Alta Vista Animal Hospital

I saw a knowledgeable and compassionate Dr Dobbins and can honestly say don't go anywhere else from experience! Thank you Alta Vista for your high standards. Very much appreciated.

Taking your best friend to the emergency vet is something you hope you never have to do, but thank goodness they are here when you need it. The staff were so kind to me and my sweet boy, from the first call to the final check-in. While I waited I watched the staff deal with non-stop calls and issues, yet they were patient, kind and supportive in every interaction. Unfortunately we received the worst news, but the vet presented it gently and thoroughly, so we could understand every option. They made sure my boy was comfortable and pain-free for the last week of his life, allowing us just a bit more time together that I will always cherish. Thank you for all you do and for taking care of Beau, it takes a special person to work in your line and you are so appreciated.

Friendly, kind, professional staff. My dog Bailey got sick with Kennel Cough, Pneumonia and a gastrointestinal bug before Christmas. They quickly got him into the right medications and provided phone support to make sure he recovered.

I visited this vet New Year's weekend as my regular vet was unavailable. Unfortunately we had made the painful decision to have our ill 14 year old dog put to sleep. The staff here were amazing. We had called ahead to ask if they could accomodate us and they told us to come on in whenever we were ready. Once we arrived we were immediately given a private room. After a short time they asked if we would like to move to a nicer room with low lighting, comfortable seating and a table full of various complimentary pet treats to spend our final moments with our dog. The staff were very patient, sympathetic and accommodating which made this heart breaking experience easier on us. They also made sure our dog had a comfortable spot to lay down for his final moments by providing extra blankets and a dog bed. We were given as much time as we needed to say goodbye and did not feel rushed at all. I highly recommend this place to anyone who may need emergency or even regular veterinary care.
Thank you so much to Dr Tobin and the other staff who assisted us that day

We just got home from taking our dog to Alta Vista due to a reaction he got from vaccines that were administered earlier on in the day. Every single staff member was fantastic. There’s no shortage of kindness, compassion, and humour in the staff here. They made the experience 100 times easier. Very happy with the customer service!

I am from out of town and needed to bring my pet after an allergic reaction, we were taken in right away and the staff was amazing and helpful

If you really have an emergency, they just put you on hold for extensive time and don’t even ask for details… which seems totally counterintuitive.

I would never come back. They made me give a deposit and then overcharged me 3k. Made me wait with my dying dog all day just to be told there is nothing they can do other than recommend going to see a specialist else where because they have none. Worst day and experience of my life.

I took my cat in for check up and Rabie shot. Staff members were professional and Dr. O' byrne was very courteous. I go there all the time.

Damned expensive. Insanely so. A 240 bill for an emergency consult and another 240 for euthanasia and almost 500 for cremation?
Almost twice what my regular vet would have cost

Staff and professionals on site are nice, polite and informative. There is a set minimum fee in these COVID days but the vet did a thorough exam of my dog for the price and spent a long moment with me on the phone reporting back, which was very reassuring. Despite the distance, Alta Vista would certainly be my location of choice if (hopefully not) I have to make another emergency visit with my dog.

I have taken my dogs to Alta Vista since I had them. I have nothing but high praise for the care they received. The level professionalism, knowledge, and caring we received from the staff— past and present remain unsurpassed.

My cat Charlie, has not been to the vet in about three years. I went back to the Alta Vista hospital, because of the amazing service, I have received in the past. Wonderful vet tec, and amazing veterinarian.

Thanks so much for taking the time to listen and take good care of my cat Charlie.

Never somewhere that you want to have to take your pet, but I’m so grateful for the quick care that my dog received when she got into some porcupine quills in a forest. Dr. Begin and RVT Jackie were so kind and thorough, I could tell that our puppy was in great hands. The procedure was quick and she is recovering well. Thank you so much to Dr. Begin, Jackie and all other AVAH staff who helped out.

We needed a place to come from Gatineau in an emergency, and they were very nice to my wife. They sent a stretcher to help with our large dog, she had passed away in our van on the way. They were very consoling to her, explained her all the services offered. Price was very reasonable! We hope to keep using them for our other animals in the future.

Ils ont vraiment bien pris soin de mon chat Hunter.
Il avait une sévère lacération et ils l'ont traité professionnelement. Et ce qui est de qualité/prix j'ai trouver raisonable vu que l'anasthésie a été nécessaire.
Je donne 5 a l'hopital vétérinaire Alta Vista

Honestly the best Vets and Technicians I have ever had. I moved an hour out of the city and it's still worth it to come back to them. They remember me and my dogs from one visit to the next, amazingly friendly and helpful. Really good with my nervous dog too, they work with her on the floor so she doesn't freak out over having to be lifted onto the table. I love their online appointment requesting. It takes less time than a phone call and is really convenient for me when my house is just too loud to use the phone. Their emergency services are amazing as well. Although luckily I've only had to use them once in the last couple years. If I could give them more than perfect I would.

I was told to try montreal or Kingston, what the, not sure if that was Kingston Jamaica? I didn't ask.

So I've never heard of a vet that requires people to pay a $100 deposit for their first appointment with a dog, also they upcharge their dog food like crazy, I paid $187 with a military discount for my dog food where the vet down the street charged me $162 for the EXACT SAME dog food

Excellent service, grateful for both the professional and human approach by all the staff and the veterinarians. We brought our dog Maximus late on a Sunday night and were fully satisfied.

Amazing vets here! Care is top notch. Front line staff is very rigid at times and prescription fills take a long time when assigned at a regular visit.

We had recent experience dealing with them for our puppy zeus. They were good and took care of him. Hoping we do not have to return

I'm very satisfied with the care we received today. Not only is it a beautiful facility, but the vet and tech were kind and friendly. I didn't feel forced into any treatment. We even had a last minute concern that we were able to address in our GPE/consult. The prices all seemed very fair to me as well. Highly recommend this animal hospital.

They gave me an estimate. Charged me almost double the estimate and did not even finish the job. Then I found out from a coworker that they're known for that. Just awful

Very friendly and understanding, honest and offer full gamet or veterinarian service including ICU. However it gets expensive very quickly, so set a budget before you decide on going here. They also broker grief related services.

Went there a week ago to get someone to tell me to phone a number so I did then she asked what was wrong with my dog so I explain she had 3 lumps and she kept scratching her eyes so she told me it wasn t an emergency well I found out my dog had a tumor in both eyes and on her stomach so I guess that wasn't an emergency my poor dog wanted to scratch her eyes out.will never go there or recommend them.

Excellent care from Doctor Lowe. He is very caring. Also had excellent care at Emergency one night

Came here for an emergency, all the staff and vets were amazing. Friendly, kind, patient. My dog received wonderful care. I got multiple updates every day and the vets took their time to make sure I understood everything. My dog is now happily at home and I cannot thank them enough!

Adopted a very sick male kitten. Took him to Alta Vista Animal Hospital emergency and they admitted the little guy right away. Eyes infected, upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, neglected, under weight, and intestinal infestation. We didn't know if he was going to live. Only a few days later with lots of medicine and love, he is thriving! Thank you to the staff and doctors for saving this little guy!

Not a Karen for sure, but this hospital lost my beloved pet cat (Peanut). They did not pay attention to details and the safety of my cat. We have been looking everywhere and waiting for them to find her.

I am not disputing the fact they served and saved many pets, but my baby is precious to me and it kills me to know she is out in the woods all alone, hungry, and scared. Please make sure your pet will be safe.
We are suing them!

We took our puppy to Alta Vista on an emergency basis. He was is a bad way.the girl we spoke with on the phone was courteous, kind and caring. The Tech who came out to get our puppy was equally courteous, and kind and was really caring.and the vet who took care of him - again - amazing! We had a really good experience, even though we were stressed and worried. They did a fantastic job taking care of our Bear and then after the over night visit they send us home with his meds, and very comprehensive and easy to understand instruction list AND they followed up with us a few days later and a week later. I am hoping to never have to use the emergency service again, BUT they will be the first place we go if we ever do need it again - thanks for taking care of our puppy, and us!

Thank you so much to the incredible staff at this hospital. I was an emotional wreck and my dog was not in good shape and I was sure he had been poisons and dying.you guys were so professional, calming and reassuring, gave immediate updates on your assessments and suggestions, monitored him and kept me up to date every step of the way. You guys are absolute heros. Thank you again!

Love scooby and his entire family

They tried the best they could with questions that were asked but the wait was long & we had 2 sit in the parking lot until they phoned which we could of gone home 2 wait.

Every time we have tried going to another vet we always end up back at Alta Vista. They give their full attention to our pets whenever we bring them and make sure to take their time with assessments. Always highest quality care, and they give you all the options to make the best decision based on costs and results. Can’t recommend them enough. Truly the best!

After a week of pain and weird acting, they check my cat and said couldn't find anything. They provided a bunch of vaccines because the cat had fever during the visit. Three days after, the cat still in pain and I just found the pain is in the paws, so the cat can step because he probably step on poisoned plants. I already paid more than $600.00 hundred and the veterinarian missed touching the cat to find the pain. They don't admit the cat again if I don't pay more and the person who claims to be the manager doesn't wants to provide his last name. I only have Adam B.from him. He does not even have the courage to provide his last name. I am going to take this case at court for him to explain to a judge and play ignorance there. I want to see where it goes

I was annoyed they couldn't find my order for awhile. Then they did, and owned up to the mistake.

Well lets get this straight they where the only place that had room now onto the review wow these people are slow they say come to the door i wait 10 min until i flag down someone they took my trixie at 8 at almost 10 they called it took them another 20 min to give her back and the woman on the phone said can we do the credit card over the phone oh hell no and i paid shes better but the service is good not great and way to far to wait i will never come again and i hope i never have 2

Excellent service! Malgré que sa mal fini pour notre bébé chatton le service d’urgence a été très efficace et ils l’ont prix en charge très rapidement. Que de bons commentaires à dire. Merci à vous pour votre empathie et votre merveilleux service

We rushed in with an 11 week old chihuahua puppy who nearly drowned. This puppy is being trained as a service dog and they took the time to answer all our questions.the quality if care was amazing and we are truely blessed to have this emergency clinic servicing the ottawa/gatineau are.
Our little fellow was well taken care of and back in my little girls arms in no time!

They took excellent care of my kitty, Kevin. This was my 1st experience with Alta Vista Animal Hospital. I wouldn't hesitate to go back if I ever needed to!

My dog had a puncture mark on his side it turned out to be a skin eruption. He was treated quickly and the bill was reasonable.

I brought my dog there with a knee injury and they said we had to cut off her leg.got a second opinion and now she has a cast and it healed fine. My aunt brought her dog there because she was vomiting they put the puppy. PUPPY down. Last but not least my sister brought her rabbit there and they gave it medication and sent it home next day it was dead. PLEASE don’t bring your animals there they are unorganized and when they have a full house they look at your animal for 5 minutes and offer the most expensive option or death they are terrible I wish I could sue these people. Might have to.

Being married for 52 years and having lots of kids around all those years we have had many pet animals from dogs and cats to turtles, snakes, a bearded dragon, lots of birds including a rooster named chicken and during all of these years, we have had many occasions to make a visit to the vet. We have seen many vets in Ottawa over the years and none have made a stronger impression on us than Dr. John Swatman, at Alta Vista Animal Hospital. John is always kind, patient, and professional. He explains everything he does and tells you why he is recommending this treatment. He always allows time for questions and gives thorough and complete answers. John is # 1 in his profession and my two black pugs are my babies now and I want the very best for both of them. I could not be more pleased than I am having John Swatman as my Vetrinarian.

Update May 23rd 2021

Unable to take a new patient at 2: 00 AM.please keep your sick puppy home and see if they improve overnight. Or bring them in and we will not see her until the morning. What a polite Go F yourself.

But it is great to have a 24 hour business - just don't bother to see a sick animal.

Previous comments below

We changed to a different vet due to costs and horrible wait times.they deliberately under staff to manage costs not the care of your pet.

Adding to our review, Today July 8th 2017, they sent an email at 4: 25 in the morning - to remind me to make an appointment before March 30th, 2017 - more than 3 months ago - for a pet that we have taken to another Vet and asked for the records to be transferred.
Incompetence is about all they can do well

Ce sont de sale profiteurs! Prix exorbitant!
Refuse de faire arrangement! Si vous ne pouvez pas payer le jour même vous aurez deux choix sois vous reparter avec votre animal peut importe dans quel état il ce trouve ou vous font signer un formulaire d'abandon pour le soigner et ensuite le faire adopter!
Je ne recommande a personne cet endroit!

All the Staff were friendly and acted in a caring and gentle manner towards my dog. The Vet I saw, Dr. Clarke, was very thorough in her examination of my dog and she answered all of my questions about flea and tick prevention and replied to other concerns of mine in a clear and concise manner. She did not rush me and I was very pleased with the service I received.

Très dispendieux! Et le service en français est très très difficile! J'ai une facture de 5960$ et je peux même pas avoir le bilan de santé de mon chien et ses prescription en français.

Se faire dire que personne, aujourd'hui et demain ne va me parler en français. Me faire dire que le Dr.qui est référé par mon vétérinaire n'est pas disponible pour le cas de mon chien avant le mois de août. Bête et pas professionnel.
Un gros zéro.

CHUV St-hyacinthe super professionnel. #A1
Pris le cas de mon chien rapidement.
Oui, c'était urgent.
Un oeil a dû être retiré.

I have only positive things to say about Alta Vista Animal Hospital on Bank St. I took my little beagle there for the last few years of her life, and they gave her top-notch care until her time had come to an end. The doctors and staff are very compassionate and understand the love and concern that each owner has for their pet. Now I am bringing in my Greyhound, and I am getting the same amazing care and attention. Of course we all have our favourite doctors, but every one gives their all to the animals. One thing that I find remarkable is, that they will spend as much time as needed with the animal until a solution is found and the owner understands exactly what the treatment will be. We are never rushed and all of our questions are answered. Thank you to everyone at AVAH.

Alta Vista Animal Hospital is outstanding, professional and most important extremely caring for the health, safety and well being of my dog. Thank You Dr. Tinsley. Mary BendaStos.

Our pup recently had to have emergency surgery for a leg injury. The staff at Alta Vista were very compassionate and communicative and kept us informed at every step. Their follow-up care and communications have also been excellent and informative. The staff are all very friendly and approachable.

The doctors and staff go above and beyond at this hospital. They continuously give updates on your pets progress. They are very caring and professional at all times.

Scammers and thieves, will squeeze as much money as possible before telling you what your pet needs

I want to give less stars because of affordability, but that is my personal issue and the professionalism of staff and the quality of care my small dog received was more than I could ask for the amount I paid for her to be seen and enough medication to keep her comfortable until I can afford an optometrist for her.all in all, I am very satisfied with Alta Vista Animal Hospital and will definitely recommend them to others that care about thier fur family

Very happy with the service I receive for my dog. We were very worried but we were reassured when we spoke to the vet. I would recommend this place to anyone who needs immediate care for their pet. It’s a 10/10 for me. Will definitely be back with my dog.

I had to rush my cat to emergency two days ago we had got home from work and found our cat in the closet crying bellowing so loud and in pain, which was so strange as when we left for work he was fine. He never had any problems prior he was in great health active up to this point in his life. I dropped him off and was called a couple hours later that his bladder urethra was blocked and he couldn’t pee. The cost to help him was going to be an estimate of 2500 to 4000. I can’t afford that right now in these times I told them. So they offered an alternative to flushing his bladder getting the urine out giving him pain meds and send him with some medication for it and pain meds. I was assured he was up and doing well after surgery when I picked him up the next morning was told he would be back to himself in a couple hours but the blockage may return and to watch his urinary routine. So that was great to hear. Paid the almost 1000 vet bill and took him home put him in his own room to rest for the day while I was working. When I got home he hadn’t moved peed all over himself couldn’t stand walk his eyes were fixated so I wrapped him in a towel and started to give him small amounts of water by syringe every hour. I was assuming he had a bad effect to the anesthesic and maybe the next day he would show signs of improvement because obviously his bladder isn’t blocked now as he is peeing on himself. I wrapped him up and took him to bed with me to monitor him through the night. No change. He did again wet himself through the blanket. I took him downstairs and put him beside the water bowl he wanted to drink but fell face first into the bowl this is now 30 hours later with no good minimal water. He has gotten worse not better since. I took him into this vet for one issue and now have a cat that may or may not have to be put down. It is ridiculous that they did this. I honestly don’t believe they diagnosed his condition properly because I looked up what they said he had and he had none of the symptoms leading up to this that it mentioned occurs before this he was healthy fat ate and played until this one day. Now I have no idea what to do I am going to give him one more day to see if this new condition changes and then probably find a better vet that isn’t a money grabber and actually cares about pets so angry and discouraged with this place

Emergency dept.: I had to bring my dog in for an emergency visit (not a regular client). I can't stress enough how patient and calm the staff was. Intake staff and DR. Barnes took their time speaking with me (no fast talking or feeling rushed so that they could move on to the next patient). I was aware that they were extremely busy being the only emerge intake in the city (and I came from outside of the city) - you would never know it by their client service!

The wait for emergency services here is quite poor. However, I do know that they serve a large area and that probably contributes to it. I just wish they would hire more staff or develop a more efficient triage protocol.

I was nervous because they have so many bad review but the staff at the door was friendly, and thr vet assistant was also really nice but oh my gosh Dr. Clark the female vet was amazing. Went above and beyond and I truly felt safe with my cat in her hands!

Gracie has been seeing Dr. Andrew Lowe, the Dermatologist for 4 years due to allergies. Believe it or not, she is allergic to grasses, weeds, and yes, humans. Dr. Lowe recommended a treatment plan that has helped her significantly. He is wonderful! He is smart, considerate, provides you with all the details to make an educated decision on her care plan, and takes the time you need to ask your questions. He is also, kind and caring to both Gracie and us.
Gracie has also seen Dr. Liptak, the Oncologist due to a couple fast growing masses on her neck and chest. Dr. Liptak is an brilliant surgeon! Fortunately, the tissue surrounding the masses were not cancerous, giving her better odds. He is also very thorough, knowledgeable and caring.

The staff are all awesome and they provide service is above and beyond!

We highly recommend the clinic.

Last Friday - it was necessary for me to bring my 11 year old Sheltie, (Safari), to AVAH, to explore if otitis media was again present in his right ear.
My emergency team consisted of Tanya B, Chelsey L, Anjaleen C, and Lauren L. Managers were Julie D, and Shauna W.
I was most fortunate to have Dr. Danalyn Begin, who tried to perform an examination. The otoscopic evaluation awake was most difficult due to Safaris non-compliance. In view of this, and after our consultation, Dr. Begin administered sedation in order to evaluate both ear drums. The right one was flushed, eliminating some overlying otic waxy debris - so a better evaluation could be carried out. Fortunately, there was no inflammation, and unlike in March of this year - there was no pus beyond the tympanum in the middle ear. Thank God for that - no operation is needed! Safari continued to recover from the induction agent and with flow-by oxygen, and a low dose of acepromazine to improve the quality of his recovery. After the TLC of all the Vet.techs and assistant - Safari returned to the land of the living - still somewhat sedated, but in great hands. I wish to personally thank all the fantastic, most qualified staff for Safari's excellent care in surgery and recovery. And also Dr. Begin who displayed a superior knowledge of Veterinarian skills and bed side manner. Safari wants all of you - to come home and be with him daily!
As a veterinarian technician since 1972, having years of experience working in many kennels - and at the Second Animal Hospital in Toronto, I want all of the dog owners to know - you are in the best of hands with this staff. Their due diligence provides exemplary critical care for your pet when needed. I can attest to this, as a long time dog owner who has waited out front when my pet was in surgery, and also working behind the scenes, in the back room assisting as a trained vet.tech. I would TOTALLY recommend the pet services here at AVAH and entrust my pets to their professional staff. Thanks once again - for your most caring attitude!
Rod Lahay, BA, B. Sc, VT, EMT
Ottawa, Ontario

Amazing and friendly service as always. Been going here 16 years and would never even consider another vet. Between the friendly caring staff and the clean facilities. This is where you wanna be for your favourite compion.

The people at Alta Vista are incredible. Empathetic and there to help! I have had two major emergencies with two of my dogs in the past 8 months and they were able to get them in, and get them fixed up. People say how expensive they are, but in reality, they aren’t any more than my vet except for the emergency visit fee. Everything else is comparable.

Thanks Alta Vista!

Our little furry guy Harley (4 yrs old) was really sick and not doing well on Saturday. I called the VCA Alta Vista Animal hospital and was treated with the upmost respect during each phone call, email or in person when we dropped him off and picked him up. Harley was hospitalized for 2 days. (We were relieved when we learned he would be staying and not transferred to another vet hospital, which was the possibility when I first phoned. They were at capacity at the time.) Every question was answered clearly, every treatment or diagnosis explained thoroughly from each vet tech, doctor and specialist. The Covid-19 protocols are top notch. We are so glad to have Harley home (as you can see from daddy's hand caressing him). We still have instructions to follow (giving meds and special food) and we are now awaiting a final result which could be in 2 weeks time. Saying prayers the results come back as we hope. Thank you team.these furry baby parents are happy.