VCA Canada Pretoria Animal Hospital

VCA Canada Pretoria Animal Hospital At VCA Canada, we're pet people too. We understand the importance of your morning snuggles and the t A healthy pet is a happy pet. Our hospital is here for you.

That's why our team of trained professionals offer quality care for your companion. We know them inside and out, which means we know when things are good and when we need to pay more attention.

We hear it every year. "I’ll start heartworm meds in July when the bugs are bad."But here’s the reality for Canadian pet...
04/15/2026

We hear it every year. "I’ll start heartworm meds in July when the bugs are bad."

But here’s the reality for Canadian pets. Heartworm doesn't wait for Canada Day. Between urban hot spots (like sunny balconies and warm brick alleyways) and pets traveling to warmer climates, the risk of transmission can start weeks before the official mosquito season begins.

Why is spring shield month?

✅ An annual blood test ensures your pet hasn't carried an undiagnosed infection through the winter.
✅ Starting prevention in the early spring months builds a protective barrier before the peak mosquito swarm hits.
✅ It’s significantly easier (and far less costly) to prevent heartworm than it is to treat it.

Don't play catch-up with your pet’s health. 📥 Send us a message or give us a call to schedule your spring wellness check-up and heartworm test today!

🐾 Meet | Eva and Continuing an Education in Care🐾For some, the path to veterinary medicine is a straight line. For oth...
04/13/2026

🐾 Meet | Eva and Continuing an Education in Care🐾

For some, the path to veterinary medicine is a straight line. For others, it’s a creative evolution.

"When I was in high school, I thought I wanted to be a fashion designer," Eva says, reflecting on a career that began with a sketchbook. But as she watched her peers (talented artists already being recruited by major gaming companies) she realized her own spark belonged elsewhere. She pivoted to the physiological care of animals, trading high fashion for high-quality medicine.

But the real challenge wasn't just starting a career; it was staying in it for eighteen years.

"I wouldn't have gotten this far if I hadn't gone out there and made friends, showed my vulnerability, been curious, and talked about my mistakes," she explained. "In a field that moves as fast as ours, the only way to thrive is to stay close to the experts."

That's why at VCA Canada, we think CE is more important today than ever. And to Eva, Continuing Education isn't just a requirement; it's the lifeline of the hospital and she credits her longevity to a system that prioritizes this growth.

"Our programs are designed so that the mentees don't have to make the same mistakes we did; they can learn from ours. It’s about sharing the real-life tips and tricks that you don't find in the textbooks."

She emphasizes that this support isn't just internal, but a total investment in the Associate. "We support our Associates pursuing CE, providing the paid CE time and allowances needed to fulfill professional credential requirements. These opportunities can be taken externally, outside of our organization, as well as internally." For her, some of the most impactful learning happens right in the hospital. "Our internal CE events are hosted by our very own highly skilled Associates through our specialty and emergency hospital locations, leveraging our shared expertise to make us all better."

In a field that changes as fast as ours, being the "designer" of your own career means having the right tools and the right team. 💙

This story is one hop, skip, and a jump toward more full bellies!In the heart of Ontario stands The Inn of the Good Sh...
04/10/2026

This story is one hop, skip, and a jump toward more full bellies!

In the heart of Ontario stands The Inn of the Good Shepherd - Sarnia, a refuge for those who are in need of food, shelter and other essentials. Through our program we joined forces with them to ensure that while the people in the neighbourhood are cared for, their beloved pets are not forgotten.

With help from our Mars, Incorporated friends we watched this come to life, and in just two short hours, over 50 neighbours were welcomed, each bringing a story of the deep bond they share with their animals.

By the end of the morning, every bag of food had found its way into a loving home. Beyond the supplies, we saw genuine smiles and felt the true impact of what happens when a community simply shows up for one another.💙

👀 Eye spy...👀Can you spot the ticks on Sully? 🤔You may need to zoom in closely to see them. 🔍🐶Even though it is winter, ...
04/08/2026

👀 Eye spy...👀

Can you spot the ticks on Sully? 🤔

You may need to zoom in closely to see them. 🔍🐶

Even though it is winter, it is important to think thermometer 🌡️, NOT calendar. 📆

can be active in colder weather when protected under snow, leaf litter, and brush. Deer ticks (those that can potentially transmit Lyme disease) become active and seek hosts when temperatures reach 4 degrees Celsius or warmer. This means they can be active year round in some locations. ❄️

The good news is you can help protect your pets BEFORE exposure. Stay informed about the tick risk in your area and ask us how to help prevent and protect your pet from ticks. 💙

Celebrating 27 amazing years of caring for pets and the people who love them 🐾. It seems like just yesterday, on April ...
04/01/2026

Celebrating 27 amazing years of caring for pets and the people who love them 🐾. It seems like just yesterday, on April 1, 1999, that we opened our doors.
We’re so grateful for the trust, support, and relationships we’ve built along the way. Thank you for letting us be part of your and your pets’ lives—here’s to many more years together!

🐾 Meet | Dean and the Front-Row Seat to a Furever Home 🐾Growing up an introverted kid in South Africa, animals were De...
03/30/2026

🐾 Meet | Dean and the Front-Row Seat to a Furever Home 🐾

Growing up an introverted kid in South Africa, animals were Dean’s first avenue for experiencing calmness and connecting with the world.

He spent his days in the garden catching spiders, snakes, and bugs, building "little homes" for them. "I just loved the animal world and always having the African wilderness at my doorstep," he recalls.

Dean found that animals provided a sense of peace that humans often couldn't. "The calmness they bring to a person, it helped me come out of my shell." But in the veterinary world, he realized that for many new pet owners, that initial connection can be clouded by the stress of the unknown.

That is why Dean is such a passionate advocate for the VCA Canada . A program designed to protect that calmness during the first 21 days of a new adoption.

The program removes the initial barriers to care, offering a complimentary exam and up to $250 in veterinary services. For Dean, it’s about more than just a check-up; it’s about being a support system for those early days. "We can be that guiding voice to give new pet parents a sense of community and a place to go," he explains.

By supporting these early moments, the program allows Dean to witness the best part of his profession. "It can be like having a front-row seat to a romance movie," he says. "You get to watch relationships develop and love affairs happen right before your eyes."

Ultimately, Dean’s goal is to ensure every new owner experiences that life-changing bond he felt as a child. "When you get it, you want everyone to be able to have it." 💙

03/25/2026

Ziva is showing off some of her favorite tricks today 🐶, but Pogo wanted to make sure everyone knows that dogs aren't the only ones who can master the art of the "ask." 🐱

While these moments are adorable, they are actually doing something incredible for our pets' neuro-brain health. Trick training is one of the most effective ways to promote .

Learning a new behavior creates new neural connections. This "brain plasticity" is vital for keeping pets sharp as they age, helping to stave off cognitive dysfunction. For a dog like Ziva, following a complex command requires intense focus and impulse control, which engages the prefrontal cortex.

For Pogo, "tricks" aren't just for show, they engage a cat’s natural problem-solving instincts. It provides a healthy outlet for their predatory drive, reducing stress and anxiety.

Training isn't just about "good manners", it’s about building a resilient, healthy brain. Plus, the bond it builds between you and your pet is the best "side effect" of all. 😉

What is your pet’s favourite or most impressive trick? 👇

🐣 🐶 Who’s ready for a Spring Break-out for ? 🐶🐣Forget the flowers! We’re tracking a different kind of growth! These lit...
03/23/2026

🐣 🐶 Who’s ready for a Spring Break-out for ? 🐶🐣

Forget the flowers! We’re tracking a different kind of growth! These little ones are getting ready to spring out of the womb and into the world any day now! ✨

It’s like a 1000-piece puzzle, but with tiny spines and skulls. It’s the ultimate ," puppy edition.

Put on your radiologist hat and give us your best guesses! How many puppies are joining the pack? 🕵️‍♀️

🐾 | Danny and a Lifeline for the Lifesavers 🐾Every veterinarian has a "why" that started long before they put on a ste...
03/16/2026

🐾 | Danny and a Lifeline for the Lifesavers 🐾

Every veterinarian has a "why" that started long before they put on a stethoscope. For Dr. Daniel Joffe, it was the dogs he grew up with; his best friends who seemed to know exactly what he needed before he even said a word. "They watch over you and take care of you, more than we ever think that they could", he remembers.

By Grade 2, Danny knew he wanted to be a veterinarian. He imagined a life of "puppies and kittens", but the reality of the profession brought a different kind of weight. "I certainly didn’t know just how much veterinarians, as humans, needed to be taken care of, too", he says. He saw talented colleagues leaving the field after catastrophic events or formal complaints, feeling like they had no one to talk to.

In the veterinary world, a "bad day at the office" can be life-changing. When a patient is lost or a complaint is filed, the emotional toll on our doctors and support staff can be devastating.

And that's why, as one of three core architects, Dr. Danny Joffe created , a VCA Canada initiative designed to ensure no doctor or support staff member ever feels like they're left hanging.

The program connects clinicians with experienced "Listening Coaches" and peer support during their toughest professional moments. "Wouldn’t it be nice if we could give doctors the same kind of loyalty and support that our pets give us" Danny asks.

By making these difficult conversations public and less taboo, the program is helping good veterinarians stay in the profession they love. For Danny, the goal is simple: ensuring his colleagues know there is always a path through the hard days. "We want to show our people that someone is there for them" he says, "the same way our pets are always there for us." 💙

This , we are pausing to reflect on the incredible bravery of the K9 teams who serve our communities and our country. A...
03/13/2026

This , we are pausing to reflect on the incredible bravery of the K9 teams who serve our communities and our country. Among those heroes is Millie, a vital member of the Canada Task Force 1 K9 team.

Millie has spent her career navigating the toughest environments to bring hope and safety to others. And now she’s taking on a different kind of mission: being a mom to a brand-new pup who may one day follow in her paw-steps. 🐾

We are incredibly proud to support the team with preventative and wellness care. 🩺

Thank you for your service, Millie. 💙

Late night vet question? There’s an app for that. 📱🐾.Did you know we have a myVCA App that offers FREE 24/7 live chat wi...
03/11/2026

Late night vet question? There’s an app for that. 📱🐾.

Did you know we have a myVCA App that offers FREE 24/7 live chat with a licensed veterinary professional for our hospital’s clients. 💬🐶.

You can also access your pets’ vaccine records, lab results, and book appointments on the app. Download it today at vcacanada.com/myvca-app 📲🐱.

We are here to support you and your pet, day or night. ❤️🐾.

🩺👩‍⚕️ We Rise by Lifting Others 👩‍⚕🩺In our experience, the real power of lies in our network. With the 3,640 women who...
03/08/2026

🩺👩‍⚕️ We Rise by Lifting Others 👩‍⚕🩺

In our experience, the real power of lies in our network. With the 3,640 women who support each other, share hard-won knowledge, and ensure that when one rises, we all do.

It happens in the small, collaborative moments; the huddles over a difficult X-ray or the late-night brainstorming on a surgical approach. For the women who make up 88% of our teams, it means that a breakthrough in one room becomes a teaching moment for the whole hospital. It’s this constant exchange of expertise that turns us into a powerhouse of innovation.

We are incredibly proud of the resilient women on our teams who model this mindset every day. By giving their time, expertise, and compassion, they are ensuring that we all gain a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate veterinary community. 💙

Address

16 Pretoria Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K1S1W7

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 7pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 7pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 7pm
Thursday 7:30am - 7pm
Friday 7:30am - 6pm

Telephone

+16135650588

Website

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