Business Details
7 Years
experience
Trusted Veterinarians in Virgil, Ontario
Virgil Animal Hospital was founded on the principle that every creature deserves love, affection, and the highest standard of care. Our team of dedicated veterinary professionals serves Niagara's pets and their families with compassionate and effective services, including preventive care, pet dentistry, diagnostics, palliative care, and prescription pet food. Led by Dr. Derek Nichols, our experienced veterinarians and support staff prioritize building trust through personalized care and maintaining the sacred human-animal bond. We focus on preventive treatment to optimize long-term pet health while offering advanced medical solutions for complex conditions.Our philosophy centers on accessible, friendly services delivered by loyal pet owners and animal enthusiasts committed to your pet's wellbeing. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and a dedication to continuing education, we ensure pets receive timely, accurate care tailored to their unique needs. Our clinic combines genuine compassion with professional expertise to create a welcoming environment for both pets and their families.
Services
Preventive Services
Pet Dentistry
Palliative Care
Prescription Pet Food
Diagnostics
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- Our team includes veterinarians with decades of combined experience in small animal practice
- We offer comprehensive preventive care programs for puppies, kittens, and senior pets
- Emergency services available after hours through Niagara Veterinary Emergency Clinic
- Advanced diagnostic capabilities including digital radiography and ultrasound
- Specialized dental care with anesthesia and dental x-rays for complete oral health assessment
Services
Preventive Services
Our preventive care programs include annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite control to maintain optimal pet health. We conduct comprehensive physical assessments and laboratory testing to detect hidden health issues early. Services cover puppy/kitten wellness, heartworm prevention, flea/tick control, and nutritional counseling. Our team educates pet owners on home care practices while monitoring for breed-specific and age-related concerns. Preventive treatment plans help avoid costly emergency interventions while extending pets' healthy lifespans through proactive healthcare management.
Pet Dentistry
We provide complete dental care including professional cleanings, oral examinations, and dental x-rays under anesthesia. Our services address tartar removal, gum disease treatment, and tooth extractions when necessary. We educate owners on home dental care while offering specialized diets and treats to maintain oral health. Advanced diagnostics identify root issues invisible during routine exams. Regular dental maintenance prevents systemic infections that can affect heart, liver, and kidney function in pets.
Palliative Care
Our compassionate palliative care focuses on comfort for pets with terminal illnesses. We develop customized pain management plans using medication, dietary adjustments, and alternative therapies. Services include quality-of-life assessments, euthanasia counseling, and in-clinic end-of-life care. Our team supports families through decision-making while providing emotional support during this difficult transition period for pets and their owners.
Diagnostics
We offer comprehensive diagnostic services including in-house lab work, digital radiography, and ultrasound imaging. Our facilities support complete blood counts, biochemistry profiles, urinalysis, and fecal examinations. Advanced imaging helps diagnose internal conditions affecting organs, bones, and soft tissues. Diagnostic evaluations guide treatment decisions for chronic diseases, infections, and acute medical emergencies in pets.
Prescription Diets
Our veterinary nutritionists provide customized dietary plans for pets with medical conditions. We recommend therapeutic diets for weight management, diabetes, kidney disease, and gastrointestinal issues. Services include nutritional assessments, feeding schedules, and dietary supplement recommendations. We stock specialized formulas from trusted brands to address specific health needs while ensuring proper nutrient balance for pets with chronic conditions.
People
Dr. Derek Nichols
Veterinarian
Graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 2011 with surgical expertise. Prioritizes continuing education and builds trusting relationships with patients and families. Special interest in surgical procedures and preventive care.
Dr. Destiny Locking
Veterinarian
21 years Niagara veterinary experience with focus on internal medicine and dermatology. Advocate for preventative care and palliative treatment. Active community volunteer with special interest in pet allergy management.
Dr. Ron Mergl
Founder
Established Virgil Animal Hospital in 2019 after 36 years veterinary practice. Recognized with OVMA Award of Merit for community service. Visionary behind the hospital's state-of-the-art facilities before passing in 2020.
Angela
Office Manager
Transitioned from human medicine to veterinary administration. Ensures smooth clinic operations with customer service expertise. Pet owner of one dog and two cats. Manages client communication and appointment scheduling.
Joel
Veterinary Technician
Registered Veterinary Technician since 2012 with special interests in dentistry and anesthesia. Certified in dog obedience training. Provides technical support during procedures while educating pet owners on post-care requirements.
Questions
What preventive services do you offer for pets?
We provide annual wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite control, and nutritional counseling. Our puppy/kitten wellness programs include deworming, spay/neuter consultations, and early detection screenings for breed-specific conditions.
Do you handle dental emergencies for pets?
While we don't provide 24/7 dental emergency care, we treat oral injuries and infections during regular hours. For after-hours emergencies, contact Niagara Veterinary Emergency Clinic at 905-641-3185.
What diagnostic tools are available?
Our diagnostic capabilities include digital radiography, ultrasound imaging, in-house laboratory testing, and advanced bloodwork analysis through Idexx reference lab for comprehensive health assessments.
How do you support pets nearing end-of-life?
We offer palliative care plans, pain management strategies, and euthanasia services with compassionate counseling. Our team helps families assess quality-of-life indicators and make informed decisions during this difficult time.
Can you help with specialized pet nutrition?
Yes, our veterinary nutritionists conduct dietary evaluations and recommend prescription diets for medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and food allergies using trusted therapeutic brands.
What should new clients expect during their first visit?
New patients receive a comprehensive physical exam, medical history review, and tailored care recommendations. Our team explains treatment options while addressing owner concerns about preventive care and wellness planning.
Reviews (6)
Josh Wiwcharyk
Feb 01, 2022
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Dr Nicols was instantly responsive to sending a prescription for our dog Benny which I let lapse. I understand hes the new owner of the clinic. He is raising the already high standards of a vet clinic we already loved.
Carrie Plowman
Aug 15, 2021
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Our 1.5 year old snoodle suffered from pancreatitis..Dr. and staff quickly attended to Kushie. They were compassionate, very gentle and caring
Thank you
Thank you
Lu Pa
Jul 29, 2021
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I took my beloved Kitty, Charlie, here as an emergency patient. We had no idea what was wrong with him as he wasnt eating and he wasnt going to the bathroom.
Dr Emily and her staff were so good to him. Charlie was there for 3 nights and they didnt gouge me financially with unreasonable prices. Dr. Emily updated me frequently on how he was doing and what our next steps were. She was filled with compassion and made me feel that my Charlie was safe with her. She sent me photos and I just felt I needed to post that there is an animal hospital in Virgil that you can trust with a doctor who
Dr Emily and her staff were so good to him. Charlie was there for 3 nights and they didnt gouge me financially with unreasonable prices. Dr. Emily updated me frequently on how he was doing and what our next steps were. She was filled with compassion and made me feel that my Charlie was safe with her. She sent me photos and I just felt I needed to post that there is an animal hospital in Virgil that you can trust with a doctor who
Shalyn Quies
Dec 16, 2020
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Veterinarians who really care! Anyone in the Niagara region, looking for a great vet, should be paying them a visit. They truly and genuinely care about your pets health, charge reasonable prices, and do not put your animals through unnecessary testing/surgeries. I've recommended them to multiple people, and all of them have been very happy with the level of care, their prices, and how knowledgeable they are.
Lizz Wilson
Aug 04, 2020
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Dr. Lindsay Davis is an exceptional veterinarian who is honest, caring, and dedicated to providing the best of care for your pet. She is incredibly knowledgeable, and she has always provided thorough information for any issues that my dogs or cats have had. I am happy to recommend her to any, and everyone looking for an amazing veterinarian.
Emma Cann
Jun 30, 2020
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Best veterinary clinic ever. I trust the staff and Dr. Lindsay implicitly with my rabbit. If any of my animals need medical care, I would not hesitate to bring them to Virgil Animal Hospital. I can't express how grateful I am to have them.
