Pet care services at Homer Animal Hospital in Vancouver cover the preventive and routine care that keeps your dog or cat healthy year after year. From first vaccinations to senior wellness exams, our team tailors every visit to your pet's age, lifestyle, and health history. We keep visits calm and positive, and we are always happy to answer your questions about what your pet needs and when.
Vaccinations are the foundation of preventive care. At Homer Animal Hospital, we follow current CVMA-aligned guidelines and personalize your pet's vaccine schedule based on their age, species, lifestyle, and local disease risk. Core vaccines for dogs include DHPP and rabies. Core vaccines for cats include FVRCP and rabies. Lifestyle vaccines such as Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and Feline Leukemia are recommended based on boarding, park attendance, and outdoor exposure. We offer split-visit vaccine appointments to keep things low-stress.
A thorough wellness exam is the best way to catch health changes before they become problems. At each visit, our veterinarians assess your pet from nose to tail, including weight and body condition, eyes, ears, teeth, lymph nodes, heart and lung sounds, skin and coat, and joint mobility. We use these visits to discuss parasite prevention, nutrition, behavioral concerns, and any upcoming preventive care. Annual exams are recommended for healthy adults; senior pets benefit from twice-yearly visits.
A microchip is a permanent form of identification that can reunite you with your pet if they are ever lost. At Homer Animal Hospital, we use ISO-certified chips that are recognized internationally and by shelters across Canada and the United States. Microchipping is a quick, low-discomfort procedure that can be done during any routine visit. We recommend registering the chip with a national database and keeping your contact details up to date.
Year-round parasite prevention is important for pets in Vancouver, particularly for those who visit parks, trails, or interact with other animals. Modern flea and tick preventives are highly effective, safe, and easy to administer. We discuss options at your visit and recommend products suited to your pet's species, size, and lifestyle. Consistent prevention also reduces the risk of tapeworm infection and tick-borne illness.
While heartworm is less common in the Vancouver area than in other parts of Canada, travel and regional risk mean prevention should be on your radar. If your pet came from or will travel to a heartworm-endemic area, we recommend testing and preventive care before departure. We assess your pet's risk profile at each visit and discuss whether prevention is appropriate for your household.
Regular nail trimming contributes to your pet's comfort and prevents overgrowth that can affect gait and joint health. Our team provides nail trims as a standalone service or as part of any appointment. If your pet is anxious about nail trims, we can work on gradual desensitization over a series of short, positive visits. We are happy to show you how to trim nails safely at home as well.
Intestinal parasites are common in pets, particularly in puppies and kittens, and some can affect the whole family. We provide deworming at scheduled intervals based on your pet's age and risk factors, alongside fecal testing to confirm which parasites are present and whether the deworming worked. Routine fecal testing is recommended annually for adult pets and more frequently for those with higher exposure risk.
Routine ear cleaning helps prevent buildup that can lead to infection, particularly in floppy-eared breeds and pets who swim. We assess ear health at every wellness visit and provide cleaning when needed. Anal gland expression is also offered as a routine service for pets prone to discomfort or impaction. Both services are quick, performed with care, and can be added to any scheduled appointment.
Book your pet's wellness visit at Homer Animal Hospital today. Call us at (604) 416-4114 or book an appointment online. We are open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and walk-ins are always welcome for urgent concerns.
