Ambleside Animal Hospital

So far so good! I saw Dr Wilkie for my rescue dog. Her approach was very gentle and clear. I have left the VCA animal clinics as I started running into issues with how their clinics are run. I’ve had 3 dogs in 24 years and have been to a number of vets, and I know a bad business when I find it. Thank the heavens for Ambleside animal hospital. They seem to have have their stuff together and it seems to be more about the animal care as a first priority rather than scamming clients into expensive tests that reveal nothing. The environment in the office is very professional at Ambleside, and that starts even with your initial phone call to the receptionists. Even the receptionists care! How refreshing! Phone calls aren’t rushed, and there’s no unnecessary attitude over the phone. I really like this place and will continue to take my pets here. Thanks guys!

We have been clients of Ambleside AH for over 17 years. Three dogs to date, 2 miniature schnauzers and our new puppy a Havanese. Always received good service and the boys were/are happy going there. Thank you Dr. Irwin and the support staff.

I can not begin to express how disappointed I am with the communications and management by Ambleside Team re our 3 cats health records. While I must give credit where credit is due re the staff who are all friendly and kind, I need to trust that I am entrusting my animals health and care are with professionals that can keep their records straight and ensure communications on important issues such as when vaccine boosters and other imperative health information is accurate. Over the 6 space of 6months I had repeat conversations and consults with the team regarding the accuracy of our cats vaccine records in their system. All 3 cats are rescues and we'd provided all documentation on their history and been clients of Ambleside for years trying to ensure that they had all their shots and that their health and wellness were on track. Unfortunately my patience with the endless battle with Ambleside Team to facilitate this finally broke. It started in 2021 at their last check up when I pointed out that the records they had on system and I had on file in my old school folder didn't match. At this time Ambleside acknowledged the records were wrong after they told me they weren't due for their important shots when they were and the vet at Ambleside in an in person apt confirmed they actually were and apologized and assured me their records would be updated. Months later now 2022 after booking an apt well in advance to ensure I didn't miss Gracie's important booster shots, note it took 6 calls in the space of a month to clarify to every assistant that called me to tell me she wasn't due till 2023 for her booster, which in itself was exhausting, to get them to speak to a vet and check the records and correct them as vet had confirmed they were. Each call, every person apologized acknowledge the records were incorrect and they would update them so while I was a little frustrated I took it in stride trusting this was finally updated and we were back on track with their records. Then came the morning of our Gracie's scheduled Rabies booster shot which was imperative for her to have to be able to travel with us which was our future plans. That morning I got a call 15mins before the appointment yet again by an assistant to tell me not to worry about bringing her in as their records indicated she wasn't due for her Rabies Booster till 2023. I nearly lost my mind. Not only had I just managed to get her in her crate but 15mins prior to the apt a call like that after I'd had multiple calls in last month all on same matter from different assistants to sort it out just broke all confidence in them as professionals. She was due, if she'd missed this shot it would have affected our whole ability to bring her with us. Furthermore not only was the apt for her Rabies booster but another important annual shot she was due for, so why call me 15mins prior to tell me not to bring her she wasn't due for her Rabies booster when there was more than one vaccine she was scheduled to receive. What was the assistant thinking 15mins prior, I understand an hour prior but 15mins prior, did she not consider we would have been in the car enroute already. Needless to say while the team may be friendly and kind, if I can't trust they can keep their records straight and manage my pets health care and vaccine records then all the hugs in the world won't make up for it when they get sick or we can't take them with us when we travel cause the vets screwed up their records. Needless to say so disappointed as they were kind people but at the end of day I need to know my cats health records are in hands of professionals. We've switched vets and finally have our 3 cats records sorted and straight. It took 2years with Ambleside and they couldn't achieve it so as can imagine am extremely disappointed with the experience especially as our cats loved visiting their location and the friendly staff and resident hospital cat boss. Titan, Gracie & Toast's Mum

I can’t say enough good things about the folks here. Everyone clearly loves animals. We came from having a bad experience with another well known vet in West Van. It’s a completely different experience. They are wonderful, kind, always followup and are ready to answer our concerns. If you live in West Van this is the place to entrust your pet.

Excellent service and care at Ambleside Animal Hospital. Our 3 year old tabby had an emergency medical need and they took him in right away and treated him with care and skill. We would recommend this team of animal lovers anytime!

Ambleside Animal Hospital has been our vet for approximately 10 years, and in that time we have had nothing but excellent experiences. We recently lost our senior dog to heart disease, and they truly went above and beyond to care for him. Having such an amazing team to turn to for help during difficult circumstances was truly a lifeline for me and my pet. No matter who we worked with on any given day, the calibre for care was always very high, and the staff at Ambleside demonstrated exceptional compassion and professionalism in all interactions with us. I have recommended them on many occasions over the years, and will continue to do so with confidence after the many appointments I have had with them this year. Thank you to the Ambleside team, especially to Dr. Sang and Dr. Wilke for all their help over the years. I am grateful to be a client at this hospital.

Ambleside Veterinary has been the most responsive and professional, clear and concise each time we have brought Bert the pug there. Whether it was teeth cleaning and extractions or referrals to sub-specialists, I am assured that Dr. Sang not only gave us the best options with clear implications of the each but that she did so out of her sincere kindness and care for the welfare of my dog. I have owned many dogs over multiple decades and can reflective and sincerely say that this is the best veterinary care my dog, and I as an owner, have experienced.

Everything at Ambleside Animal Hospital is world class - the DVM's, the facility overall, front office services, key reminders via text & email, invoicing, support with pet insurance claims, referrals and outpatient care. Dr Anne Irwin has been my dog's vet for the past 8.5 years and she's truly amazing. Dr Carla Wilkie has also done wonders for my dog's back with chiro and acupuncture. Thank you for always having our dog's best interest at heart and sincerely caring.