When Does My Pet Need to See a Veterinary Specialist?

What Is a Board-Certified Veterinary Specialist?

A board-certified veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has completed additional post-graduate training, typically a three- to five-year residency, in a specific discipline. They must meet strict caseload and training requirements, and in most cases must complete and publish research before sitting a rigorous licensing examination.

The American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) of the American Veterinary Medical Association currently recognizes 20 specialties, each governed by its own college. Examples include the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and the American College of Veterinary Radiology. Only veterinarians who hold this certification may refer to themselves as veterinary specialists.

It’s important to note that specialists and family veterinarians work together, not in competition. A veterinary specialist does not replace your family vet. They work hand-in-hand with your primary care veterinarian to provide specialized diagnostics and treatment, with the goal of seamless, coordinated care for your pet.

At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, our veterinary specialists take a multidisciplinary approach to complex cases. We understand that diseases requiring specialty care are rarely straightforward, and we will communicate all diagnostic and treatment options clearly and remain accessible for questions throughout the entire process.

Signs Your Pet May Benefit from a Veterinary Specialist

Your family veterinarian will often be the one to recommend a referral when they feel specialty-level expertise or equipment would benefit your pet. You may also contact us directly if you have concerns.

In either case, a specialist may be appropriate when:

• Your pet’s condition is not routine, is complicated, or remains undiagnosed after standard testing
• You would like a second opinion from a veterinarian with focused specialty training in your pet’s condition
• The outcomes of current treatments are not progressing as expected
• Your pet requires a specialized diagnostic or therapeutic procedure, such as an MRI, CT scan, or advanced surgery, that is offered at a specialty hospital
• Your pet would benefit from 24-hour monitoring by a dedicated specialty team
• Your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency

Advances in veterinary medicine have led to a wide range of specialized diagnostic and treatment options. A board-certified veterinary specialist’s concentrated training means they bring in-depth knowledge of procedures that may not be available at a general practice, including access to diagnostic equipment not commonly used by family veterinarians.

Veterinary Specialty Services at BBVSH

Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital offers a broad range of veterinary specialist services under one roof in Surrey, BC. Each service is led by a board-certified specialist. Your family veterinarian can refer you to any department, or you are welcome to contact us directly.

How to Access Veterinary Specialty Care at BBVSH

There are two ways to arrange a specialty appointment at our hospital.

Before and During Your Specialty Appointment

Before You Arrive

You will typically be asked to complete new patient registration and medical history forms ahead of your appointment.

Appointment Timing

Availability varies by department and the urgency of your pet’s condition. In general, you can expect to wait one to three weeks for a scheduled specialty appointment.

Specialty Hours

Board-certified specialists are generally available Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary by department, contact us to confirm specific availability. Specialists are also on-call after hours when required.

Drop-Off Appointments

Some appointments, including bandage changes, certain imaging, and infectious patient visits, are conducted as drop-off appointments, typically in the morning. A member of our team will contact you to arrange a pickup time once your pet has been seen.

Throughout the diagnostic, treatment, and recovery process, our team will communicate all options to you, answer your questions, and remain accessible. We understand that navigating specialty care can feel overwhelming, and we are here to help.