Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive Pet Care in Kelowna
Kelowna Vet Hospital combines traditional values with modern veterinary medicine to provide comprehensive care for small animals. Established in 1946 as the Okanagan's first animal clinic, we utilize advanced technology including in-house diagnostics, digital radiography, and Class IV Cold Laser therapy. Our team prioritizes continuing education to maintain current standards in pet healthcare while emphasizing compassion and transparency.We offer preventative care, surgical procedures, dental services, and end-of-life support, serving the community with locally owned expertise. Our commitment to fear-free care extends to exotic pets and includes nutritional guidance, pain management, and urgent care availability. The hospital maintains a fully stocked pharmacy and offers tailored wellness plans to meet individual pet needs.
Services
Preventative Care
Veterinary Dentistry
Surgical Procedures
Diagnostics
Laser Therapy
Nutrition Plans
Pharmacy Services
Vaccinations
End-of-Life Care
Exotic Pet Care
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We offer 80 years of experience as Kelowna's first veterinary hospital
- Our team includes specialists in exotic pet care and advanced surgical techniques
- We utilize stance analysis technology for early detection of joint disease
- We provide transparent pricing with no unexpected charges
- Our cold laser therapy accelerates healing without medication or surgery
What people say
Compassionate care
Timely treatment
Experienced staff
Advanced technology
Personalized attention
Services
Veterinary Dentistry
Our dental services combine preventive care with advanced treatments using digital dental x-rays and specialized equipment. We offer professional cleanings, oral surgery, and periodontal disease management while emphasizing early intervention to prevent systemic health issues. The hospital's technology enables precise diagnosis and treatment planning for both routine and complex dental cases.
Laser Therapy
Class IV Cold Laser Therapy provides non-invasive pain relief and accelerated healing for arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and chronic conditions. This drug-free treatment reduces inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration through targeted light energy application. Sessions start at $34 with package discounts available for multiple treatments.
Surgical Procedures
We perform routine and complex surgeries using modern techniques including surgical laser technology. Services range from spay/neuter operations to specialized procedures for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and urinary tract issues. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork and continuous monitoring ensure patient safety during all surgical interventions.
Preventative Care
Annual wellness exams include comprehensive physical assessments, parasite prevention planning, and personalized vaccination protocols. Our stance analysis technology detects early joint disease signs while tailored nutrition counseling supports lifelong pet health through all life stages.
End-of-Life Care
Compassionate end-of-life support includes in-home euthanasia options, palliative care, and memorial services. Our team provides pain management, quality-of-life assessments, and emotional support for pet owners facing difficult decisions about their aging or terminally ill companions.
People
Dr. Ellen Nicklassen
Veterinarian & Owner
Owner of Kelowna Vet Hospital since 2000, Dr. Nicklassen graduated from Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. She specializes in surgery and supports veterinary mental health as a clinical counselor while managing the hospital's operations.
Dr. Kaylee Little
Veterinarian
Dr. Little joined in 2024 after graduating from Atlantic Veterinary College. She focuses on small animals and exotic pets, bringing expertise from her New Brunswick background with diverse animal species to the clinic's specialized care services.
Charlotte Fahy
Business Manager
With equine science expertise from England, Charlotte manages hospital operations since 2024. She oversees staff coordination and client services while maintaining the clinic's community-focused values and compassionate care standards.
Bailey
Registered Veterinary Technician
Bailey has practiced veterinary technology since 2015 with specialization in exotic medicine and nutrition. They provide technical expertise for complex cases while managing the hospital's educational outreach about proper pet dietary requirements.
Ash
Veterinary Technologist
A 2024 graduate from Northwestern Polytechnic, Ash specializes in animal behavior and rehabilitation. They contribute emergency medicine expertise while developing the hospital's patient recovery programs for post-surgical and chronic condition management.
Questions
Do you treat exotic pets?
Yes, we care for reptiles, hedgehogs, rodents, and small mammals. We don't treat wild birds due to avian flu regulations. Please call for specific exotic pet inquiries.
What are your emergency hours?
We offer same-day urgent care during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we recommend Fairfield Animal Hospital, our local 24-hour facility.
How can I get dental care for my pet?
We provide comprehensive dental services including cleanings, x-rays, and oral surgery. Complimentary dental estimates are available twice yearly in October and February.
Do you offer payment plans?
We accept major credit cards and offer 48-hour prescription refill processing. While we don't have formal payment plans, our transparent pricing helps budget for veterinary care.
Can I get nutritional advice?
Yes, our $35 nutrition consultation with a registered veterinary technologist provides personalized dietary recommendations and helps select appropriate prescription diets for specific health conditions.
Are you accepting new patients?
We welcome new patients and offer online appointment booking. Our team provides comprehensive care for pets at all life stages with flexible scheduling options.
Reviews (5)
Robyn Van Norman
Dec 29, 2021
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I have never had a veterinary clinic that offers such low prices and such amazing service! I began taking my dog there before the former owner passed away and she insisted I come back for a free follow-up visit for a minor ear infection. The staff now are amazing as well. They truly care about the health of your pet and don't charge an absorbent amount. I highly recommend this very clinic!
Zach Littau
Nov 18, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
Super kind staff and very accommodating, Dr. did a great job checking out my lizard day of where everywhere else wouldn't. It's great to see how much they all care.
Super kind staff and very accommodating, Dr. did a great job checking out my lizard day of where everywhere else wouldn't. It's great to see how much they all care.
Debbie Bryan
Nov 18, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Reliability,Responsiveness,Value
My experience with Dr. Ellen and her staff has been nothing but outstanding. They have been very professional and caring with every visit. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Ellen and her staff.
My experience with Dr. Ellen and her staff has been nothing but outstanding. They have been very professional and caring with every visit. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Ellen and her staff.
Gina Throuw
Nov 17, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
I had a great experience with Kelowna Veterinary Hospital. They took great care of my cat and my bearded dragon. Highly recommended to all my friends, and I will be returning.
I had a great experience with Kelowna Veterinary Hospital. They took great care of my cat and my bearded dragon. Highly recommended to all my friends, and I will be returning.
Roseli Lopes
Oct 28, 2021
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Terrible experience! Barely gave me information, just replying what I asked. As first time owners, we expect more care and information from the vet. Talked to the vet because I asked for, otherwise they would just take the dog inside and that's it. Then they come with the POS machine to get the payment. Not even 5 minutes for a consultation, almost $100 for nothing. Felt robbed and frustrated.
