Huntsville Animal Hospital
About Us
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is rooted in the fundamentals of our core values – the essence of what we believe in.
It is our goal to provide prompt, courteous, and compassionate care to our clients and their animal companions.
To be dedicated to a lifetime of continual learning to strengthen the relationship between people and their pets.
We will strive to continually expand our knowledge and services to improve the lives of our animal companions and to help them live longer and healthier lives.
We will operate under the fundamentals of teamwork, camaraderie, and respect for our fellow colleagues, our patients, and their human companions and be respected members of our community.
Veterinary Oath
The Veterinary Oath guides the principles and practices of Canadian Veterinarians:
“As a member of the veterinary medical profession, I solemnly swear that I will use my specific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society.
I will strive to promote animal health and welfare, relieve animal suffering, protect the health of the public and environment, and advance comparative medical knowledge.
I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.
I will strive continuously to improve my professional knowledge and competence and to maintain the highest professional and ethical standards for myself and the profession.”
Our Environment
Our team members recognize the importance of the world around us and are dedicated to finding solutions to lessen our impact on the earth and to creating a better place to live for all forms of life.
We believe so strongly in helping the environment, that one of the six Core Values that we agreed upon to guide our daily activities is just that- The ENVIRONMENT.
As such we have created and adopted policies that focus on waste reduction, recycling efforts, reduction of our carbon footprint, and utilization of environmentally friendly products whenever and wherever possible throughout our hospital.
Outside the hospital, we have engaged in various activities to help improve our community and will strive to be a presence in environmental protective efforts every day.
Pets We Serve
Common Household Pets
Dogs
Cats
Exotic Pets
Ferrets, Rabbits
Guinea Pigs, Hedgehogs
Rodents (Rats, Hamsters, Gerbils, etc.)
Reptiles
Snakes, Frogs/Toads, Bearded Dragons
Chameleons, Geckos
Tortoise, Turtles, Iguanas
About Our Hospital - FAQs
Browse our catalog of frequently asked questions and learn more about what to expect on your next visit.
Why can’t my pet see the same veterinarian/veterinary technician each time we visit?
We make every effort to accommodate our clients’ requests. However, there may be circumstances that prevent a certain veterinary team member from being available during your pet’s visit.
Scheduling conflicts, emergency situations, and vacation schedules all play a role in their availability. Please feel free to ask for a specific veterinarian or veterinary technician when you schedule your appointment, and we will do what we can to facilitate your request.
However, please be understanding if we can’t. All of our team members are skilled professionals who look forward to your pet’s visit.
Why is my veterinarian referring my pet to a specialist?
We want our patients to have the best possible outcome. This is why we sometimes make the decision to refer patients to veterinary specialists or specialty clinics when advanced training or equipment will be beneficial.
Our veterinarians make every effort to stay current and skilled in many aspects of animal health. However, board-certified specialists have extensive experience and training in a particular area of veterinary medicine or surgery. And specialty clinics and university-affiliated referral centres have specialized equipment to perform procedures that are not routinely undertaken by general practitioners.
Be assured that when we refer a patient to another hospital, we continue to stay involved with his or her care, consulting with the treating specialist and often providing any needed follow-up care and rehabilitation.
Can I call and have you fax a copy of my pet’s rabies certificate and proof of vaccinations to the kennel where my pet will be staying?
We can send proof of vaccination to your pet’s kennel.
Please let us know the fax number or email.
Do you perform at-home euthanasia?
We don’t. However, if you would like a veterinarian to come to your home, we can suggest a reputable veterinarian who can accommodate your request.
If my pet’s problem doesn’t get better, can I get a refund for his/her veterinary care?
Unfortunately, we can’t offer refunds for veterinary care. Our fees cover the cost of examining, testing, diagnosing, and treating your pet.
Not all health problems have a straightforward solution. Some may be chronic, requiring a long-term management plan; others may be more difficult to diagnose or may involve several causes.
A cure may not always be possible, and treatment may be ongoing. Your veterinary team will do everything they can to find answers and continue to help your pet.
What precautions/measures do you take so my pet doesn’t feel pain related to surgery/injury/infection/chronic disease?
Using our knowledge of pain medication and pain relief strategies, we do everything we can to prevent and manage your pet’s pain under all circumstances. We will tailor a pain management plan to your pet’s medical condition and individual needs.
We also offer laser therapy, which can help control pain in some pets.
I’m worried about my pet’s upcoming surgical procedure. What do you do to help ensure your patients’ safety during surgery?
We perform a physical exam and preanesthetic testing before surgery and monitor your pet during surgery. During the procedure, a veterinary technician will continually assess your pet’s heart and respiratory rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs to help prevent any anesthetic risk. We also provide appropriate pain medication during recovery.
I think my pet ate something that’s making him/her sick, and he/she has lost consciousness/is having seizures/trouble breathing. What should I do?
During normal business hours, bring your pet in immediately.
Call us right before you leave or while you’re on your way to help us prepare for the situation.
For after-hours emergencies contact:
Barrie Huronia Veterinary Emergency Clinic: (705) 722-0377
or Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
I think something’s wrong with my pet. Can I call you and have a veterinarian give me a diagnosis over the phone?
Veterinarians can’t diagnose over the phone.
Besides being unethical and illegal, diagnosing by phone doesn’t allow veterinarians to physically examine a pet. A physical exam is necessary so your veterinarian can provide an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Treating a pet for the wrong disease or condition will cost more in the end and could be harmful or even deadly to your pet.
My pet is really well trained. Does he/she need to be on a leash/in a carrier when we visit the hospital?
For the safety and protection of all clients, patients, and veterinary team members, we require all pets to be on a leash or in a carrier when they arrive at our hospital.
They must continue to be restrained while they are in the reception area and while traveling to and from the exam rooms. Your veterinarian or veterinary technician will let you know when it’s OK to let your pet off-leash or out of his or her carrier.
There is often a lot going on at our hospital. Combine that with the unfamiliar surroundings and new animals, and any pet—even one that is well trained—might become uneasy or excited.
We want you and your pet to have as pleasant an experience as possible every time you visit our hospital, so we ask all our clients to respect our policy.
