October 5–11, 2025 is Animal Health Week, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s annual campaign recognizing the skill and care veterinary professionals bring to animals and the people who love them. This year’s theme — Healing Hands, Caring Hearts: Every Animal Matters — underscores clinical expertise, empathy, and the human–animal bond.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH), many of the pets we see arrive on their hardest days — when an emergency strikes suddenly, or when a family veterinarian refers a case that needs advanced diagnostics or specialty care. These moments can feel overwhelming, and they call for clear guidance, skilled hands, and a focus on what matters most: placing you and your pet at the center of every decision and treating each animal as if they were our own.
“Healing hands” shows up in the depth of training and experience our team brings to each patient. With board-certified specialists, critical care experts, and an emergency service open 24/7/365, pets have access to advanced care at any hour. Boundary Bay is recognized as a VECCS Level I certified facility and a VetCOT Level II Trauma Center — independent programs that evaluate readiness for urgent and life-threatening cases. Behind those certifications are years of hands-on expertise, from rapid triage in the ER to intensive monitoring in the ICU, all supported by hospital-grade diagnostic tools that guide timely, precise care.
“Caring hearts” is reflected in how that care is delivered. We know hospital visits can be stressful, and animals feel fear, pain, and distress just as people do. Our teams work to ease that stress, maintain comfort and safety, and support families as they navigate difficult choices. Clear communication is central, helping you understand options and feel confident that your pet’s wellbeing is always the priority. In addition, we have just launched our new Behaviour Medicine specialty at our
hospital – a medical specialty focused on identifying and treating the underlying causes of behaviour disorders in animals. Guided by a board-certified veterinary behaviourist with a broad understanding of both physical and emotional health, our team has the skills to guide families through practical, individualized treatment strategies for dogs, cats, and other companion animals.
It Takes a Team
Animal Health Week also shines a light on the people behind the medicine. Veterinary professionals choose this career out of a deep love for animals and a passion for healing. It is vital, demanding, and profoundly meaningful work. At BBVSH, that commitment is lived every day — in the way animals are handled with kindness and respect, in the collaboration between our team, family veterinarians and our clients, and in the shared goal of elevating the lives of pets and the people who love them.
Alongside our 24/7 emergency & board-certified critical care doctors, board-certified specialists are on staff (and on-call) across multiple disciplines, collaborating with each other and our team of registered veterinary technologists (RVTs), veterinary assistants (VAs), client service representatives (CSRs), and many other team members to deliver complete care and advanced medicine. Our goal is simple: getting pets back to spending precious time with their families.
This year, Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) was named the 2025 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Practice of the Year. This national award recognizes one veterinary practice each year that exemplifies the highest ideals of veterinary professionalism — including outstanding patient and client care, community involvement, team-based service, and a commitment to advancing the profession.
If your pet needs urgent care
Remember, if you’re ever unsure about your pet’s condition, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. We hope you never need an emergency vet, but if you do, Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is open 24/7—emergency walk-ins welcome. We are VECCS Level 1 certified and capable of handling even the most critical emergencies and trauma, with specialists on staff and on call to handle even the most life-threatening situations.
