Yellowhead Veterinary Clinic

Business Details

34 Years

experience

Emergency

services

Compassionate Veterinary Care in Stony Plain, AB

Yellowhead Veterinary Clinic has been dedicated to pet health in Stony Plain, Alberta since 1992. Our team of three veterinarians, six registered veterinary technologists, and support staff provide comprehensive care in a calm, fear-free environment. We specialize in wellness exams, dental care, surgery, diagnostics, and end-of-life services, utilizing advanced tools like laser surgery and digital cytology. Our commitment to low-stress handling techniques minimizes anxiety for pets, while our PET-FREE lobby policy ensures a peaceful experience.

With decades of combined experience, including specialized expertise in exotic pet care and emergency medicine, we prioritize client education and personalized treatment plans. Our team's accolades, including the ABVTA Technologist of the Year Award, reflect our dedication to excellence. We serve Stony Plain and surrounding areas, offering 24/7 emergency referrals and a mobile app for appointment management.

Services

Wellness Care Dental Services Vaccinations Laser Surgery Diagnostic Testing End-of-Life Care Nutrition Counseling Alternative Medicine Health Exams Emergency Referrals

Details

Year established: 1992

Highlights and features

We implement fear-free handling techniques to minimize pet anxiety
Our team includes award-winning veterinary professionals with decades of combined experience
We offer 24/7 emergency veterinary referrals for urgent care needs
Our clinic utilizes advanced diagnostic tools like digital cytology and laser surgery
We provide personalized care plans tailored to each pet's unique needs

Website

Update Listing

Services

Wellness Care

Our wellness care programs focus on preventative medicine through regular checkups, vaccinations, and health screenings. We create customized care plans for pets at every life stage, emphasizing early disease detection and nutritional guidance. Our fear-free approach ensures stress-free visits that help maintain optimal pet health through comprehensive physical exams and client education.

Laser Surgery

We offer laser surgery for precise, minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain, bleeding, and recovery time. This technology benefits spays, neuters, and lump removals while accommodating breeds with facial fold issues. Our surgical team combines laser technology with traditional techniques to create customized treatment plans that optimize patient outcomes and comfort during recovery.

Diagnostic Testing

Our diagnostic services include bloodwork, urinalysis, digital cytology, and imaging technologies like X-rays and ultrasound. Partnering with IDEXX Laboratories ensures accurate results for internal medicine assessments. In-house pre-anesthetic testing provides immediate insights while advanced cases receive expert pathologist review, enabling comprehensive health evaluations and targeted treatment strategies.

End-of-Life Care

We provide compassionate end-of-life care with private consultation rooms and personalized euthanasia services. Our team offers emotional support and memorial options including private cremation and keepsakes. We help families make informed decisions about quality-of-life assessments while ensuring pets receive dignified, comfortable care during their final moments.

Emergency Referrals

For after-hours emergencies, we coordinate care with 24/7 referral hospitals like Vet ER Emergency Hospital. Our team provides initial triage guidance and facilitates transfers to specialized emergency facilities. We maintain partnerships with regional emergency clinics to ensure continuous care for critical cases outside regular business hours.

People

Dr. Kendra Doornenbal

Veterinarian, Practice Owner

Dr. Kendra Doornenbal graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. She joined Yellowhead Veterinary Clinic in 2013 and became owner in 2018. With expertise in pet-owner relationship counseling and veterinary mentorship, she specializes in creating personalized treatment plans. Her professional interests include surgical techniques and veterinary education.

Dr. Ed Doornenbal

Veterinarian

Dr. Ed Doornenbal graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. With extensive experience in mixed animal practice and corporate veterinary medicine, he joined Yellowhead in 2020. His expertise spans exotic pet care, alternative livestock medicine, and medical knowledge sharing. He contributes decades of experience with unique species and complex cases.

Christine Garrity

Registered Veterinary Technologist, Practice Manager

Christine Garrity graduated from NAIT's Animal Health Technology Program in 2004. As Practice Manager since 2018, she coordinates clinical operations and staff mentorship. Recognized with the 2024 ABVTA Technologist of the Year Award, she specializes in veterinary team leadership and client communication strategies while maintaining hands-on patient care responsibilities.

Dr. Cathy Saker

Veterinarian

Dr. Cathy Saker graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. With experience in mixed animal practice, she joined Yellowhead in 2024. Her expertise combines large and small animal medicine knowledge to enhance companion animal care. She specializes in geriatric pet care and nutritional counseling while maintaining equine veterinary skills.

Karen Brand

Veterinary Assistant

Karen Brand completed her Animal Sciences Program in 2004. With prior experience in mixed animal and emergency practices, she joined Yellowhead in 2017. Her special skills include animal behavior assessment and stress reduction techniques. She manages patient comfort through empathetic handling and environmental modifications that support fear-free veterinary care.

Questions

What emergency veterinary services are available after hours?

For after-hours emergencies, we partner with Vet ER Emergency Hospital (24/7), Boreal Veterinary Centre, and VCA Guardian Veterinary Centre. Contact us for immediate referral guidance.

How do I schedule an appointment with Yellowhead Veterinary Clinic?

Book appointments through our website, mobile app, or by calling 780-963-9478. Text 587-604-6771 before entering the clinic to maintain our PET-FREE lobby policy.

What makes your clinic different from other veterinary practices?

We specialize in fear-free veterinary care with stress-reducing techniques, a PET-FREE lobby, and personalized treatment plans. Our team has decades of combined experience across multiple veterinary disciplines.

Do you offer specialized surgical procedures?

We perform laser surgery for reduced pain and bleeding, along with traditional procedures. Complex cases receive referrals to specialized surgical teams in the Edmonton area.

What diagnostic capabilities does your clinic have?

We offer in-house blood testing, digital cytology with VetScan Imagyst, and partner with IDEXX Laboratories for advanced diagnostics. Imaging services include digital X-rays and ultrasound.

How does your clinic support pet owners during end-of-life decisions?

We provide compassionate end-of-life consultations in private rooms, offering memorial options and emotional support. Our team helps families make informed decisions about euthanasia and aftercare.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Sheer Stitchery

Nov 11, 2021 Report

They are so responsive and wonderful. Their team is top notch and the prices are very reasonable. They helped my, Millie, get through her pregnancy and with all the pups and continue to work with my dogs, for regular check-ups. One of our pups had Puppy Strangles and they got us in so fast and we sorted everything out and all the pups and Millie are doing great, thanks to all their help. Very professional and knowledgeable.

Elaine Gray

Oct 17, 2021 Report

Dr. Kendra is the best. She really helped me solve our issue with our much loved Shih Tzu. Highly recommend.

Debbie McIntyre

Sep 26, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
The vets and all the staff at Yellowhead are so great to deal with. Everything is fully explained for any treatments and their care is wonderful. Kendra is so calm and loving with my furry kids. I highly recommend this clinic.

Melissa Szott

Sep 15, 2021 Report

I took my cat poncho here to get him checked out and it turned out that he needed to have some teeth pulled. They had 4 teeth extracted last Monday and he couldnt be happier. He has been healing so well and when I came home after his surgery he was so happy to see me. They treated poncho was the best care possible and made sure he felt right at home. The cat also said that poncho was such a friendly cat and he was in good hands so I didnt need to worry. So thank you again for helping my poncho and taking away his discomfort so he can be the happy go lucky cat that I know to be.

LTay'S. Lab

Aug 11, 2021 Report

I started taking my pets here since 2016 the team here is very amazing. I always recommend them to my friends and families, I must say their service is remarkable, they make both you and your pets feel very comfortable and to top it off their prices are very affordable.

David Kerr

May 24, 2021 Report

I take my dogs here if they need medical attention, without hesitation they are my first call. They take the time to explain so you have full understanding, provide options for care/treatment and are diligent with following up, making sure once you are home you have no issues. They make you feel like they care about both you and your pet. Love this place! I had to go back again the other day and they have a new Veterinarian there, Dr. Daryl Meger. Without a doubt, the BEST Veterinarian ever. After seeing him, there is nobody else I want my dogs seeing. The care and level of attention he gives

Brittney Pechtel

Mar 10, 2021 Report

Since moving to the area, I've been taking my pets to Yellowhead Veterinary Clinic. I continue seeing them as they are very compassionate, kind and understanding. Whenever I've gone, they always give me a breakdown of potential costs, and different ways to treat the issues presented. They were extremely helpful and compassionate when we took our… senior dog there, and had to eventually put him down. They gave us all the time we needed to say our goodbyes to him, and later sent a card with their condolences which meant more than I can say. Their front staff are also wonderful to deal with