Business Details
48 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Partner in Pet Health in Cranbrook
Steeples Veterinary Clinic has been a trusted partner in pet health since 1978, founded by Dr. Patrick Rice and currently led by Dr. Ruth Sawatsky. Our mission is to add value to the lives of people by improving the health of their animals through comprehensive medical and surgical care. We serve small animals, large animals, and exotics with a team of experienced veterinarians and support staff in a modern, well-equipped facility. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in our use of digital X-rays, on-site blood testing, and telemedicine consultations with specialists. We offer mobile services for large animals and home visits for small animals, ensuring accessibility for all clients. Our team prioritizes preventive care, including wellness exams and vaccinations, while also providing advanced treatments such as orthopedic surgery and dental care.We emphasize client education and personalized care plans to address the unique needs of each pet and owner. Our fear-free initiatives, dedicated cat exam room, and flexible appointment options demonstrate our dedication to reducing stress for both pets and owners. With extended hours and emergency services through regional partnerships, we strive to meet the diverse needs of Cranbrook and surrounding communities. Our practice combines decades of experience with ongoing professional development to maintain the highest standards of veterinary medicine.
Services
Preventive Health Care
Vaccinations
Senior Pet Care
Dental Care
Surgery
Exotic Pet Care
Large Animal Services
Digital X-Rays
Telemedicine Consultations
Mobile Veterinary Services
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of combined experience in small and large animal care.
- Our clinic features digital X-rays, on-site diagnostics, and telemedicine capabilities.
- We provide mobile services for large animals and home visits for small pets.
- Fear-free initiatives include a dedicated cat exam room and stress-reduction protocols.
- Our team includes veterinarians trained in advanced procedures like TPLO surgery.
Services
Preventive Health Care
Our preventive care programs focus on early disease detection and health maintenance through annual exams, parasite control, and tailored vaccination schedules. We emphasize nutrition counseling and lifestyle recommendations to promote longevity. Our team works closely with owners to create customized wellness plans for pets at every life stage.
Veterinary Surgery
We perform routine and advanced surgical procedures including spays/neuters, orthopedic repairs, and soft tissue surgeries. Our facility supports pre-anesthetic bloodwork, digital imaging, and post-operative rehabilitation. Specialized techniques like TPLO surgery for cruciate injuries restore mobility in canine patients.
Dental Care
Comprehensive dental services include professional cleanings, extractions, and oral disease management under general anesthesia. We use full-mouth X-rays to detect hidden dental issues and provide home care guidance to maintain oral health between visits.
Exotic Pet Care
Our clinic treats rabbits, reptiles, birds, and small mammals with species-specific diagnostic and treatment approaches. Services include wellness exams, dietary consultations, and specialized surgical procedures for exotic companions.
Large Animal Services
We provide on-farm care for horses, cattle, and small ruminants including routine health checks, reproductive services, and emergency interventions. Mobile equipment enables field diagnostics and treatments, minimizing stress for large animal patients.
People
Dr. Ruth Sawatsky
Owner/Veterinarian
Dr. Sawatsky has practiced veterinary medicine for over 20 years, focusing on mixed animal care. She purchased Steeples Veterinary Clinic in 2008 and leads a team committed to compassionate, evidence-based medicine.
Dr. Pat Rice
Veterinarian
Founder of Steeples Veterinary Clinic in 1978, Dr. Rice continues to practice with expertise in small animal orthopedics and large animal medicine. He remains actively involved in mentoring the clinical team.
Dr. Alyssa Walthers
Veterinarian
Dr. Walthers specializes in mixed animal practice with particular interest in canine orthopedic surgery. She performs TPLO procedures and works with both small pets and farm animals across the region.
Amy
VP Operations
With over 15 years at Steeples, Amy oversees daily operations and client relations. Her background in animal husbandry informs her commitment to patient-centered care and staff development.
Bronwyn
Registered Veterinary Technologist
Bronwyn advocates for pain management and client education as an RVT. She has worked at Steeples for 8 years, focusing on improving patient comfort and owner understanding of home care requirements.
Questions
What types of animals do you treat?
We care for dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
Do you offer emergency services after hours?
Yes, we provide emergency care through the East Kootenay Veterinary Group network with clinics in Cranbrook, Kimberley, and surrounding areas.
Can I request a specific veterinarian?
Absolutely! We prioritize continuity of care and will schedule your preferred doctor when possible.
Do you have payment plan options?
Yes, we offer PetCard financing to help manage unexpected veterinary expenses.
How do you handle fearful pets?
We use fear-free techniques including dedicated cat rooms, curbside appointments, and pre-visit calming protocols to reduce stress.
Are dental cleanings performed under anesthesia?
Yes, we use general anesthesia to ensure thorough cleaning and patient safety during dental procedures.
