Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Comprehensive Veterinary Care in Campbell River
Established in 1973, Dogwood Veterinary Hospital has been a trusted leader in veterinary care for Campbell River and surrounding communities. Our team of experienced professionals, all certified in Fear Free practices, prioritizes compassionate, stress-free care for pets and their owners. We offer comprehensive services ranging from wellness exams and vaccinations to advanced surgical procedures and diagnostic imaging. Our commitment to innovation is evident in our adoption of cutting-edge technologies like laparoscopic surgery and abdominal ultrasound. With a focus on building long-term relationships, we treat every pet as if they were our own, ensuring personalized attention and expert medical guidance.Our staff's extensive training and dedication to continuous education reflect our mission to deliver progressive, empathetic veterinary care. We serve a diverse range of animals, including dogs, cats, and select exotics, while maintaining a welcoming, client-centric environment. Our hospital's expansion in 2024 underscores our responsiveness to community growth and evolving pet healthcare needs. Through transparent communication and a focus on reducing fear and anxiety, we strive to make every visit a positive experience. This legacy of excellence, combined with modern veterinary advancements, positions us as a cornerstone of animal healthcare on Vancouver Island.
Services
Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Dentistry
Laparoscopic Surgery
Endoscopy
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience serving Campbell River's pet community.
- All staff are Fear Free certified to reduce pet stress during visits.
- We offer advanced services like laparoscopic surgery and abdominal ultrasound.
- Emergency care is available for urgent pet health needs.
- Our team includes specialists in internal medicine, dermatology, and surgery.
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free Certified
Services
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic procedures use small incisions and specialized equipment for surgeries like spays and liver biopsies. This approach reduces pain and accelerates recovery compared to traditional methods. Our team's advanced training ensures precise, safe interventions for complex cases.
Endoscopy
Endoscopic tools allow non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. We retrieve foreign objects and obtain biopsies without open surgery, minimizing patient discomfort and hospital stays through flexible, camera-equipped instruments.
Fear Free Certification
Our Fear Free-certified staff employs techniques to reduce anxiety during visits. From pheromone diffusers to strategic appointment scheduling, we create calming environments that benefit pets, owners, and veterinary teams through specialized training and compassionate handling.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology provides real-time internal organ visualization for accurate diagnostics. This non-invasive method aids in detecting abnormalities in the abdomen, guiding treatment decisions with high-resolution imaging performed by experienced veterinary professionals.
Dental Services
Comprehensive dental care includes cleanings, extractions, and periodontal treatment using digital x-rays. We address oral health issues to prevent systemic complications, emphasizing preventive care and pain management for long-term pet wellness.
People
Dr. Byron Hamlund
Veterinarian
Graduated from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. Purchased Dogwood Veterinary Hospital in 2016. Specializes in endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery. Committed to advancing veterinary care through innovation and community engagement.
Dr. Richelle Kendall
Veterinarian
Veterinary graduate from Western College of Veterinary Medicine (2008). Focus areas include dermatology, dentistry, and soft tissue surgery. Over 16 years of companion animal experience with a passion for long-term client relationships.
Dr. Zita Doeschner
Veterinarian
German-trained veterinarian with expertise in internal medicine and senior pet care. Practicing since 2001, she emphasizes compassionate end-of-life care and individualized treatment approaches for patients' unique needs.
Erika
Practice Manager / RVT
Veterinary technology graduate from St. Lawrence College (2008). Manages hospital operations with focus on evolving patient care standards. Brings experience from small animal, mixed practice, and emergency medicine environments.
Sarah
Office Manager
Veteran veterinary professional with 21 years in hospital management. Transitioned from small business ownership to rejoin the field. Manages administrative operations while maintaining extensive personal experience with diverse pet species.
Questions
What specialized services does Dogwood Veterinary Hospital offer?
We provide laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and advanced dental procedures not typically available at standard clinics.
Are emergency services available after hours?
Emergency care is offered during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend contacting regional referral hospitals.
How does Fear Free certification benefit my pet?
Our Fear Free training reduces stress through specialized handling techniques, calming environments, and anxiety-reducing protocols during all stages of care.
Can you perform diagnostic imaging on-site?
Yes, we offer digital x-rays and abdominal ultrasound for immediate diagnostics, eliminating the need for external referrals for most cases.
Do you accept referrals from other veterinary clinics?
Yes, we welcome referrals for specialized procedures like laparoscopic surgery and advanced endoscopic diagnostics unavailable elsewhere on Vancouver Island.
What lab services are available at DVH?
We conduct thyroid testing, phenobarbital level checks, urinalysis, and in-hospital blood analysis with detailed sample collection guidelines for accurate diagnostics.
