Looking For a Good Cat Vet in Ottawa

[Steve9]

Can you recommend a good cat veterinary in the Ottawa area? A vet that takes the time to answer your questions and that makes both you and your cat feel comfortable? And of course someone that you trust and is very knowledgeable about cats in particular.

My wife and I are really excited to be getting our first pet together in about one month, a Siberian kitten (Tortie Lynx Point). Photos attached It's my first cat (never had a dog either) so I've been reading up and learning all I can.

Feel free to message me privately or post here. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Steve

[bendyfoot]

There are a few cat-only clinics in Ottawa, but my personal experience with them was "weird vibes", I didn't like them. Where in town are you located, or do you care how far you drive?

I worked at a clinic in the Glebe for about 5 years, and as an animal lover I would not have worked ANYwhere that I didn't 100% trust and respect.

[Macomom]

My father's friend (a professor at one of the Vet colleges) recommended a vet in Ottawa. While the office is exclusively cat based, they do an excellent job with cats, so I have been told.
I would be pleased to give you the contact info, PM me if needed.

[bendyfoot]

I don't think newbies can PM at first....

[Macomom]

Just for my own information- is it acceptable to post the names or is that a faux pas?

[BenMax]

Welcome and just to add your new babe is gorgeous!!

I took an emergency dog all the way down to Alta Vista Animal Hospital. I was highly impressed with their bio security as I had a highly infectious dog (or so thought). Regardless of the final test results (which indicated not as dangerously infected) they followed strict protocols to ensure no trans contamination even 'if'.

Down side - crazy bill. Personally, I don't mind paying the price as long as there is good follow up, cleanliness and excellent Q and A's.

They followed up with me and the rescue and even did tests not asked for nor was I billed for it. They wanted to know what the dog had and went above and beyond.

[Steve9]

bendyfoot - I'm located in the Baseline/Woodroffe area, near Algonquin College. I don't mind driving anywhere in the Ottawa area, so if you have any suggestions that would be great. I drive to the other side of the city for my dentist/doctor so I'm happy to do the same for my cat's care as well.

Macomom - If you could PM me the vet your father's friend recommends, that would be great. As a new member I'm not able to PM people yet. Thanks!

BenMax - Thanks for the info about the Alta Vista Animal Hospital. Good to know.

Looking at the forum rules, "Unless specifically approved by an Admin, promoting your own, or any other another business, website or cause either directly or indirectly is not permitted." I interpret that to mean that names should not be posted on the public forum, but they can be send by PM.

If anyone has any recommendations please PM me since I'm not yet able to send PMs myself as a new member.

Thanks!
Steve

[bendyfoot]

Ok, well, without saying a name specifically. There's a really great one on Pretoria, right next to the Queensway off Bank St. Did I mention it's on PRETORIA???

[Steve9]

Originally Posted by bendyfoot

Ok, well, without saying a name specifically. There's a really great one on Pretoria, right next to the Queensway off Bank St. Did I mention it's on PRETORIA???

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll put them on my short list. I really appreciate it.

Steve

[Simon J]

Hey guys and gals, I have an unneutered 3 year old DSH named Bear. I've waited way to long to get him fixed but am looking to get it done. I just found out he has an undescended testicle which could cause complications. Should I be going to a vet or animal hospital for this procedure? I know it wont be as routine as a regular neutering, so i'm looking for the most reputable place in Ottawa. Does anybody have any suggestions or success stories?

[Macomom]

I would recommend speaking to Dr.Keith Johnson at the Carling Animal Hospital. His clinic has been doing laser surgery for many years and I find there standard of care to be second to none.

[Charles_Joe]

Hey Congratulations on your new friend!

I won't post the details here, but from another post on this board you can see the experience I just went through with my friend. The Vet I took him to (ottawa veterinary hospital) i won't recommend - Not due to costs, which I know are skyrocketing everywhere, but just simply because the Vet I dealt with in my case was cold, unfeeling, and simply going through these robotic motions of dealing with my pet. I would suggest staying away from them and looking elsewhere for a small private clinic. My friend has suggested one for my other cat on Somerset Street, and says the vet there is very patient, and willing to work out payment options for your pet. In other words, she is there to treat the animals not look inside your Savings account first to see if you qualify for treatment.

Peace.

[Simon J]

I appreciate the responses. What kind of questions do you recommend I ask? I of coarse want the best for my cat, from care to the equipment they use.

[bendyfoot]

although your search for "the best" place for this surgery is commendable, if you already have a vet you're comfortable with, I wouldn't go out of my way to find a new one just for the neuter. Cryptorchidism is pretty common, and most vets are quite comfortable with a neuter in this context. Some questions you could ask would be: 'how many have you done? have you ever seen complications afterwards, and if you did how did you manage them?"

ETA: "Vet clinic" and "animal hospital" are pretty much the same thing. The "hospital" in the other post refers to a clinic that not only does routine procedures for existing clients (anual checkups etc.), but they also operate 24 hours a day to accomodate emergencies. The vets on hand are not necessarily specialists, but some might be.