Milo or Morris, we bet they give you lots of laughs, love & loyalty. So please share a pic of them in the comments so we can all admire their marmalade majesty!

🐱

08/30/2024

Just a reminder that we will be closed on Monday September 2nd in observance of Labor Day 🇺🇸. Staff will be onsite caring for our resort guests but we will not be open for drop offs or pickups. We did have a couple last-minute boarding cancellations for smaller dogs so please call us to check availability at 904-717-6840.

Thank you and have a happy & safe weekend ahead!

08/28/2024

Honoring the pets we’ve loved and lost on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. 🌈🐾 Their memory lives on in our hearts forever. Share your favorite memories and celebrate the unconditional love they gave. ❤️

08/26/2024

🐩 HAPPY INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY!!

🦴 Established in 2004 by pet lover Colleen Paige as a way to raise awareness about animal shelters & dog adoption, International Dog Day has become a global celebration of all things canine! The love, loyalty, comfort and companionship that dogs bring to our lives has since been recognized every year on August 26th in several countries. Whether a beloved family member or offering their intellect & devotion in a service/therapy, police/rescue, farm/protector or other valuable role, these amazing animals have been playing a crucial part in humans' lives for thousands of years. Dogs have been proven to reduce our stress, lower our blood pressure, promote exercise & fitness, alleviate depression & anxiety and give us a sense of purpose. In summary, dogs are pretty amazing ❤️

🦴 Right now, dogs need us more than ever. Our shelters & rescues are overflowing with wonderful dogs that have been let down by humans. Adopters, fosters & volunteers are desperately needed. Let’s show them that they deserve the love & commitment that they so deeply show to us.

👩‍⚕️To best protect your favorite furry friend’s health & happiness:

🐾 Spay or neuter
🐾 Annual wellness exams & vaccines
🐾 Monthly heartworm & flea/tick prevention
🐾 Exercise (walks, playtime, doggy daycare, etc)
🐾 Grooming
🐾 Good nutrition

✅ Birch Island is here to help you with all of those needs & more. With a staff of experienced, compassionate veterinarians, resort attendants & groomers, we’ve got your canine covered 🐕

📌 Feel free to post a pic of your pup in the comments! Let us know how they've made your life better. Tag the shelter or rescue they came from if adopted. And most importantly, let your dogs know how much they mean to you 🥰

08/24/2024

Thank you to ThreeBestRated.com for acknowledging Birch Island Veterinary Center as one of the Top 3 Jacksonville veterinary practices! Created in 2014, Three Best Rated is dedicated to finding the top trio of businesses & professionals in key cities. The final picks are based on reputation, ratings, proximity, satisfaction, trust, cost, reviews and more, using a 50-Point Inspection.

We are proud of being recognized for our ongoing efforts in serving our community’s pets and animal families. It is incredibly important to us that we carry on our mission of providing compassionate care in a professional manner. Thank you for your continued support!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Npqyo1PxrioAkbTV/?mibextid=WC7FNe

08/22/2024

As the weather warms up, it's important to be aware of the signs of overheating in pets. Keep an eye out for excessive panting, lethargy, and drooling.

Stay vigilant and keep your furry friends cool and hydrated!

🐾☀️

08/21/2024

Hey cat owners! It's important to be aware of the signs that your feline friend may be experiencing a veterinary emergency.

Stay informed and keep an eye out for these key indicators to ensure your kitty gets the help they need.

08/20/2024

CONGRATULATIONS PATRICK!! 🎉🎊💍

Big shout-out to one of Birch Island’s longstanding managerial staff, Patrick Kelly and his beautiful new bride Michelle 🩷. These two lovebirds just got hitched in Hawaii and we are all so happy for them 🙌. Both Patrick & Michelle are truly wonderful people and we wish them a lifetime of joy, success & adventure!! (Although they could’ve sprung to bring the whole staff with them to their tropical nuptials…😆).

08/19/2024

Happy Monday! We are in the process of updating our credit card system to increase overall efficiency. Anyone who has a credit card on file with us will be asked to please resubmit the # to our front desk staff as previous card information has been removed. We apologize for any inconvenience as we switch over to this new program. If you don’t currently have a card on file and would like to add one, please let our team know! It can help streamline your checkout or pick-up process to be faster & easier 😊. Thank you 🐾

08/17/2024

SATURDAY SHENANIGANS 😃

These pups are enjoying weekend vibes! Fresh air, good friends, fun times ❤️

08/16/2024

Have you ever wondered about the difference between regurgitation and vomiting in pets? 🤔 Regurgitation is when food comes back up without any warning signs, while vomiting involves heaving and retching before expelling stomach contents.

If you notice either of these issues with your furry friend, it's best to consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. 🐾

08/14/2024

🦎 August 14th is World Lizard Day!

Today is a celebration of those scaly-skinned, long-bodied reptiles known as lizards. With over 5000 species worldwide, lizards can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Here in Florida, there are 50+ types of these fascinating cold-blooded creatures. Lizards rely on sunlight for survival and have a varied diet of insects & vegetation. They can range from 2 centimeters to over 11 feet long and have the ability to regenerate their tails if they are broken. Some lizards can change colors and others like the Komodo dragon are venomous and can be dangerous to humans.

Many people keep lizards as pets, with popular species including geckos, bearded dragons, chameleons, and iguanas. They can be fun, interesting companions with unique personalities. Lizards do require specialized care and maintenance to stay healthy & happy. Thankfully we have experienced veterinarians here at Birch Island who are highly knowledgeable of their needs and here if you need help.

Feel free to share a pic of your lizard friends in the comments! And give them an extra treat today too 🩷

08/10/2024

UPDATE: Both boys (white & Siamese mix) have been adopted. The girls are still available!

🐱 ADOPT A PURR-FECT COMPANION 🐱

These four 10-week old babies are looking for their furever homes 🩷. Two girls & two boys, these gorgeous kittens are still a little shy but opening up more every day. They’d love to join families who will lovingly dote on them and bring out their best. They’re playful, have had their first vaccines and a clean bill of health 🐾. Come meet them at 14485 Philips Highway in Jacksonville on the hospital side 🐈‍⬛

Adoption fees:
Females ➡️ $75 each
Males ➡️ $50 each
*️⃣ Includes spay or neuter with us when old enough. Any remaining vaccines after adoption will be the financial responsibility of new owner.

08/08/2024

🐈‍⬛ INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY!

Created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, August 8th has been designated International Cat Day as a way to celebrate our feline friends and raise awareness of those in shelters & rescues needing homes 🐾.

Cats have been one of the most popular household pets after being domesticated roughly 10,000 years ago. With such positive attributes as being affectionate, friendly and smart, they can form close bonds with their owners. They can also pick up on their owner's emotions and provide gentle comfort when needed. Active, curious and inquisitive, they can also be vigilant & highly observant. Of course, some can have a bit of a “catitude” but that is part of their sassy, sometimes independent nature 😽.

Share a pic in the comments of your favorite feline! Feel free to give a shout-out to the shelter or rescue they came from. There are many cats of all ages needing homes so please consider adopting one (or more!) ❤️

08/06/2024

📣 MEET JULIE BIGALBAL!

Please help us welcome Julie, our new Office Manager! With almost 20 years of veterinary practice experience, her love for animals and exceptional leadership skills made her an ideal choice to support our staff and clients. Julie is focused on upholding the integrity of our mission to provide compassionate care to all who come through our doors. Her enthusiasm & dedication will help her fill this managerial role with great promise & passion. A lifelong Jacksonville resident, Julie is also a wife, mother of two kids and a calico cat who values quality time with her family, going to the beach & reading. Welcome to the team ❤️

08/05/2024

Birch Island Veterinary Center is open and will remain so unless otherwise indicated. Our building was designed & built to withstand severe weather including significant hurricanes. If your pet needs medical attention today, we are here for you. Our patients, boarders & staff are all protected and safe ❤️

Please be careful out there and remember to keep pets inside, secure and as calm as possible.

08/04/2024

⛈️ STORM SAFETY REMINDERS

With another tropical storm headed our way, it’s time to plan accordingly to protect your pets.

🐾 During turbulent weather, the best thing you can do is keep all pets inside. Dogs are especially prone to storm anxiety and stress. If they get loose, they could easily become disoriented, which can lead to getting lost or injured. Cats could also face the same concerns.

🐾 Secure your yard. Check your fences & gates for any damage or compromised areas. Take dogs on a leash if you go into the yard for a potty break during the storm.

🐾 Advise your kiddos to be extra careful & vigilant with opening doors, etc.

🐾 Make sure your pets are properly equipped with current identification. If they have a collar with an ID tag, it’s recommended to wear that. Microchip information should be confirmed to be registered & up-to-date.

🐾 If your pet tends to suffer from noise & storm anxiety, now is the time to get prepared. Have a crate ready in a quiet, secure room. If medication helps, have that accessible and available. Thundershirts, calming supplements, soothing music etc can all be helpful too.

*️⃣ Our shelters are at capacity. Many cannot take in animals right now. It is going to be an extra burden on them to take in any escaped pets so please do your part by being a responsible pet owner. Keep your pets close and supervised.

✅ Our facility was designed & built to withstand significant weather events. The animals in our care will be safe if this storm ramps up.

Please take care of yourself and your animal family ❤️

07/31/2024

🥳🥳 CONGRATULATIONS CORAL!

It’s always bittersweet when we celebrate the wins of our team members who move on to other pursuits. Such is the case with Coral who recently completed her college journey and will be moving to Orlando to teach first grade ❤️. We know she is going to be an AMAZING role model for those lucky kiddos who will not only learn reading & writing but also kindness, compassion & patience. Thank you for providing our clients and staff with all of those beautiful things in addition to your humor, helpfulness & encouragement. We will miss you deeply and wish you much happiness in your next chapter 🥰.

07/29/2024

🩷 THANK YOU 🩷

We appreciate all our wonderful clients who recommended us to others and we’d like to give back with a new bonus program!

Starting August 1st, Birch Island will be offering a $50 referral bonus to our existing clients who refer new clients to our hospital or resort. The bonus will be added as a credit to the existing client’s account once the referred client spends $50 with us. (First office exam charge is still waived for up to two new dog & cat patients too 🤗).

The credit can be used for any in-house service at Birch Island including (but not limited to):
🐾 exams (annual wellness exam, sick visit, etc.)
🐾 rechecks and follow-up appointments
🐾 surgeries and procedures (spay/ neuter, dental, wound treatment, etc)
🐾 X-rays, ultrasounds, and laser treatments
🐾 daycare
🐾 boarding
🐾 in-house lab tests

*️⃣ Please note that 3rd party products and services are excluded from this offer. These would include but are not limited to:
🐾 food and treats
🐾 medicines, including flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
🐾 grooming services
🐾 cremation fees
🐾 external lab tests
🐾 rabies tags
🐾 microchip registration

If you are a current client referring a new one, please ask the new client to mention your name to the receptionist when making the appointment or checking in! This will begin the process of securing your $50 credit. Or if you are a prospective new client who heard about us through a friend, family or neighbor, please tell us their name so we can thank them with this special bonus ❤️.

If you have any questions about this program, our receptionists will be happy to answer them in person or by phone at 904-717-6840. Once again, we are truly grateful for all our amazing clients & patients who support us and help us grow 🥰.

07/28/2024

This very special & gorgeous gal turns 16 tomorrow! Daisie Mae is a sweet, lovable pup who is a regular at our resort and adored by our entire staff 🩷. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with her. Happy birthday beautiful girl!

Thank you Leila for this super cute collage 🐾

07/27/2024

HAPPY SATURDAY! We hope everyone enjoys their weekend as much as these guys ❤️

If your pup needs a place to stay or play, give us a call at 904-717-6840 🐶. We have a few spots left for Labor Day weekend (8/31-9/1) but they are filling up quickly so call today!