​Sooke Veterinary Hospital is excited to introduce Class 4 therapeutic laser therapy, giving our veterinary team another tool to help support the health, comfort and recovery of our animal patients.

What is therapeutic laser therapy?

Therapeutic laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissues in the body. It is a non-invasive treatment that can be incorporated into a pet’s overall care plan when reducing inflammation, managing discomfort, and supporting tissue healing are important goals.

For many pets, laser therapy is quick and well tolerated, making it a useful addition to other treatments recommended by their veterinarian.

How can laser therapy help?
Every patient is different, and laser therapy isn't appropriate for every condition. However, it can be considered as part of treatment for a variety of situations where inflammation, pain or tissue healing are concerns.

Sprains, strains and soft-tissue injuries
Active pets can occasionally overdo it — whether during a game of fetch, a hike, or simply an enthusiastic run around the yard. Sprains and strains can result in inflammation and pain

Laser therapy can help reduce inflammation and discomfort while supporting the body's natural healing process during recovery, helping reduce the need for medications. 

Wounds and post-surgical healing
Laser therapy may also be used to support the healing of wounds, including surgical incisions. Helping manage inflammation and supporting healthy tissue repair can be particularly valuable during the recovery period.

Dermatitis (skin inflammation)
Whether allergies, anal gland impaction, ear inflammation or other irritation, laser is an adjunct option for pets which can promote blood flow and increase healing, thus reducing itchiness. 


These are just some of the situations where Class 4 laser therapy may have a role. Depending on your pet's individual needs, it may also be considered for other painful or inflammatory conditions and as part of recovery following certain procedures or injuries.

Remember: our goal isn't simply to treat a symptom. Our veterinary team considers the underlying cause of the problem, your pet's overall health, and the other treatments they may need, then determines whether laser therapy could provide an additional benefit. At Sooke Veterinary Hospital, we're always looking for ways to provide thoughtful, comprehensive care for the animals who come through our doors.


​
Laser therapy is an adjunctive treatment and is not appropriate for every patient or condition. Your veterinarian will determine whether it is suitable as part of your pet's individual treatment plan.

Come celebrate our anniversary with a free Open House on Sunday, July 26 from 12-4pm

Sooke Veterinary has been a part of Sooke since 1976, when it was established by Dr. John Grigor at a location on Church rd. After many years, Dr. Joe Schaffer took over the practice, and then moved Sooke Vet to its current location at 6520 Sooke rd. Despite grander plans to expand, the practice settled into being a one vet practice, dedicated to providing fair, compassionate care to animals of all walks.

In 2011, Dr. Deborah Lambert joined the team, expanding services to two veterinarians. She took over the practice in 2013, allowing for Dr. Schaffer’s retirement in 2014. In the years following, the practice expanded, first with an extension, then an outbuilding, in efforts to accommodate the growing community of Sooke and serve more pets. Over time, they have brought on ultrasound, exotics care, and now, laser therapy. 

"We're proud to be part of the Sooke community and grateful for the relationships we've built with local families and their pets," said Dr. Deborah Lambert. “It’s important to have vet care available locally, to grow with the needs of the community.”

To celebrate 50 years, Sooke Vet is hosting an event to thank the residents of Sooke for their ongoing support over the years. Visitors can enjoy door prizes, giveaways, cupcakes, children's activities, hospital tours, and a by-donation garage sale, with proceeds helping support local charity work for animals in need.

The Open House welcomes everyone, whether they are long-time clients, new pet owners, or simply interested in learning more about the work the veterinary team does to care for companion animals in the region.

The event will provide an opportunity for visitors to meet the veterinary team, explore the hospital, ask questions about pet health, and enjoy activities for all ages.

What: Sooke Veterinary Hospital Anniversary Open House
When: Sunday, July 26 2026
Highlights: Door prizes, giveaways, children's activities, hospital tours, and a by-donation garage sale.
The event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

At Sooke Vet, we believe it's important to put our best forward. Due to recent staff changes, we are seeking (and have found!) several new additions for our team. However, in order to train them properly to the high standards we maintain, we are required to redistribute our staff and strengthen the weekdays for training. Thus, until further notice, we will be closed Saturdays. 

We recognize that our hours on Saturday are a huge asset to many people who work weekdays and we aim to bring back that service as soon as we can. In the meantime, the emergency clinic and other clinics in the Greater Victoria Area will be filling the void. We aim to be back as soon as we can!

You (hopefully) already know about the incredible charity event December 10th at the clinic! Not only can you get a nail trim for your pet, you can enter to win one of the amazing baskets (which you can see in greater detail HERE: christmas-charity.html). You can purchase tickets in person, over the phone OR by pledging on the Raffle ticket form, then sending funds via etransfer! Each basket is worth over $200 and are divided by species (cat, dog, exotics) plus three for people! You could get your Christmas giving done if you have there right ticket!

Our goal is $3500 by December 10th! So far, we're already over $450!

​
What will we do with those funds? Well, we divide them between four charities:
Vets for pets, Sooke pet food bank, Amy’s bunny barn, and the SVH (Sooke Vet) charity account

​Vets for Pets
​Vets for Pets is a veterinary clinic offering free veterinary care to the dogs and cats of homeless and low-income pet owners of the Victoria area. It was born out of the idea that the powerful bond between humans and animals shouldn’t be reserved only for those who can afford the rising cost of veterinary care.  They have been serving the greater Victoria area since September 2009.
They are a completely not-for-profit organization. All donations received go into offering vet care to pets around the city. We know funds raised will help many pets get the basic health care they need!

Paws at Home Sooke Pet Food Bank
Paw At Home Sooke Pet Food Bank is a great sooke community initiative helping provide pet food for families and pets in need. The holidays are expensive for everyone and sometimes keeping food on the table can be hard. Our local pets deserve to have good for over the holidays and year round. We know the funds raised will go a long way!

Amy's Bunny Barn
  Amy’s Bunny Barn is a local Sooke charity that was founded in 2016 has cared for and adopted out over 500 animals to loving homes. The rabbits they care for are surrendered, transferred from other rescues or local animal control facilities, pets being given away for free online and dumped domesticated rabbits. They spay, neuter and vaccinate each rabbit that comes into care. They also spend a lot of time with the rabbits learning about their personalities so that they can find them the best home for their needs and match them with suitable adopters.  Amy’s relies solely on donations and volunteers to continue helping ...

Sooke Vet Charity Account
   This ​is an in-house fund put aside for use by patients in need to assist those in financial support. We work with several charities of the Greater Victoria Area, but ultimately wanted to ensure that money donated in Sooke could be used in SOoke. We collect throughout the year through the change boxes or thanks to generous clients. We also transfer the penny over/unders at the end of the year into the account. Every bit goes to people in Sooke and their pets. 

Please help us continue the giving by contributing to this event so these charities can keep up their great work throughout the coming year!

Did you hear the good news! THIRD ANNUAL Charity nail trim is DECEMBER 10th! ALL funds raised go to charities right here in Sooke and the Greater Victoria Area to help animals! This Year's funds will be divided between Vets for Pets, Amy's Bunny Barn, The SOOKE Pet food bank, and our in-house SVH charity account!

How it works:
   Call us at 250-642-4413 OR email [email protected]
   Book a time for your critter(s) to get their nails done for a minimum $10 donation. We can handle all creatures, great and small! 
   Come on December 10th at your time and hang out with the lovely team and feel good about helping animals in need! 

Can't make it? Well, there are other ways to help! 

1. Call in a donation!
​2. Share the information to spread the word! 
3. Buy a raffle ticket for $2.00 to win one of these AMAZING baskets below! You pick which one you enter to win and can enter as MANY tickets as you like!
       To make it easy, you can:
            1. Call us to buy tickets
           2. Email [email protected]
           3. Use this handy online form! Raffle ticket form

Payment can be via credit card, cash, cheque, or etransfer (to [email protected]). To keep all funds going to the charities, we only accept credit cards over phone or in person, not online.

If using the form, don't forget to get the funds to us (the tickets will be on hold until you do!)

BASKET #1 PERSON Basket Value ~ $250

Bottle of Calliope Riesling, Bird shaped Bottle Stopper, Owl Cocktail Picks, Owl Drink Markers, Embroidery Kit, Starbucks Tumbler, 1lb Starbucks Coffee, Hemp Heal- Chocolate bath bomb, Arbonne Hand Lotion, Arbonne CleanTox tea, Arbonne Fizz Sticks, Lindor Chocolates, Lady Bug Socks, David’s Tea, Bee’s wax candles, 25-piece Owl Puzzle, $25 Marshalls Gift Card, 10% off Wiskers & Waggs coupon

BASKET #2 PERSON Basket  Value ~ $250

​Bottle of Langford Lake Pinot Grigio, Silicon Wine Glasses, Silicon Trivets, Wolf Paint by Number, Starbucks Tumbler, 1lb Starbucks Coffee, Hemp Heal- Chocolate cherry bath bomb, Arbonne Hand Lotion, Arbonne CleanTox tea, Arbonne Fizz Sticks, Lindor Chocolates, David’s Tea, Jellyfish Socks, Happy Cat Socks, Bee’s wax candles, $50 Ashley Furniture Gift Certificate, 10% off Wiskers & Waggs coupon

BASKET #3 PERSON basket Value ~ $250
 Google Nest Mini, Smart Dot – smart Wi-fi plugs, Cobble Hill Raccoon Puzzle, David’s Tea, Starbucks Tumbler, 1lb Starbucks Coffee, Hemp Heal-Maple Browned Sugar bath bomb, Arbonne Hand Lotion, Arbonne CleanTox tea, Arbonne Fizz Sticks, Lindor Chocolates, Cat & Dog Socks, David’s Tea, Bar of Soap, Bee’s wax candles, Stella & Dot Renegade Bracelet, $50 Michael’s Gift Certificate, 10% off Wiskers & Waggs coupon, , 

BASKET #4 CAT Basket Value ~ $200
​
Gift Certificate for FREE SVH health exam, Cloud Cat Bed, Cardboard Scratch Pad, Surgical Recovery Suit, $50 Bosley’s Sooke Gift Certificate, Lick Mat, Cat harness & leash, Cat’s in the kitchen wet food, Wellness wet food, Weruva bff wet food, First Mate Chicken treats, Reusable cat food tin lid, Catit lickables, PureBites salmon treats, 10% off Wiskers & Waggs coupon

BASKET #5 DOG basket  Value ~ $250
​
Gift Certificate for FREE SVH health exam,  Bad Dog Brewing Leash, Bad Dog Brewing Buddy Bowl, Harness, Statue of Liberty Dog Toy, Tug Toy, Rubber honeycomb flexi-ball, Air-dried Beef treats, Dehydrated Sardine treats, Wow doggo dental treat, Beef Liver treats, Baked Banana Biscuits, Fresh Breath Dental Foam, Wellness Shreds wet food, Treat molds, $15 Collar & Comb Gift Certificate, Poop bag dispenser, Collapsible dog bowl, Paw cloth, Reusable dog food tin lid, Three 60-min Active Reactive Field for dogs, 10% off Wiskers & Waggs coupon

BASKET $6 EXOTICS pet basket  Value ~ $250
​
Gift Certificate for FREE SVH health exam, $50 Bosley’s Gift Certificate, Escape-proof multi-purpose feeding dish, “Deer” Skull cage décor, Thermometer & Humidity gauge, Reptile Electrolyte Soak, Repti- Calcium Powder, 10% off Wiskers & Waggs coupon

AND A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THE DONORS! 

We’re absolutely thrilled to introduce you to the newest addition to our Sooke Veterinary Hospital family, Dr. Andrew Crookes. With a profound passion for reptiles, amphibians, and all creatures furry, feathered, or scaled, Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his studies at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. His focus on community-centred care and creating a stress-free environment aligns seamlessly with our core values.

Andrew’s journey began with an unwavering love for animals, especially the unique world of reptiles and amphibians. Inspired by the legendary Steve Irwin, he spent his early days exploring the Okanagan Valley, on the hunt for snakes and lizards. His passion grew even stronger during his globetrotting adventures, particularly across the vast landscapes of Australia and the wild savannahs of South Africa.

Andrew is truly excited about our community-focused approach to pet care here at Sooke Veterinary Hospital. He shares our commitment to cultivating a warm and inviting atmosphere, not just for our team but for all the clients who walk through our doors. Strengthening the bonds between our staff and clients enhances the overall veterinary experience, and this is something Andrew holds dear.

During his final clinical year, Andrew had the privilege of caring for a magnificent Komodo Dragon at the Calgary Zoo, tending to a Common Snapping Turtle with a gunshot wound at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, and participating in a low-cost, remote clinic in Northern La Ronge Saskatchewan. These experiences have further ignited his passion for exotic animal medicine and a strong commitment to community-focused care. We'll have him up and running a new branch of Sooke Vet as soon as we can!

As Andrew becomes a member of the Sooke Veterinary Hospital team, he’s steadfast in his commitment to establishing an exotics-focused aspect within our practice. He is excited at the prospects of introducing alternative forms of care, such as a mobile practice component, to better serve our community’s beloved pets. Driven by a growth mindset, he aims to uphold our commitment to quality while expanding our services to meet diverse needs. Coming soon! 

Andrew firmly believes in building deep relationships with clients through active listening and providing services that resonate with their pets’ unique needs. His personal experiences with anxious or debilitated animals through his pets drive him to elevate the human-animal bond for all.

With his two feline friends, Captain Ahab and Lizzie, a canine companion named Merida, and a special Eastern Box Turtle named Panzer, Andrew deeply comprehends the significance of offering exceptional care. His pets have taught him the value of consistent care and the importance of respecting pet owners’ insights about their beloved companions.

When he’s not immersed in the clinic, Andrew finds solace in outdoor pursuits such as surfing, hiking, photography, and bird-watching. He’s also enthusiastic about delving into the realms of mobile practice and telemedicine, seeking creative ways to extend veterinary care beyond our clinic’s physical boundaries.

Andrew’s excitement for animals, dedication to community-centred care, and commitment to nurturing an exceptional exotics-focused practice makes him an invaluable asset to the Sooke Veterinary Hospital team. With his passion for innovative approaches in veterinary medicine, we’re confident that Dr. Crookes will continue to positively impact the lives of pets and their owners in the Sooke community, strengthening the profound bond between humans and their cherished animal companions.

A Message from Dr. Crookes

I’m absolutely thrilled to embark on this journey with the Sooke Veterinary Hospital team! As a recent graduate, finding a supportive, compassionate team to guide me in my early career is paramount. I feel truly fortunate, as Dr. Lambert and her team epitomize these qualities and more. I eagerly anticipate getting to know each of you in the upcoming months and delivering the level of care that Sooke Veterinary Hospital is renowned for. I’m excited to be a part of the clinic’s exploration of new and refined ways to provide care to our cherished pet community!

After taking a bit to get our amazing new vets (Dr Collins and Dr. Lareau) established, we're finally opening to new clients for the first time in three years! It's still a bit snug in the space but we're opened a third set of appointments weekdays. Saturdays are still two vets, so harder to accommodate, but we have decided to take on new clients once more overall, including for short term urgent care where space allows. 

This is part of a larger plan to hopefully expand Sooke Vet and better serve the growing community of Sooke over the next three years. Stay tuned for more updates!

Please remember that we are CLOSED from August 7th to the 12th inclusive however and WILL NOT be answering phones. If your pet requires emergency care during this closure, please call the Central Victoria Veterinary Hospital OR WAVES (in Langford). Both provide emergency and 24 hours  care. Click on the names to be taken to their websites.

To minimize service disruptions during the summer holidays and still give our staff time to take a break, we have for years closed the week of the August long weekend. This year, that means August 7th to the 12th we will be closed! Please check your supplies and ensure you have everything you need! We'll be back on the 14th, ready to go!

We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming another new face to our teams of veterinarians at Sooke Vet! To keep up with the growth of Sooke, and to allow us to take on new clients again in the future as we grow, we were on the lookout for a fantastic vet to join us and our passion for pet care. We struck gold with Dr. Drew Collins! You'll see him on and off in the background as he gets orientated to our software and the clinic, but he'll soon be in the consult room meeting our wonderful clients face to face!   

Although space is limited, we now offer one-on-one puppy classes with one of our amazing technicians for our clients!  We use positive reinforcement to teach you puppy basic foundation behaviours, giving you and your new family member the best start. You can choose between single-issue session or the five-session course that includes..
​
Classes are held at The Sooke Veterinary Hospital and are one on one with the technician, lasting 45min to 1 hour. Call at 250-642-4413 for availability. 
 
This is a crucial time in a puppy's life, the best time to learn how to become a happy, confident, well-rounded family member!