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Granville Island Veterinary Hospital
Category: Pets Veterinarians Veterinarians [Edit]
1635 4th Ave WVancouver, BC V6J 1L8
Neighbourhood: Fairview Slopes
(604) 734-7744
17 reviews for Granville Island Veterinary Hospital
17 reviews in English
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Review from Astrid L.
Vancouver, BC
My husband took our french bulldog to the Granville island vet a few weeks ago after she had extended vomiting.
They have excellent bedside manner, their prices are pretty fair, especially for a downtown vet, and our dog wasn't stressed out at all.
They do a follow-up call, as well as left us with a care sheet explaining what to do for the next few days.
I'm glad we've found a good vet here in Vancouver, and although I would rather not have to go to the vet at all, I am glad we came across a great one. -
Review from Marlena M.
Vancouver, BC
I take my Pug here. Last week he had an infection between two of his claws that was looking a little scary. I was able to get his in right that morning. He ended up having to be sedated and had whatever was stuck in his paw surgically removed. A little anxiety on my part over this! They were great. The vets are really genuinely loving to the animals. When the vet who was handling my dog took him off, he assured me that he would be fine, made me feel better, and even have my dog a little cuddle to make him feel better. D'aw...
Absolutely no problems from start to finish. The vet even did a little tooth check-up and scaling and a nail trim while my dog was sedated, cuz why not, the dogs out anyways.
My bill was very reasonable, and they didn't even charge for the little extras like the dental check-up and the nail trim.
I love this place! -
Review from Susan H.
Vancouver, BC
Have just moved to the South Granville area a few months ago and must say the staff are really wonderful and the vet was really great. The vet listened to the issues and ensured that my pug got what she needed. Very gentle and kind staff, great at handling the pets. Also, I have pet insurance and the staff made filling out the claim form seamless, all I had to do was sign it and they filled out the rest of the info with print out sticker from my file and then they sent it in for me. I will continue going for sure.
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Review from Renee E.
Vancouver, BC
I have to say that in ten years of relationships with different vets that I have been completely overwhelmed with the care and compassion of the clinic, Dr. Berkshire and his staff.
Unfortunately a few weeks ago I had to say good bye to my 2 year old English Bulldog Nacho. He was my heart, still is. It was a devastating blow and one of the hardest things I have had to go through. I was inconsolable in the clinic. Being new to the city my vet in Victoria recommended I come to Granville Island.
I don't have enough words to express my gratitude. The cremation service offered was very nice and his paw print and a card were sent to me. This morning I found a letter in my mailbox from the University of Guelph Veterinary Pet Trust letting me know that the clinic has given a monetary donation in Nacho's name. I have never heard of a vet doing something so meaningful for a client and I have to tell you that I don't feel like a client, I feel like they actually cared about me and that Nacho touched them somehow too.
I don't think I can ever express how much this has helped with my grieving process and while I likely won't be the same after losing him, knowing that there are vets, their staff and clinics that go above and beyond is very touching. -
Review from Dee B.
My little pup had to go in for her shots today... the techs at GIVH trimmed her nails - for free! Awesome. Thanks, guys.
Listed in: All Things Dogs
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/6/2010
My French Bulldog is a patient at Granville Island Veterinary Hospital. I've always been happy with… Read more »
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9/6/2010
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Review from Tamara L.
If I could give 10 stars, 100 stars, I would. I have given some really, really terrible reviews for Vets in the past (it's true-- look at my yelp page!).. But this is a clinic that I can't say a single ill word for.
The basics-- very friendly, approachable staff. The receptionists are kind and informative. Never snotty or condescending like some! The clinic is very very clean, cozy and modern. They have all the highest end equipment there on location. No need to refer you else where for basic services like Xrays and such. It is fancy and modern without being sterile and 'hospital' like. Just a very warm, welcoming place where you feel safe.
I came to Granville Island Vet Hospital after a few really bad experiences and desperately needing a second opinion. I was on edge and a bit irate... and you know what Doctor Adam did? She LISTENED. The first words out of her mouth were "I want you to tell me, in your own words, what has been going on with your dog." And then she shut up, and let me talk.. and she actually actively listened to the words that were coming out of my mouth. Something that, apparently, very very few vets know how to do!
Then she did a physical exam on my dog.. I had suspected for awhile that my senior dog was suffering from heart disease.. but could not get a vet to diagnose him properly. It took Dr. Adam all of about 10 seconds to diagnose him with it. Obviously it was a sad confirmation of my fears.. but with this diagnosis, my beloved dog could finally get the medication and help he needed. FINALLY!
Dr. Adam also did a Xray... She was very gentle with my little guy while doing it, understanding that stress was not good for his heart. He was under no stress at all.. and the images were ready in like 15 minutes! AMAZING! She even invited me back to look at the results myself.. and she took the time to explain what everything was and what it all meant. I have never seen an animals Xray before! She then wrote my prescriptions and took the time to explain what, exactly each medication did and how it helped my dog's heart.
I cannot even tell you how nice it was to finally have a veterinarian take me and my concerns seriously and treat me like an intelligent human being. I honestly want to cry just thinking about it!
The total for our visit (exam fee, xray and medication) was about $250. Not exactly cheap.. But when it comes to quality care for my pets, I do not mind in the least paying a bit more. I absolutely cannot recommend this clinic enough. I have no experience with the other doctors there, but if there are a fraction as amazing as Dr. Adam, then they are worth seeing. This truly is a little piece of Veterinary heaven. -
Review from Michelle G.
North Vancouver, BC
I have to say, I would rate this clinic above 10 stars if possible...I have never been so happy with a veterinary clinic. And I have had a LOT of experience with vet clinics in the past.
I initially came to this clinic due to its close proximity to the emergency hospital after my cat suffered from his second urinary blockage. I transferred my cat over as soon as I could to try to save some money.
I understand what some past posts have mentioned about pricing; it is not cheap. However, I have to disagree about feeling as if they are trying to "oversell" you on treatments. I was very upfront from the beginning that while I wanted the best for my cat, I had already paid $1,500 for emergency care and my budget had nearly run dry. Dr. Kristie was extremely sensitive to my concerns and broke down the pricing for me in detail. For the amount of care and supervision that my cat needed for his particular condition, I found the pricing to be very reasonable and when all was said and done, I actually feel undercharged! Additionally, having been through this exact same issue in the past, I was able to compare pricing and found that their pricing is actually under what I paid previously.
Dr. Kristie spared no lengths to keep me feeling comfortable with my cat's precarious situation, and was very patient with my many (sometimes repetitive) phone calls. In addition, she was flexible with my schedule and even allowed me to visit my cat outside normal visiting hours. I really can't say enough good things about this clinic; despite it being rather far from my house I wouldn't consider switching clinics.
Dr. Kristie- you've done an amazing job at keeping me calm in an otherwise extremely stressful time. I appreciate everything you've done more than I can express. -
Review from Erin K.
Vancouver, BC
I have had nothing but good experiences at this vet clinic. I almost always see Dr. Bill Ignacio, who is super warm & caring. He also takes the time to explain things and makes personal calls to follow up. The front desk staff is also really friendly & knowledgeable.
A lot of people have mentioned upselling. I don't find that to be the case, but I certainly find them expensive. But I don't think vets are cheap in general. I don't know that they are much more expensive than other vets. -
Review from Nancy R.
Vancouver, BC
Recently, we moved from Ottawa-Hull to Vancouver with our (3.5 year old female) Boston Terrier.
We had yet to spay our Boston Terrier, and apart from that need, we also required a veterinarian for her annuals, etc.
Thus, we began our search for a veterinarian in Vancouver.
The initial point of contact was via the internet, and then by telephone. The web site is user friendly and the receptionist answered all *my* initial questions regarding the spay procedure itself. We scheduled a "Meet & Greet" with Dr. Anna Wallace for a few days later.
Dr. Anna is very warm and friendly. Our Boston Terrier responded well to her calm demeanor and she took the time to answer and address all of our questions and concerns regarding a mature spay... really putting our minds at ease.
The day of the procedure, Dr. Anna and the staff relayed updates regarding our Boston Terrier. In truth, *I* called many times the day of the procedure and each telephone call was met with kindness and reassurance.
When we picked our Boston Terrier up the next day, the staff went over the after-care and we scheduled a follow-up appointment.
The location of the clinic is convenient to Yaletown/Downtown; its facilities are modern and clean, and the staff is friendly and kind.
We are happy to have found a veterinarian with whom we can communicate and build a long-term relationship. 5 stars!!!!! :) -
Review from Tracy S.
Vancouver, BC
I am writing a review for the Granville Island Veterinary Hospital, because I would definitely find vet reviews very helpful if I was looking for a new veterinarian for my pet!
Obviously taking a pet to the vet is / can be a traumatic experience - but this vet makes it as easy as possible. The girls that work in the office (vet assistants) are all so incredibly nice! From your phone call to make an appointment, to coming in, to leaving - they are super friendly, helpful and caring. They even call the day after your visit to make sure you pet is doing well, etc!
The doctors that work here are incredibly caring, skilled, wonderful people, who put you and your pet at ease. They let you know everything they are doing to your pet as they are doing it, explaining everything, etc.
The only thing I don't entirely like about this vet is the location. It is a bit hard to get to the parking if you are coming from the west - you have to go around the block and approach from the east. I'm not going to take away a star because of this though - it's not a huge deal!
Oh, and there is a resident cat that lives there! He's a senior cat who sleeps all day on the front desk - really cute!
p.s.
When I say 'pet' in my review, I mean: baby / member of family !!! -
Review from Natalie F.
BC
I had seen several vets since moving back to BC and was quite unhappy with all of them until going to see Dr. Wallace at Granville Island Vet.
She truly cares about animal and how much these animals mean to the owners. All of our pets respond really well to her and it helps so much when you need to take them in. It makes it much easier on pet and owner! -
Review from Bryan W.
Vancouver, BC
I agree that GIVH is a great clinic. They saved my dogs life a long time ago. What i have learned is that ownership or operations have changed and they have moved to commission based care. I did not really understand what this meant tll our Yorkie developed pancreatitis (very odd how two of our different breed dogs were diagnosed the same like that). They wanted to keep her overnight, run Iv's, private nurse for an all told bill of $860. I took my dog home and cared for her and she was quite fine the next day. I really did get the sense i was being 'oversold', so i would just keep your spidey sense up when it comes to the 'extras' - I would still go back however. I had a veterinary friend that opened my eyes to how many clinics are operating this way now, it's good to ask. . . kinda like when you go to futureshop and ask if the cd player they are pushing on you is a 'spiff' (comission) item.
My Van vet experience has included the Vancouver emergency clinic, SPCA Vancouver (they are pretty knowledgeable and affordable - good for vaccinations) Petcetera clinic north van, and G.I.V.H. -
Review from Mandy R.
I'm basically going to say what everyone else has said: this animal hospital is absolutely wonderful in every way, except for the slight inkling that you get once in a while that they are perhaps overselling you on things.
My dog has been coming here since she was about four (she's eleven now), and my kitten since I got her (she's 8 months old). A little introduction to my dog Mocha: she has a heart of gold, wouldn't hurt a fly, and is a complete sweetheart... but she is a ten pound sissy, over-sensitive mama's girl who is lucky any vet doesn't duct tape her mouth shut while she's in there. Mocha has had a lot of health problems throughout her life, including a number of overnight stays at the Granville Island clinic, and the night staff have been more than kind, comforting her, giving her cuddles and kisses and making sure she's as comfortable and calm as possible, even though she can be a tiiiiny bit annoying with her howling and whimpering. Mocha has seen about five different vets at different times here, and all of them have treated her with the kind of compassion and care you'd treat your own pet with. I have never left this clinic unsatisfied (Mocha, weeellll, maybe a little unsatisfied, with her shaved belly or a cone on her head). I have had emergency appointments booked within the hour for both Mocha and my kitten. If you need them, they will see you.
As I pointed out at first, I have on occasion thought perhaps they were overselling me a little on expensive treatment that is perhaps unnecessary (overnight stays, x-rays), but if that's what it takes to get my pets the best care available, I'll do it. -
Review from Marty p.
Vancouver, BC
the vets are really nice here, they know what they are talking about and I always feel like my dog is very cared for. I do feel a bit like I'm being sold too though, and sometimes I'm not sure that the things they are saying I should do are necessary or for them to make a buck.
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Review from Suji M.
Vancouver, BC
My dogs and I love Dr. Janet Adam - she is warm and knowledgeable, and has a lovely gentle way with the dogs. She is also supportive of the raw diet that I feed my dogs!
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Review from Star S.
Vancouver, BC
Having a 7 mth old active puppy (that we've had since 2 mths) gets us to the vet a lot. We've seen about 5 different veterinarians there so far and they have all been amazing. Super helpful and comforting.They answer all of our random questions and never make us feel rushed.
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Review from cheryl m.
Vancouver, BC
this is a clinic for people with more money than sense ... this is a clinic about getting as much money as possible even when it borders on the ridiculous ... i brought my dog in for a cracked dew claw ... no soft tissue involvement, a simple crack ... before i left i had paid over 300 dollars with an estimate for 800 to remove the dew claw ... are they nuts ??? first they charge 30 dollars to clip the fur around the nail (short haired 14 pound dog, probably took them all of a minute), then over 35 dollars to bandage which they bandaged the entire leg, the dog walked into the clinic but could not walk out due to excessive bandaging (i had to remove the bandage when i got home because the poor dog could not walk at all it w as so excessive) ... prescribed a week of painkillers and a week of antibiotics !!! for a freaking cracked nail ... and when i saw on the invoice a charge for an elizabethan collar i almost freaked out and told them to get that off my dog ... and i gave this clinic a second try after several other unpleasant experiences when i found out it had a new owner (last owner was an ass) ... if you have a lot of money and are the kind of person who just smiles and nods to the professionals, this is the vet for you ... if you care about your pet and can think for yourself, use another vet ... even yaletown pet hospital was half the charge for the exact same problem ... (and i don't care for yaletown, but at least they are not money grubbers) ...
