Bowen Veterinary Services

So I was more than apprehensive after reading the poor reviews on this vet. But because this vet's in my neighbourhood, I did some in person research and discovered many happy clients. Dr. Allistair's bedside manner with humans is agreeably not stellar, but his talent with animals is A+. I understand his skill with surgery is even better. Plus, Dr. Shona's friendly, personable, and generous way more than makes up for this. Also, Dr. Shona gave us extra time to discuss medical insurance and training. The reception is super welcoming and our puppy, on his second visit, was eager to go back! So far, I'm thrilled with the care this vet provides. Our puppy "Coconut" gives 2 paws up. ;-) Read Less

So I was more than apprehensive after reading the poor reviews on this vet. But because this vet's in my neighbourhood, I did some in person research and discovered many happy clients. Dr. Allistair's bedside manner with humans is agreeably not stellar, but his talent with animals is A+. I understand his skill with surgery is even better. Plus, Dr. Shona's friendly, personable, and generous way more than makes up for this. Also, Dr. Shona gave us extra time to discuss medical insurance and training. The reception is super welcoming and our puppy, on his second visit, was eager to go back! So far, I'm thrilled with the care this vet provides. Our puppy "Coconut" gives 2 paws up. ;-) Read Less

I saw the 2/5 rating and thought it's probably people complaining about little things and the service can't be that bad. I was wrong. They have a terrible way of communication. Nothing went as planned. Will avoid going there at any cost in the future. Read Less

I brought my dog, Kona, to Bowen Veterinary Services about 4 years ago because she suffered a spinal injury.  The vet, Alastair, attempted to take x-rays of Kona, but in doing so, had to wrestle her to the table while she howled in pain and resisted him.  I offered to make Kona sit and lay down (she followed my commands), but Alastair ordered me out of the room and watch behind a glass window.  I watched as his assistant laid on top of Kona, and Kona kept resisting and was terrified.  They never completed the x-ray, but had they let me assist, we could have successfully gotten it.  It was upsetting to watch my dog be handled so brutally, and I couldn't understand why Alastair wouldn't allow me to assist.  He's a man with few words and no negotiation. Alastair wasn't able to determine the problem through his diagnostics and suggested that I leave Kona overnight for observation, so she stayed there awhile.  Alastair promised to phone me with an update, but that didn't happen for most of the night, so I phoned him.  While we were talking, I could hear my dog crying with distress in the background, so I told Alastair that I wanted to get Kona that night so I could bring her to Canada West Veterinary Specialists in the morning.  He said that was not a good idea, but I insisted.  Before hanging up, he said, "Bring your credit card or I won't release her to you. And, I won't make a referral for Canada West -- you're going to need one to go there."  I paid the bill -- about $2,000.  When I protested over the cost, he had some very unkind loud words for me.  Very unprofessional.  My dog was quiet for the rest of the night - - with me at home.  In the morning, I took the first ferry from Bowen and brought Kona to Canada West where she was immediately admitted, placed on life support because her health deteriorated quickly, and got surgery to repair two ruptured discs.  Had I followed Alastair's advice, my dog would likely have died in his care.  His angry temper and his careless approach with my dog was unprofessional.  As the only vet on the island, he assumes he doesn't have to compete for business or have professional bedside manners.  Canada West saved my dog and she recovered with physical therapy.  Hard to know why two discs were ruptured.  Brutal care by Alastair surely didn't help.  Thereafter, I brought Kona to Mosquito Creek Veterinary Hospital for routine services.  I suggest you avoid Alastair whenever possible -- possibly even for emergencies.  On Bowen, there aren't many choices.  Glad I no longer have to rely on that fool.If it were possible, I would award negative stars for his ineptitude. Read Less

I brought my dog, Kona, to Bowen Veterinary Services about 4 years ago because she suffered a spinal injury.  The vet, Alastair, attempted to take x-rays of Kona, but in doing so, had to wrestle her to the table while she howled in pain and resisted him.  I offered to make Kona sit and lay down (she followed my commands), but Alastair ordered me out of the room and watch behind a glass window.  I watched as his assistant laid on top of Kona, and Kona kept resisting and was terrified.  They never completed the x-ray, but had they let me assist, we could have successfully gotten it.  It was upsetting to watch my dog be handled so brutally, and I couldn't understand why Alastair wouldn't allow me to assist.  He's a man with few words and no negotiation. Alastair wasn't able to determine the problem through his diagnostics and suggested that I leave Kona overnight for observation, so she stayed there awhile.  Alastair promised to phone me with an update, but that didn't happen for most of the night, so I phoned him.  While we were talking, I could hear my dog crying with distress in the background, so I told Alastair that I wanted to get Kona that night so I could bring her to Canada West Veterinary Specialists in the morning.  He said that was not a good idea, but I insisted.  Before hanging up, he said, "Bring your credit card or I won't release her to you. And, I won't make a referral for Canada West -- you're going to need one to go there."  I paid the bill -- about $2,000.  When I protested over the cost, he had some very unkind loud words for me.  Very unprofessional.  My dog was quiet for the rest of the night - - with me at home.  In the morning, I took the first ferry from Bowen and brought Kona to Canada West where she was immediately admitted, placed on life support because her health deteriorated quickly, and got surgery to repair two ruptured discs.  Had I followed Alastair's advice, my dog would likely have died in his care.  His angry temper and his careless approach with my dog was unprofessional.  As the only vet on the island, he assumes he doesn't have to compete for business or have professional bedside manners.  Canada West saved my dog and she recovered with physical therapy.  Hard to know why two discs were ruptured.  Brutal care by Alastair surely didn't help.  Thereafter, I brought Kona to Mosquito Creek Veterinary Hospital for routine services.  I suggest you avoid Alastair whenever possible -- possibly even for emergencies.  On Bowen, there aren't many choices.  Glad I no longer have to rely on that fool.If it were possible, I would award negative stars for his ineptitude. Read Less

My bby boi Suede had 2 surgeries within a week of each other, and his recovery from both, was smooth and fast. Only due to the fantastic work and care, from the Dr's and the staff. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. P.s....thank you so much for including Suede as the pet of the week. Read Less

I took my small dog to BV when I first moved to Bowen. I just wanted my dog to meet the island vet and get aquainted. Allister walks in says nothing to me, picks up my dog, squeezes her here and there....not a word from him still. After five minutes of poking and proding he puts her down and says, so what's the problem. I said nice to meet you and there is no problem I'm here to introduce you to my dog who will be your new patient. He was unwelc8and rude. The second trip cost me around 1200 for absolutely nothing. He was rough with my dog and treated her like an object. I've heard plenty of bad news about this guy so I decided to dump him as a vet as he has NO personality! It's all about the cash with him and your family pet is just a product of getting him paid. To boot, I get a call from them one year and a half after I switched and they wanted to tell me I owed them $25 from a year and a half ago when I switched vets. I paid it and was glad to NEVER have to deal with that douche! Not the right person to care for animals Read Less

I brought my dog, Kona, to Bowen Veterinary Services about 4 years ago because she suffered a spinal injury. The vet, Alastair, attempted to take x-rays of Kona, but in doing so, had to wrestle her to the table while she howled in pain and resisted him. I offered to make Kona sit and lay down (she followed my commands), but Alastair ordered me out of the room and watch behind a glass window. I watched as his assistant layed on top of Kona, and Kona kept resisting and was terrified. They never completed the x-ray, but had they let me assist, we could have successfully gotten it. It was upsetting to watch my dog be handled so brutally, and I couldn't understand why Alastair wouldn't allow me to assist. He's a man with few words and no negotiation. Alastair wasn't able to determine the problem through his diagnostics and suggested that I leave Kona overnight for observation, so she stayed there awhile. Alastair promised to phone me with an update, but that didn't happen for most of the night, so I phoned him. While we were talking, I could hear my dog crying with distress in the background, so I told Alastair that I wanted to get Kona that night so I could bring her to Canada West Veterinary Specialists in the morning. He said that was not a good idea, but I insisted. Before hanging up, he said, "Bring your credit card or I won't release her to you. And, I won't make a referral for Canada West -- you're going to need one to go there." I paid the bill -- about $2,000. When I protested over the cost, he had some very unkind loud words for me. Very unprofessional. My dog was quiet for the rest of the night - - with me at home. In the morning, I took the first ferry from Bowen and brought Kona to Canada West where she was immediately admitted, placed on life support because her health deteriorated quickly, and got surgery to repair two ruptured discs. Had I followed Alastair's advice, my dog would likely have died in his care. His angry temper and his careless approach with my dog was unprofessional. As the only vet on the island, he assumes he doesn't have to compete for business or have professional bedside manners. Thereafter, I brought Kona to Mosquito Creek Veterinary Hospital for routine services. I suggest you avoid Alastair whenever possible -- possibly even for emergencies. On Bowen, there aren't many choices. Glad I no longer have to rely on that fool. Read Less

These folks go above and beyond the call of duty when taking care of critters! They are truly dedicated. I am very thankful that I have found a veterinarian as wonderful as Bowen Island Veterinarian Services, and especially thankful for their 24 hour services. Without them my animals would have had some tough times! Read Less