Business Details
42 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Comprehensive Veterinary Care in Nanaimo
Nanaimo Veterinary Hospital has been a trusted provider of veterinary care on Vancouver Island for four decades. Our locally owned practice combines a deep-rooted commitment to community with comprehensive medical expertise, offering services ranging from routine wellness exams to advanced surgical procedures. We prioritize personalized care, utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatment protocols to address both acute and chronic conditions. Our team of experienced veterinarians and support staff emphasizes preventive care, nutrition counseling, and client education to promote long-term pet health.With a focus on compassionate medicine and modern facilities equipped for urgent care, dental procedures, and telemedicine consultations, we serve as a reliable partner for pet owners seeking quality veterinary services. Our practice philosophy centers on building lasting relationships through transparency, scientific rigor, and a family-oriented approach to animal healthcare.
Services
Wellness Exams
Vaccinations
Dental Care
Surgical Procedures
Emergency Services
Telemedicine Consultations
Nutrition Counseling
Laser Therapy
Diagnostic Imaging
Senior Pet Care
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 40-year legacy of veterinary excellence in Nanaimo
- Personalized care with evidence-based treatment protocols
- State-of-the-art facilities for diagnostics and surgery
- 24/7 emergency care coordination with local partners
- Comprehensive preventive care programs for all life stages
What people say
Compassionate staff
Thorough explanations
Clean facilities
Experienced veterinarians
Gentle animal handling
Services
Wellness Exams
Comprehensive physical examinations tailored to your pet's life stage. Our veterinarians assess vital signs, dental health, and organ function while providing preventive care recommendations. Early disease detection through routine exams helps maintain optimal health and longevity for companion animals.
Dental Care
Complete dental services including cleanings, extractions, and periodontal treatment. We utilize digital x-rays and ultrasonic scaling to address dental disease, which prevents systemic health issues. Post-procedure care instructions ensure continued oral hygiene at home.
Surgical Procedures
Routine and complex surgical interventions performed with modern anesthetic protocols. Our capabilities include spays/neuters, soft tissue surgeries, and specialized referrals. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and multi-modal pain management ensure patient safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
Emergency Services
Critical care for pets requiring immediate attention during business hours. Our team stabilizes trauma cases, manages acute illnesses, and coordinates transfers to 24/7 emergency facilities after hours. Rapid diagnostic capabilities enable prompt treatment decisions for life-threatening conditions.
Telemedicine Consultations
Remote veterinary consultations for non-urgent concerns via secure video platforms. This service provides convenient access to medical advice, follow-up evaluations, and preliminary assessments while maintaining the veterinarian-client-patient relationship required for proper care.
People
James Kirkham
Veterinarian
Dr. James Kirkham combines decades of clinical experience with ongoing professional development in veterinary medicine. His practice emphasizes preventive care and client education to promote animal wellness through all life stages.
Alexandra Kirkham
Veterinarian
Dr. Alexandra Kirkham specializes in companion animal care with particular interest in geriatric medicine. She works closely with pet owners to develop customized healthcare plans that address individual medical needs and lifestyle factors.
Trish Briggs
Veterinarian
Dr. Trish Briggs brings extensive surgical expertise to our team. Her focus on pain management and post-operative care ensures comprehensive treatment for pets requiring complex medical interventions and recovery support.
Chris Milligan
Veterinarian
Dr. Chris Milligan provides compassionate care with special attention to feline medicine. His approach emphasizes stress-free handling techniques and environmental enrichment strategies to improve cat health outcomes.
Sam VanDeventer
Veterinarian
Dr. Sam VanDeventer specializes in diagnostic imaging and internal medicine. He utilizes advanced technology to develop targeted treatment plans for pets with complex medical conditions requiring specialized testing and monitoring.
Questions
What preventive care services do you recommend?
We recommend annual wellness exams, core vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental cleanings, and age-appropriate bloodwork testing to maintain optimal pet health.
How do you handle pet dental care?
Our dental services include professional cleanings under anesthesia, digital x-rays, extractions when necessary, and home care guidance to maintain oral health between visits.
Can I get prescription medications from your pharmacy?
Yes, our onsite pharmacy stocks common veterinary medications, prescription diets, and parasite preventatives for immediate access following your pet's examination.
What emergency services are available after hours?
For after-hours emergencies, we recommend Central Island Veterinary Emergency Hospital at 6550 Metral Drive. They provide 24/7 critical care services for pets.
Do you offer telemedicine appointments?
Yes, we provide virtual consultations for non-urgent medical concerns through secure video platforms, ensuring continuity of care while maintaining regulatory compliance.
How often should pets receive wellness exams?
Adult pets require annual check-ups, while puppies/kittens need more frequent visits during their first year. Senior pets benefit from bi-annual examinations for early disease detection.
