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Welcome to Scottsdale Veterinary Hospital

Since 1984, Scottsdale Veterinary Hospital has voluntarily complied with the rigorous standards of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) qualifying as an AAHA member hospital.

AAHA standards pertain to a hospital’s equipment, practice methods and management. Membership in the AAHA is available to any veterinary hospital in the United States and Canada that meets the high standards of medical practice and hospital procedures established by AAHA, provided the hospital director subscribes to the principles of the association.

Evidence of compliance with these standards is determined through periodic, on-site thorough evaluations by field representatives of the association.

We are also proud to have been selected by B.C. Guide Dogs and the Delta K-9 Police Force as their primary caregivers. Keeping these working canines in the best of health has been both challenging and rewarding.

Registered Veterinary Technologists (RVTs)

We are fortunate to have many certified RVTs working at Scottsdale Veterinary Hospital. In order for them to attain their RVT diploma they must complete 2 full years of training (anesthesia, parasitology, anatomy etc.) at a college with an accredited veterinary technologist program. We are fortunate now to have a local program at the Douglas College-Coquitlam Campus. Our Registered Veterinary Technologists regularly attend advanced seminars in areas such as internal medicine, dental care, nutrition and parasitology. To be an RVT, yearly continued education is a requirement.

Reception Staff (Customer Care Specialists)

We are proud of our reception staff who take great joy in meeting you and your pets. They offer helpful advice and book your pets in for veterinary visits. All of our customer care assistants have had either formal post secondary training or have more than ten years experience. Our customer care team also participates regularly in continuing education in such areas as nutrition, grief counselling, and communication.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide compassionate high quality care for our patients and their families through advanced diagnostics and treatments, continuing staff training and most importantly, education for our clients so that they can make informed decisions regarding their pet’s health care.

Scottsdale Veterinary Hospital is a proud member of the American Animal Hospital Association.

Since 1984, we have voluntarily complied with rigorous standards of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) qualifying as an AAHA member hospital.

Ethical Procedures Policy

Scottsdale Veterinary Hospital does not perform the following procedures:
1

Ear Cropping and Tail Docking

The cropping of ears and docking of tails for cosmetic purposes is banned in British Columbia along with many other provinces and jurisdictions. Owners, breeders and veterinarians can be fined under B.C.’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act if such a procedure is performed for cosmetic reasons. There is no scientific evidence to support any health or welfare benefit, including the prevention of otitis externa; however there is evidence to support a detrimental effect on canine behaviour and communication.
2

Partial Digital Amputation / Onychectomy / Declawing / Tendonectomy

Declawing cats is banned in British Columbia. Scratching is a normal feline behaviour, and due to post-operative complications and negative effects on feline welfare and behaviour, declawing is an out-dated practice. Client education and alternative methods to deter destructive scratching behaviours are preferred. Environmental modification and enrichment, positive reinforcement training, nail trimming, and nail caps can be used.
3

Devocalization / Debarking

Debarking of dogs negatively affects canine behaviour. Appropriate breed selection, puppy socialization and adequate training are imperative to successful dog ownership. Debarking for reasons related to excessive barking does not treat the underlying reason for the behaviour. It is recommended that owners seek behavioural advice from their veterinarian or a certified veterinary animal behaviourist.
4

Dewclaw Removal

The removal of dewclaws may be considered if there is no bony attachment in dogs at time of spaying or neutering. Fixed dewclaw removals are considered a digital amputation and are not recommended unless due to trauma or for medical reasons.
5

Euthanasia of Healthy Pets

End of life care and humane euthanasia is a responsibility all animal health professionals take seriously. Euthanasia decisions will be made along with animal owners, and be considered for pets due to poor quality of life from disease, illness or injury, and those with irremediable behavioural issues, or behavioural challenges where their welfare is compromised or the safety of those in the community is a concern.