Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Veterinary Care in Qualicum Bay
Lighthouse Veterinary Hospital is a well-established, full-service small animal veterinary hospital serving Qualicum Bay and surrounding areas since 1995. Our team provides comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care with a focus on sound advice and optimal veterinary treatment. We offer in-house diagnostics, modern surgical facilities, and supervised hospitalization to ensure quality care for pets at every life stage. With a commitment to preventive care and client education, we strive to maintain a compassionate environment where both patients and owners feel valued.Our services include digital radiography, dental procedures, senior pet care, and specialist referrals through visiting practitioners. We emphasize annual physical examinations and preventive health programs to address potential issues early. While we currently do not offer emergency services, we maintain partnerships with regional emergency hospitals to ensure continuous care for our clients.
Services
Diagnostic Imaging
Laboratory Services
Senior Care
Dental Procedures
Surgical Services
Preventive Care
Specialist Referrals
Permanent ID
Pharmacy Services
Flea Control Programs
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer comprehensive in-house diagnostics and modern surgical facilities
- Our team provides specialized senior pet care programs
- We maintain partnerships with regional emergency hospitals
- We have visiting specialists for advanced diagnostic procedures
- We emphasize preventive care with annual examination programs
Services
Diagnostic Imaging
Our fully equipped radiology suite provides same-day or weekly x-ray services with sedation when needed. We offer digital dental x-rays under anesthesia and utilize off-site specialist consultations for complex cases. Our imaging capabilities help diagnose musculoskeletal issues, internal abnormalities, and dental conditions. All images are interpreted by experienced veterinary professionals.
Laboratory Services
We conduct comprehensive in-house lab work including blood chemistry, urinalysis, and parasite testing. Specialized tests like FIV/FeLV screening provide rapid results, while complex analyses are sent to mainland reference labs. Our lab facilities enable quick diagnosis of infections, organ function issues, and metabolic disorders. We emphasize annual testing for early disease detection in cats.
Senior Care
We develop customized treatment plans for aging pets addressing arthritis, behavioral changes, and chronic conditions. Our senior care program includes mobility assessments, pain management strategies, and early detection of age-related diseases. We help identify subtle changes in appetite, activity levels, and organ function through regular check-ups and diagnostic testing.
Dental Procedures
Our dental services include cleaning, extractions, and digital x-rays performed under general anesthesia. We diagnose and treat periodontal disease, tooth fractures, and oral infections. Full-mouth assessments help identify hidden dental issues below the gum line. Preventive care includes home dental hygiene guidance and regular oral examinations.
Surgical Services
We perform various surgical procedures using modern equipment and safe anesthetic protocols. Our surgical suite handles spays/neuters, soft tissue surgeries, and emergency interventions. Pre-anesthetic blood testing ensures patient safety, especially for older or high-risk animals. Post-operative care includes pain management and suture removal follow-ups.
People
Dr. Hanna Saefkow
Practice Owner
Dr. Saefkow graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1990 with honors in Nutrition and Pharmacology. She established Lighthouse Veterinary Hospital in 1995 to create a compassionate care environment. With over 30 years of experience in Northern BC and Courtenay, she focuses on maintaining personalized service where clients feel valued.
Dr. Roberta Templeton
Locum Veterinarian
Dr. Templeton joined the team in 2018 with experience in private practice and veterinary acupuncture certification. She moved to Vancouver Island in 2018 and enjoys challenging cases. A graduate of veterinary college, she balances practice with family life and outdoor activities while providing specialized care.
Dr. Christine Kirby
Locum Veterinarian
Dr. Kirby graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2006. She transitioned from mixed animal practice to small animal medicine in 2012, owning a Whistler practice before moving to Vancouver Island. She focuses on building client relationships while caring for her Labrador and two barn cats.
Questions
What are your hospital hours?
We are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on weekends and major holidays.
Do I need an appointment for veterinary services?
Yes, we see patients by appointment. Urgent cases may be prioritized, but routine appointments require scheduling.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, debit, Mastercard, and Visa. Payment is required at the time of service unless other arrangements are made.
At what age can I spay or neuter my pet?
Spaying or neutering is typically performed at around 6 months of age after a pre-surgical health examination and recommended blood/urine testing.
Do you offer emergency veterinary care?
We currently do not provide emergency services. For emergencies, contact Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital at (250) 933-0913.
Do you board pets at your facility?
We only board pets with special medical needs. We recommend local boarding facilities like Best Friends Dog Care and Qualicum Cat Cottage for general boarding needs.
