Business Details
15 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Veterinarians in Dartmouth, NS
Russell Lake Animal Hospital has been serving the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia community since 2011, providing comprehensive veterinary care rooted in compassion and scientific expertise. Our team, led by Dr. Adva Barkai-Ronayne, prioritizes low-stress handling techniques and bilingual services to ensure pets and owners feel comfortable and understood. We combine cutting-edge medical technology with personalized care, offering wellness exams, behavioral medicine, dental care, and emergency services.Our commitment extends beyond clinical care through community initiatives like the Dignity Project and ethical advocacy against practices such as declawing. With extended hours seven days a week and a focus on preventive health, we aim to be a trusted partner in your pet's lifelong well-being.
Services
Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Emergency Services
Behavioral Medicine
Microchipping
Surgery
Senior Care
Nutritional Counseling
Parasite Prevention
Details
- Year established: 2011
Highlights and features
- We offer low-stress handling techniques for anxious pets.
- Our team provides bilingual English-French veterinary services.
- Emergency care available seven days a week.
- Certified in advanced veterinary pain management practices.
- Active community involvement through animal welfare projects.
Associations and certifications
- Low-Stress Restraint and Handling (Silver Certification)
What people say
Friendly staff
Loving care
Patient explanations
Bilingual support
Emergency availability
Services
Wellness Exams
Regular wellness exams help maintain your pet's health through early disease detection. Our comprehensive physical examinations assess weight, dental health, organ function, and behavioral patterns. Tailored vaccination schedules and preventive care plans ensure long-term wellness for pets of all ages.
Emergency Services
Seven-day emergency care for critical conditions like poisoning, trauma, or severe illness. Our trained team handles urgent cases with priority triage and immediate diagnostic testing. Available for life-threatening situations requiring rapid intervention and stabilization.
Dental Care
Professional dental cleanings and oral surgery prevent periodontal disease that affects major organs. We use digital radiography for accurate diagnosis and perform extractions, root canals, and tartar removal under anesthesia for patient comfort and safety.
Behavioral Medicine
Specialized behavioral assessments address anxiety, aggression, and house-soiling issues. Our certified trainer develops customized modification plans combining environmental enrichment, training techniques, and potential medication to improve human-pet relationships.
Senior Care
Tailored wellness programs for aging pets monitor kidney function, joint health, and cognitive changes. Regular bloodwork and mobility assessments help manage chronic conditions while maintaining quality of life through pain management and dietary adjustments.
People
Dr. Adva Barkai-Ronayne
Owner / Veterinarian
Dr. Barkai-Ronayne earned her DVM in 1997 and MSc in Wild Animal Health in 2000. With experience in emergency medicine and mixed practice, she founded Russell Lake Animal Hospital in 2011 to combine advanced veterinary technology with personalized care.
Dr. Rojman Khomayezi
Veterinarian
Dr. Khomayezi holds a Master of Science in Animal Science from Dalhousie University. After working in farm animal welfare, he transitioned to small animal practice in 2023, joining Russell Lake Animal Hospital in 2025 with special interest in internal medicine.
Lisamarie Risser
Practice Manager
With veterinary industry experience since 2002, Lisamarie oversees hospital operations. She previously worked at Truro Veterinary Hospital before joining Russell Lake Animal Hospital as Hospital Manager in 2011, bringing extensive practice management expertise.
Katherine Ralph
Client Care Manager
Katherine combines her Bachelor of Arts degree with five years of technology sector customer relations experience. She manages client communications and marketing initiatives while caring for two Havanese dogs and a crested gecko.
Jen Bozowskyj
Veterinary Technician
A Registered Veterinary Technician since 2019, Jen specializes in surgical assistance and anesthesia monitoring. She joined the team in 2022 after working in Ottawa and Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore, bringing expertise in low-stress patient handling.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer?
We provide urgent care seven days a week for critical conditions like poisoning, trauma, or severe illness. Call ahead for immediate assistance during regular business hours.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Book online through our website or mobile app, or call us directly at 902-407-4570 during operating hours for same-day or scheduled visits.
Do you offer bilingual services?
Yes, our veterinary team provides appointments in both English and French to accommodate diverse client needs.
What makes your hospital pet-friendly?
We use low-stress handling techniques, pheromone diffusers, and specialized equipment to minimize anxiety. Our waiting area offers separate spaces for cats and dogs.
Are you equipped for senior pet care?
Our geriatric care program includes specialized bloodwork, mobility assessments, and pain management tailored to aging pets' unique health requirements.
Do you have a pharmacy onsite?
Yes, our fully stocked pharmacy provides prescription medications and diets with home shipping options available for client convenience.
