Services page
For existing clients:
AAHA acredited hospital
In 2017, Sooke Veterinary Hospital became the only AAHA accredited hospital in Sooke, joining only a handful of practices on Vancouver Island. What is AAHA? The American Animal Hospital Association is devoted to promoting high standards for veterinary hospitals. In order to be accredited, practices must achieve a certain level a 'points' in twenty different categories, including anesthetics, client care, safety, human resources, diagnostic imaging and surgery. These standards force us to exceed the requirements of the College of Veterinarians of BC and go above and beyond in our service to our clients. We are proud to say we have been acredieted by AAHA. Click HERE for more information on AAHA.
Surgery
Sooke Veterinary Hospital is pleased to have a full surgical suite as part of our hospital. We routinely perform surgeries on all weekdays and commonly have spays, neuters, lumpectomies (lump removals) booked several weeks in advance. More urgent cases are booked in when needed. During the surgery, our surgeons have access to comprehensive monitoring tools and support to ensure the procedure is as smooth and safe as possible. Recovery is monitored by our experienced staff in the treatment area, where each animal has their own kennel, cuddled up in warmed blankets.
Radiology (X-rays)
From older pets with limps to that vomiting cat, many of our patients benefit diagnostically from radiology. We have an onsite machine enabling us to take images quickly, often on the same day as the appointment. Although some images require precise positioning, which may require sedation, usually the images can be taken with gentle holding. Our veterinarians provide interpretation immediately, although we also have the option of sending the images for assessment by a certified veterinary radiologist. Having the images help guide the veterinarians towards the best treatment for your pet, quickly and efficiently.
Senior Health
It's a sad fact that our pets age faster than us, reaching their golden years all too soon. We at Sooke Veterinary Hospital work hard during those years to provide steadfast care for your pet. Every senior exam starts with a complete examination, from which we can advise on recommended treatments for common ailments such as obesity, osteoarthritis, behavior changes, hormonal dysfunctions or cancers. For complicated cases, we have access to diagnostic tools including comprehensive blood work, urine testing, xrays, and others, which will help us identify conditions and most accurately guide you through your options.
Ultrasound
While we still work with a mobile technician for our complex ultrasound needs, we are pleased to now offer basic in clinic ultrasound to provide high-quality images of an animal's internal organs. Images can also be assessed by a certified veterinary radiologist at no additional cost within 24-48 hours. This invaluable tool has diagnosed bladder polyps, intestinal cancers, foreign bodies and a multitude of other conditions that would otherwise require surgery to identify.
Laboratory work
To help our veterinarians and our clients know more about what is happening inside their pet, laboratory tests can be ordered. We are pleased to have blood work and urinalysis options within the practice for urgent day-of cases, but also work with an outer laboratory that can provide additional tests and the expert opinion of pathologists. Shipping of samples is done overnight for those cases, and we receive results by late the next morning in most circumstances. This allows us to quickly adapt to findings and accurately plan treatments suited to the individual case.
Dermatology (skin cases)
Common problems of the skin bring pets to Sooke Veterinary Hospital frequently. Thankfully, we are passionate about skin. Our veterinarians would be pleased to help you sort out the itchy, balding, scaly or dry coat of your pet. Within the practice, we offer cytology (microscopic examination of samples) and fungal cultures, but external laboratory expands the services to biopsies and culturing of bacteria. And don't forget that fleas (see our FAQs) are year-round in this area. Avoid an infestation by remaining on prevention.
House calls
We know sometimes it's hard to get to us, particularly for patients with mobility problems or those nearing end of life. We thus offer a house call service within the Sooke region that brings our equipment, veterinarian, and assistant to your home. For patients stressed by the smells and sounds of a veterinary clinic, an in-home assessment is a relaxing alternative!
Puppy classes
New for 2023, we're pleased to offer one-on-one puppy classes for training your new addition! We use positive reinforcement to teach your puppy basic foundation behaviours over five sessions or more as needed. Check out the pamphlet below.
| puppy_classes_pamphlet_2023.pdf |
Sales
While we keep a large stock of maintenance and prescription diets on hand, we also have access to an even larger selection within a few days on request. We welcome your nutrition questions and would be happy to help find the perfect diet for your pet based on health, breed, age and financial requirements.
We also carry a selection of supplements, shampoos, flea and tick preventions, milk replacements, and dental preventatives for your pet's individual needs.
Charity work
Sooke Veterinary Hospital is proud to work with the local charities of the Greater Victoria Area. If you think you may need help with paying for veterinary care for your pet, please look at the options under the FAQs section on the left panel. As an owner, you are responsible both morally and legally for the wellbeing of the pet in your care. Allow us to help you get them that care.
We consolidate our charity spays and neuters onto the last Tuesday of the month, a day we devote one vet to nothing but those procedures. This allows us to get far more patients done when they need it!
If you are uncertain, feel free to contact us via phone and the staff can discuss your options with you.
Referral
Sometimes we need something beyond the abilities of the hospital. On Vancouver Island, we have the benefit of plenty of specialists for referral, including internal medicine, radiology, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, cardiology, neurology, dermatology, oncology, and orthopedic surgery all within an hour's drive. And if that's not enough, specialists in Vancouver will fill any gaps. We would be happy to guide you to the person who most suits your needs.