Gulf Island Veterinary Clinic
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
Reviews
Colleen
4 Oct 2020
REPORT
The Gulf Island Veterinary Clinic uses questionable practices around drugging animals (pre-visit) under their fear-free policy administration. According to the Director of Administration, the anti-st...
The Gulf Island Veterinary Clinic uses questionable practices around drugging animals (pre-visit) under their fear-free policy administration. According to the Director of Administration, the anti-stress drug called gabapentin is "used to build positive experiences in the clinic...it plays a remarkable role in transforming an apprehensive patient into one that loves to come in."
I have been repeatedly told to drug my dog before he comes in for monthly cartrophen injections which is a routine shot that my dog has received for years. In the short few months I've been to Gulf Island Vet clinic, I have been pushed drugs every visit. I have never experienced anything like this before. I find this practice to be unethical and an excessive use of pharmaceuticals. In addition, the staff appear inexperienced and fearful themselves and their prices are far higher then any vet clinic in the surrounding area.
I do not recommend this clinic to anyone.
Marni B.
15 Dec 2018
REPORT
I requested 6 more antibiotics to get me through the weekend and after a $600 bill for a swollen cat paw was refused. My cat had been treated and X-rayed and the wound had healed but the paw was still...
I requested 6 more antibiotics to get me through the weekend and after a $600 bill for a swollen cat paw was refused. My cat had been treated and X-rayed and the wound had healed but the paw was still swollen. I agreed to book an appointment as soon as possible but was told they were only doing drop off appts. I had already experienced this. You drop your pet off and they get to it when they can. I said I would only book a booked appointment. I was refused and refused the 6 more pills.Also, included in the $600 bill was an $80 pain medication which no one spoke to me about and when I paid my bill they sent me home without it. Days later when I was picking up food they tried to give it to me. By then my cat didn't need it.Also, I told the receptionist that I didn't have voicemail but apparently a message was left anyway.
Charlotte M.
26 Oct 2018
REPORT
I guess if you're the only really advertised vet on the island, it doesn't matter if you give terrible service. I made an appt to have my 16 year old cat examined and to get a refill of her medicine. ...
I guess if you're the only really advertised vet on the island, it doesn't matter if you give terrible service. I made an appt to have my 16 year old cat examined and to get a refill of her medicine. I also asked for flea and tick prevention for both my animals. (Cat and dog- they said no problem when I booked it) After over an hour at this place, I did leave with flea and tick medicine for my cat. They told me once I was already there that my dog needed an appt to get flea and tick medicine. Unable to draw blood from my cat's leg for blood work, they said I would need to come back and charged me for medicine to make my cat sedated for the next visit without ever discussing it with me. My kitty was super calm while they poked her for 20 mins, then she started to get annoyed(as did I). They never gave me the refill of her medicine I needed. I for one will be taking my pets to a different vet and I suggest you do the same. Horrible service for my fur babies!i
Christopher Roy
29 Jun 2018
REPORT
Great service here. Professional team, well organized and attentive to our pet.
pam fry
28 Oct 2017
REPORT
Honestly there is no Veterinary Clinic better than this one. Front desk to back of house...lovely, lovely people, caring, knowledgeable, incredible diagnostic evaluation. We and our dog would not e...
Honestly there is no Veterinary Clinic better than this one. Front desk to back of house...lovely, lovely people, caring, knowledgeable, incredible diagnostic evaluation. We and our dog would not even think of going anywhere else.
Pleun Bulk
4 Jun 2017
REPORT
Top notch service and quality work, highly recommend to make the trip over for, you even might save a little money to help pay for the ferry.
Michael F
7 Apr 2017
REPORT
What an amazing experience! Vet and staff so friendly and it is very clear the team love pets and taking care of them ... and thorough assessment of our dog with the necessary follow-up plans
Dipper Harbour Diva
16 Dec 2016
REPORT
A newbie on Salt Spring Island and an 'omni-dog' who loves only me; even this combination could not have received a better reception than the one I had the pleasure of encountering at Gulf Island Vet...
A newbie on Salt Spring Island and an 'omni-dog' who loves only me; even this combination could not have received a better reception than the one I had the pleasure of encountering at Gulf Island Veterinary Clinic.
I made a call to make an appointment & received a "welcome' email. I can access my up-coming appointments online and have contact information at my finger tips. Besides an entertaining and well managed Facebook page, they are busy keeping that place spotless.
Dr. Silverthorn and the front end staff were more than patient, thorough and caring. They even support others by accepting donations for pets & owners who may need help accessing medical care.
Sarah Senkow
27 Oct 2016
REPORT
She called me after hours to talk to me about the possible c section of my dog. She didn't have to, she didn't even have to call me back. But she did. How I can thank her I'm not to sure but I will th...
She called me after hours to talk to me about the possible c section of my dog. She didn't have to, she didn't even have to call me back. But she did. How I can thank her I'm not to sure but I will think of a way. You were the ONLY vet that called me back and actually seemed to understand that Maggie wasn't just my dog she was my little girl, one of my kids, my baby. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. Thank you so much.
Alana Hasiak
8 Sep 2016
REPORT
The staff at this clinic are amongst the best I have seen in the veterinary field. We were new patients with a problem and they took us in immediately and treated us and our pup as if we were long-tim...
The staff at this clinic are amongst the best I have seen in the veterinary field. We were new patients with a problem and they took us in immediately and treated us and our pup as if we were long-time clients. The information we were given was clear and concise, leaving no doubt whatsoever that we had made the right decision in taking her to them. Dr. Tedder was informative, but I think the thing I appreciated the most was her honesty in explaining that certain tests did not HAVE to be done, but were our choice. We have complete trust and will be taking our little one back for a much-needed surgery within the month. She will be in good hands. Thank you so much!!
Theresa Bruce
16 Jul 2016
REPORT
I love taking Saki to this clinic, as they really know how to treat and handle animals
The entire team is so knowledgeable, professional and caring
All my questions are answered promptly and they alwa...
I love taking Saki to this clinic, as they really know how to treat and handle animals
The entire team is so knowledgeable, professional and caring
All my questions are answered promptly and they always give me great advice
I would highly recommend taking your pet to this clinic
Victoria Littlewood
17 Jun 2016
REPORT
The staff here are so great :) Friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. Trusting people for the best care for my pet/new family member is so important and I would definitely trust this staff/bus...
The staff here are so great :) Friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. Trusting people for the best care for my pet/new family member is so important and I would definitely trust this staff/business. Very good place :)
Thank you!
Michelle Koby
29 Apr 2016
REPORT
The staff and doctors have taken such great care of my, (less than cooperative at the vet), elderly cat over the last month with grace and kindness. Thank you so much for loving all of the furry babie...
The staff and doctors have taken such great care of my, (less than cooperative at the vet), elderly cat over the last month with grace and kindness. Thank you so much for loving all of the furry babies.
Carolyn Walkner
14 Mar 2016
REPORT
I could write PAGES of how the staff at the GI Vet clinic has helped us and our fur babies, but most won't have time to read that novel on a review! Suffice to say, at some of our lowest points (15 ye...
I could write PAGES of how the staff at the GI Vet clinic has helped us and our fur babies, but most won't have time to read that novel on a review! Suffice to say, at some of our lowest points (15 year old dog with a broken jaw and massive rotting teeth/infections) to our highest (adopting an SPCA rescued horse) the amazing people at this clinic have always brought smiles to our faces. No matter the animal (Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Dogs, Horses) this clinic is prepared. Above and beyond, and for that we love them! Our dog can't WAIT to go in the doors for his snuggles and treats!
Linda Quiring
11 Mar 2016
REPORT
My recent visit with Ranger to the G.I. Veterinary Clinic went as usual: prompt friendly service. A visit with Justine who diagnosed the problem promptly, suggested a testing procedure which was eas...
My recent visit with Ranger to the G.I. Veterinary Clinic went as usual: prompt friendly service. A visit with Justine who diagnosed the problem promptly, suggested a testing procedure which was easy and inexpensive, and treatments options. One of the best Vet's ever! Have had 4 English Pointers...she is knowledgeable, friendly, obviously loves animals and cares about them. Also, take Bandit for grooming here, and he gets the Best grooming ever, quick and easy and he is not traumatized, nor does he pick up fleas being groomed. Can''t recommend this clinic highly enough.
Kimberley McIntyre Jorgensen
7 Sep 2015
REPORT
This weekend I was a "client" with a very sick dog. Even though I work with Dr.Tedder everyday, being a patient always seems to sort of level the playing field. When your own pet is sick it seems all ...
This weekend I was a "client" with a very sick dog. Even though I work with Dr.Tedder everyday, being a patient always seems to sort of level the playing field. When your own pet is sick it seems all you know, all you have learned evades the senses. Justene and Christo are amazing owners and truly love their clients and their work. My dog stayed overnight in the clinic and was monitored by a remote camera. They could see him, hear him and talk to him throughout the night and day. He was checked on in person several times over the 24 hours. He came home today, what a relief! My confidence in Justene's care and judgement is now stronger than ever and I am so fortunate to be a part of this fabulous team! Thank you for your loving care!
Jayson Biggins
26 May 2015
REPORT
Nothing but great things to say about this clinic! Between our emergency after-hours dog visits and, most recently, yesterday's full day of surgeries on our rescued pot belly pigs from the SPCA, Dr. J...
Nothing but great things to say about this clinic! Between our emergency after-hours dog visits and, most recently, yesterday's full day of surgeries on our rescued pot belly pigs from the SPCA, Dr. Justine, Christo and the staff are efficient, adept, and compassionate. My wife and I are SO glad we found them!!
Kathi Denise
16 Apr 2015
REPORT
We would like to thank Dr. Tedder from the bottom of our hearts. We live on Pender Island and our dog got into some vegetable compost on Easter Monday, which was toxic to her. We came by boat, and Doc...
We would like to thank Dr. Tedder from the bottom of our hearts. We live on Pender Island and our dog got into some vegetable compost on Easter Monday, which was toxic to her. We came by boat, and Doctor Tedder picked us up at the docks and opened the clinic at night. We were in a panic for our dear dog, and Dr. Tedder was incredible. She was compassionate, caring and incredibly knowledgeable. Our dog Gilly loved her too. Thank you for everything! Kathi and Sid
Mike Kowalchuk
18 Mar 2015
REPORT
You need some one to be very understanding in dealing with elderly pets, and when its time to let them go you need compassion from the vet, and I found that with Gulf Island Vets.Thank You ....
Emma-Louise Elsey
7 Apr 2014
REPORT
Justene and her team at Gulf Islands Vet are simply awesome. Kind, caring and knowledgeable. I agree with Ralph. Love and knowledge. Love for the pets - and for the humans too.
Ralph Bischoff
22 Dec 2013
REPORT
Absolutely nothing better for care. From preventative to paliative. With an emphasis on love and knowledge.
Photo Gallery
Book an Appointment
Online booking unavailable
Please call
(250) 537-5334
540 Lower Ganges Road
Salt Spring Island British Columbia V8K 2P6
Business Hours
Monday
Mon
08:30AM-17:00PM
Tuesday
Tue
08:30AM-17:00PM
Wednesday
Wed
08:30AM-17:00PM
Thursday
Thu
08:30AM-17:00PM
Friday
Fri
08:30AM-17:00PM
Popular Hours
6a
12p
6p
{{getPopularHourTime(item.time)}}
No data for {{popularHourDay.text}}
Closed on {{popularHourDay.text}}
Is this your business?
CLAIM IT HEREIncorrect information? Let us know
Gulf Island Veterinary Clinic
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia
540 Lower Ganges Road
Salt Spring Island British Columbia V8K 2P6
Business Hours
Monday
08:30AM-17:00PM
Tuesday
08:30AM-17:00PM
Wednesday
08:30AM-17:00PM
Thursday
08:30AM-17:00PM
Friday
08:30AM-17:00PM
Popular Hours
6a
12p
6p
{{getPopularHourTime(item.time)}}
No data for {{popularHourDay.text}}
Closed on {{popularHourDay.text}}
Reviews
Colleen
4 Oct 2020
The Gulf Island Veterinary Clinic uses questionable practices around drugging animals (pre-visit) under their fear-free policy administration. According to the Director of Administration, the anti-st...
The Gulf Island Veterinary Clinic uses questionable practices around drugging animals (pre-visit) under their fear-free policy administration. According to the Director of Administration, the anti-stress drug called gabapentin is "used to build positive experiences in the clinic...it plays a remarkable role in transforming an apprehensive patient into one that loves to come in."
I have been repeatedly told to drug my dog before he comes in for monthly cartrophen injections which is a routine shot that my dog has received for years. In the short few months I've been to Gulf Island Vet clinic, I have been pushed drugs every visit. I have never experienced anything like this before. I find this practice to be unethical and an excessive use of pharmaceuticals. In addition, the staff appear inexperienced and fearful themselves and their prices are far higher then any vet clinic in the surrounding area.
I do not recommend this clinic to anyone.
Marni B.
15 Dec 2018
I requested 6 more antibiotics to get me through the weekend and after a $600 bill for a swollen cat paw was refused. My cat had been treated and X-rayed and the wound had healed but the paw was still...
I requested 6 more antibiotics to get me through the weekend and after a $600 bill for a swollen cat paw was refused. My cat had been treated and X-rayed and the wound had healed but the paw was still swollen. I agreed to book an appointment as soon as possible but was told they were only doing drop off appts. I had already experienced this. You drop your pet off and they get to it when they can. I said I would only book a booked appointment. I was refused and refused the 6 more pills.Also, included in the $600 bill was an $80 pain medication which no one spoke to me about and when I paid my bill they sent me home without it. Days later when I was picking up food they tried to give it to me. By then my cat didn't need it.Also, I told the receptionist that I didn't have voicemail but apparently a message was left anyway.
Charlotte M.
26 Oct 2018
I guess if you're the only really advertised vet on the island, it doesn't matter if you give terrible service. I made an appt to have my 16 year old cat examined and to get a refill of her medicine. ...
I guess if you're the only really advertised vet on the island, it doesn't matter if you give terrible service. I made an appt to have my 16 year old cat examined and to get a refill of her medicine. I also asked for flea and tick prevention for both my animals. (Cat and dog- they said no problem when I booked it) After over an hour at this place, I did leave with flea and tick medicine for my cat. They told me once I was already there that my dog needed an appt to get flea and tick medicine. Unable to draw blood from my cat's leg for blood work, they said I would need to come back and charged me for medicine to make my cat sedated for the next visit without ever discussing it with me. My kitty was super calm while they poked her for 20 mins, then she started to get annoyed(as did I). They never gave me the refill of her medicine I needed. I for one will be taking my pets to a different vet and I suggest you do the same. Horrible service for my fur babies!i
Christopher Roy
29 Jun 2018
Great service here. Professional team, well organized and attentive to our pet.
pam fry
28 Oct 2017
Honestly there is no Veterinary Clinic better than this one. Front desk to back of house...lovely, lovely people, caring, knowledgeable, incredible diagnostic evaluation. We and our dog would not e...
Honestly there is no Veterinary Clinic better than this one. Front desk to back of house...lovely, lovely people, caring, knowledgeable, incredible diagnostic evaluation. We and our dog would not even think of going anywhere else.
Pleun Bulk
4 Jun 2017
Top notch service and quality work, highly recommend to make the trip over for, you even might save a little money to help pay for the ferry.
Michael F
7 Apr 2017
What an amazing experience! Vet and staff so friendly and it is very clear the team love pets and taking care of them ... and thorough assessment of our dog with the necessary follow-up plans
Dipper Harbour Diva
16 Dec 2016
A newbie on Salt Spring Island and an 'omni-dog' who loves only me; even this combination could not have received a better reception than the one I had the pleasure of encountering at Gulf Island Vet...
A newbie on Salt Spring Island and an 'omni-dog' who loves only me; even this combination could not have received a better reception than the one I had the pleasure of encountering at Gulf Island Veterinary Clinic.
I made a call to make an appointment & received a "welcome' email. I can access my up-coming appointments online and have contact information at my finger tips. Besides an entertaining and well managed Facebook page, they are busy keeping that place spotless.
Dr. Silverthorn and the front end staff were more than patient, thorough and caring. They even support others by accepting donations for pets & owners who may need help accessing medical care.
Sarah Senkow
27 Oct 2016
She called me after hours to talk to me about the possible c section of my dog. She didn't have to, she didn't even have to call me back. But she did. How I can thank her I'm not to sure but I will th...
She called me after hours to talk to me about the possible c section of my dog. She didn't have to, she didn't even have to call me back. But she did. How I can thank her I'm not to sure but I will think of a way. You were the ONLY vet that called me back and actually seemed to understand that Maggie wasn't just my dog she was my little girl, one of my kids, my baby. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. Thank you so much.
Alana Hasiak
8 Sep 2016
The staff at this clinic are amongst the best I have seen in the veterinary field. We were new patients with a problem and they took us in immediately and treated us and our pup as if we were long-tim...
The staff at this clinic are amongst the best I have seen in the veterinary field. We were new patients with a problem and they took us in immediately and treated us and our pup as if we were long-time clients. The information we were given was clear and concise, leaving no doubt whatsoever that we had made the right decision in taking her to them. Dr. Tedder was informative, but I think the thing I appreciated the most was her honesty in explaining that certain tests did not HAVE to be done, but were our choice. We have complete trust and will be taking our little one back for a much-needed surgery within the month. She will be in good hands. Thank you so much!!
Theresa Bruce
16 Jul 2016
I love taking Saki to this clinic, as they really know how to treat and handle animals
The entire team is so knowledgeable, professional and caring
All my questions are answered promptly and they alwa...
I love taking Saki to this clinic, as they really know how to treat and handle animals
The entire team is so knowledgeable, professional and caring
All my questions are answered promptly and they always give me great advice
I would highly recommend taking your pet to this clinic
Victoria Littlewood
17 Jun 2016
The staff here are so great :) Friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. Trusting people for the best care for my pet/new family member is so important and I would definitely trust this staff/bus...
The staff here are so great :) Friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. Trusting people for the best care for my pet/new family member is so important and I would definitely trust this staff/business. Very good place :)
Thank you!
Michelle Koby
29 Apr 2016
The staff and doctors have taken such great care of my, (less than cooperative at the vet), elderly cat over the last month with grace and kindness. Thank you so much for loving all of the furry babie...
The staff and doctors have taken such great care of my, (less than cooperative at the vet), elderly cat over the last month with grace and kindness. Thank you so much for loving all of the furry babies.
Carolyn Walkner
14 Mar 2016
I could write PAGES of how the staff at the GI Vet clinic has helped us and our fur babies, but most won't have time to read that novel on a review! Suffice to say, at some of our lowest points (15 ye...
I could write PAGES of how the staff at the GI Vet clinic has helped us and our fur babies, but most won't have time to read that novel on a review! Suffice to say, at some of our lowest points (15 year old dog with a broken jaw and massive rotting teeth/infections) to our highest (adopting an SPCA rescued horse) the amazing people at this clinic have always brought smiles to our faces. No matter the animal (Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, Dogs, Horses) this clinic is prepared. Above and beyond, and for that we love them! Our dog can't WAIT to go in the doors for his snuggles and treats!
Linda Quiring
11 Mar 2016
My recent visit with Ranger to the G.I. Veterinary Clinic went as usual: prompt friendly service. A visit with Justine who diagnosed the problem promptly, suggested a testing procedure which was eas...
My recent visit with Ranger to the G.I. Veterinary Clinic went as usual: prompt friendly service. A visit with Justine who diagnosed the problem promptly, suggested a testing procedure which was easy and inexpensive, and treatments options. One of the best Vet's ever! Have had 4 English Pointers...she is knowledgeable, friendly, obviously loves animals and cares about them. Also, take Bandit for grooming here, and he gets the Best grooming ever, quick and easy and he is not traumatized, nor does he pick up fleas being groomed. Can''t recommend this clinic highly enough.
Kimberley McIntyre Jorgensen
7 Sep 2015
This weekend I was a "client" with a very sick dog. Even though I work with Dr.Tedder everyday, being a patient always seems to sort of level the playing field. When your own pet is sick it seems all ...
This weekend I was a "client" with a very sick dog. Even though I work with Dr.Tedder everyday, being a patient always seems to sort of level the playing field. When your own pet is sick it seems all you know, all you have learned evades the senses. Justene and Christo are amazing owners and truly love their clients and their work. My dog stayed overnight in the clinic and was monitored by a remote camera. They could see him, hear him and talk to him throughout the night and day. He was checked on in person several times over the 24 hours. He came home today, what a relief! My confidence in Justene's care and judgement is now stronger than ever and I am so fortunate to be a part of this fabulous team! Thank you for your loving care!
Jayson Biggins
26 May 2015
Nothing but great things to say about this clinic! Between our emergency after-hours dog visits and, most recently, yesterday's full day of surgeries on our rescued pot belly pigs from the SPCA, Dr. J...
Nothing but great things to say about this clinic! Between our emergency after-hours dog visits and, most recently, yesterday's full day of surgeries on our rescued pot belly pigs from the SPCA, Dr. Justine, Christo and the staff are efficient, adept, and compassionate. My wife and I are SO glad we found them!!
Kathi Denise
16 Apr 2015
We would like to thank Dr. Tedder from the bottom of our hearts. We live on Pender Island and our dog got into some vegetable compost on Easter Monday, which was toxic to her. We came by boat, and Doc...
We would like to thank Dr. Tedder from the bottom of our hearts. We live on Pender Island and our dog got into some vegetable compost on Easter Monday, which was toxic to her. We came by boat, and Doctor Tedder picked us up at the docks and opened the clinic at night. We were in a panic for our dear dog, and Dr. Tedder was incredible. She was compassionate, caring and incredibly knowledgeable. Our dog Gilly loved her too. Thank you for everything! Kathi and Sid
Mike Kowalchuk
18 Mar 2015
You need some one to be very understanding in dealing with elderly pets, and when its time to let them go you need compassion from the vet, and I found that with Gulf Island Vets.Thank You ....
Emma-Louise Elsey
7 Apr 2014
Justene and her team at Gulf Islands Vet are simply awesome. Kind, caring and knowledgeable. I agree with Ralph. Love and knowledge. Love for the pets - and for the humans too.
Ralph Bischoff
22 Dec 2013
Absolutely nothing better for care. From preventative to paliative. With an emphasis on love and knowledge.
Photo Gallery
Map
Is this your business?
CLAIM IT HEREIncorrect information? Let us know