Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Compassionate Pet Care
Selkirk Veterinary Hospital has been dedicated to providing compassionate veterinary care for pets in Nelson, BC since our establishment. Our team of experienced professionals combines Fear Free practices with advanced medical expertise to ensure the well-being of dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), we offer comprehensive services including dental care, internal medicine, orthopedic surgery, and urgent care.Our commitment to excellence extends to client education, preventive care, and community involvement through partnerships with local animal welfare organizations. With weekend appointments available and 24/7 teletriage support, we strive to make quality veterinary care accessible and stress-free for both pets and their owners.
Services
Dental Care
Wellness Exams
Internal Medicine
Orthopedic Surgery
Urgent Care
Exotic Pets
Cold Laser Therapy
Nutritional Counselling
Senior Pet Care
Highlights and features
- We are AAHA-accredited for excellence in veterinary care standards
- Our team implements Fear Free-certified practices for stress-free pet visits
- 24/7 teletriage support available for after-hours emergencies
- Experienced veterinarians specializing in exotic pet care and orthopedic surgery
- Weekend appointments available to accommodate busy schedules
Associations and certifications
- American Animal Hospital Association
- Fear Free Certified
Services
Dental Care
Our comprehensive dental services include oral examinations, professional cleanings, and surgical interventions to maintain optimal oral health for pets. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools to identify hidden dental issues and provide tailored treatment plans. Our Fear Free approach ensures minimal stress during procedures while maintaining high standards of care.
Orthopedic Surgery
Specializing in orthopedic procedures, we treat bone fractures, cruciate tears, and hip conditions using modern surgical techniques. Our goal is to restore mobility and alleviate pain through personalized rehabilitation plans. The hospital maintains strict surgical protocols to ensure patient safety and successful recovery outcomes.
Urgent Care
We provide immediate veterinary attention for critical conditions during regular hours and partner with Smart.Vet teletriage for after-hours emergencies. Our team handles urgent cases like trauma, poisoning, and severe illness with rapid assessment and stabilization procedures. Continuous staff training ensures preparedness for various emergency scenarios.
Exotic Pets
Our experienced team offers specialized care for exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. We provide preventive care, nutritional counseling, and treatment for species-specific health concerns. The hospital maintains appropriate equipment and expertise to handle the unique medical needs of non-traditional companion animals.
Cold Laser Therapy
This non-invasive therapy reduces inflammation, promotes healing, and manages chronic pain in pets through targeted light energy application. We use Class IV therapeutic lasers for conditions like arthritis and post-surgical recovery. Treatment protocols are customized based on individual patient needs and medical history.
People
Iyla
Practice Manager
With veterinary experience since 2006, Iyla leads our team while volunteering with the BC SPCA. She brings diverse pet care knowledge from managing various animal species and returned to Selkirk after medical lab training to pursue her passion.
Caroline
Registered Animal Health Technician
Graduating with honors in 2007, Caroline brings international experience from emergency clinics and global veterinary work. She combines technical expertise with outdoor enthusiasm while caring for her cat Beans and dog Wicket in Nelson.
Chrissy
Registered Animal Health Technician
A 2016 graduate with cannabis counseling certification, Chrissy specializes in alternative treatments. She lives outside Nelson with her family and animals, enjoying gardening and Kootenay outdoor activities while supporting pet wellness.
Emma
Client Care Specialist
With 25 years in animal welfare, Emma founded local shelters and returned to Nelson after UK charity work. She brings extensive experience caring for rescue animals including her senior Whippet Luki and cat Marmaduke.
Heather
Animal Health Technician
A Scottish-trained technician since 2005, Heather brings laser therapy expertise and emergency care experience. She lives on a Winlaw farm with her family and pets, combining veterinary work with scuba diving and school volunteer activities.
Questions
What veterinary services do you offer for exotic pets?
We provide comprehensive care for exotic pets including birds, reptiles, and small mammals with preventive checkups and species-specific treatment plans.
Do you have weekend appointment availability?
Yes, we offer appointments seven days a week with regular hours on weekends to accommodate pet owners' schedules.
What emergency care options exist after hours?
Smart.Vet teletriage provides 24/7 emergency guidance, and we handle urgent cases during regular business hours with immediate attention.
Are your staff Fear Free certified?
Our entire team implements Fear Free practices to minimize stress during veterinary visits, ensuring comfortable experiences for pets and owners.
How does cold laser therapy benefit pets?
This treatment reduces inflammation, manages chronic pain, and accelerates healing through targeted light energy applications for conditions like arthritis.
What orthopedic surgery options exist for pets?
We perform procedures for bone fractures, cruciate tears, and hip conditions using modern techniques to restore mobility and alleviate discomfort.
Reviews (4)
Jason Larry
Nov 15, 2021
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Getm in getm out. Its a business. If your looking for that gentle touch with your pet look elsewhere.
Daily Bliss O.
Oct 31, 2021
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Do NOT take your pet to Selkirk!! These people have no care for animals and care only about money. On numerous occasions we were treated like our dog should be put down rather than helped. After spending thousands of dollars on our dog it turns out every procedure recommended was not necessary. She was given several medications which in turn were actually harmful. We were forced to have our dog put under sedation on numerous occasions (because she gets nervous) usually we would muzzle her but Selkirk advised us they cant see dogs like this unless they are under sedation, and did you know a regular
Greggdilligaffshelly
Jun 01, 2021
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Did my pups vaccination there today. Very professional, very genuine caring staff and extremely helpful doctor. My first time there and I already think of them as "my veterinarian". Great experience for both of us.
Sheila Snead Aliehs
Apr 01, 2021
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I am very greatfull that your clinic opened your doors to Shelby and then Sammich. Your staff's insite and dedication to their care is amazing and very very much appreciated. Going above and beyond standard care and leaving us with a feeling that you care about our furry family members as much as we do. Thank you to all the veterinarian's and all your dedicated staff
