Bowen Veterinary Services Ltd. is a well-established, full-service, animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care.
We provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and sometimes, if needed, the use of external laboratories. We also work closely with the Canada West Veterinary Specialists referral centre when special diagnostic procedures are required. Our facility includes a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, x-ray capabilities, endoscopy, and a closely supervised hospitalization area.
At our Hospital we strive to offer not only sound advice, but also optimal veterinary care, thus allowing you the enjoyment of your companion for a maximum number of years. Our job is not only to treat your pet when he or she isn't feeling well, but also to help you learn how to keep your best friend happy and healthy.
Monday - 9:am to 1:pm (only for making appointments or buying products - pet food, etc.)
Tuesday through Friday - 9:am to 5:pm
Saturday - 9:am to 2:pm
Sunday - Closed (Although animals are always monitored at the hospital, we do not discharge patients on Sundays).
Entering the Hospital: For your safety, dogs must be on leash and cats/small animals in carrying cages. Payment is a time of service. Learn more about how reasonably priced Pet Medical Insurance can be.
IMPORTANT: Please read the brief, yet essential Hospital Policies (in the ANSWERS section). Thank you.
All BVS client information (and of their pets),is strictly confidential.
You can rest assured that any information is protected with absolute discretion by the entire BVS staff at all times (including beyond Office hours).
If you have any concerns about your, or your pet's private information, we will be more than happy to outline our policies and security measures (such as computer files, etc.).
The VET:
Dr. Alastair Westcott, B.Sc., D.V.M.,
Dr. Westcott received his Bachelor of Science in 1990 (University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Honours Biochemistry). After working as a laboratory technician in the Human Genetics Dept. of the Medical Teaching Hospital at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, he accepted a position in the pathology department at the University of Guelph, Guelph, ON where he worked on a lengthy harbour porpoise stranding project. He was then inspired to apply for acceptance into the Veterinary College. Dr. Westcott received his DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) in 1997 from the Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, ON. In 1994 he also spent a year working on the Stellar Sea Lion project based at the Vancouver Aquarium. Dr. Westcott has been working as a practicing veterinarian in the Province of British Columbia and Bowen Island since 1997. He is the co-founder and principal veterinarian of Bowen Veterinary Services. Read these recent articles from BITE and the Undercurrent.
"Hey, wait a second...isn't that Patrick Demsey? Who gave out the website password to my staff?"
The STAFF: (To whom we are eternally grateful)
Stephanie Tatchell
Stephanie is one of the founding partners of our hospital. She trained with Dr. Westcott while we were still an emergency, on-island traveling veterinary clinic. She was present at all hours of the night, in all weather conditions, administering emergency care along with Dr. Westcott. She has since become an intuitive and highly skilled veterinary technician with wonderful people skills and manages our hospital as well as fulfilling technician duties.
Jen McGowan
Jen has a life-long relationship with Bowen Island and our local pet population. She has been with the practice for 3 years and thoroughly enjoys her daily encounters with the locals (and their attached human counterparts). Wild and exotic species hold a particular fascination for her. She loves to travel and some of her most memorable relevant experiences include swimming with dolphins in New Zealand, socializing with baby monkeys in Thailand, and working at a guard dog training centre in Australia.
Kasara Toth
Kasara began with us as a work experience student 6 years ago and has been here ever since! She has a passion for animals and a particular fondness for horses. She has worked at Critter Care assisting in rehabilitating wildlife, as well as with the seals at the Vancouver Aquarium. She is currently studying in the hopes of being admitted to Vet School next year.
Kelly Miller
Kelly is a long-time island resident and the most recent addition to our team. She loves animals of all shapes and sizes and currently lives with 3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 rabbits and a chinchilla. Her experience includes volunteering with Howe Sound Pet Services and feeding puppies in Guatemala. She is currently studying to become a registered animal health technologist, and is particularly interested in companion animal rehabilitation.
Jenny Hanen
Born and raised on Bowen Island, Jenny always feels comfortable here. "I just love Bowen life..." At age seven, Jenny got her first horse, a Pinto – she went on to spend her teenage years riding English, Western, Jumping and even Dressage, which she truly enjoys. Islanders know Jenny to be a person who is there when you need her, just as BVS clients have learned of her with their animals. She has many years experience assisting Veterinarians including Dr. Joel Parker. She has been assisting at BVS with Dr. Westcott for 8 years now. When she's not helping clients at the hospital, she enjoying her seven year old boy, Ryan, having fun with all the animals they live with, including horses, dogs, cats, chickens and a pet bunny.
Kathleen Moir
A native of Bowen Island, Kathleen was in a work program from school when she started at BVS. It was only to be for a few weeks. She loved it so much, she didn't bother working anywhere else and stayed a year at BVS. Now, 3 years later, she regularly works as an assistant here. “I love helping animals and Dr. Westcott is always sharing veterinary knowledge, which I find interesting and fascinating.” So much so, Kathleen is now studying Health Sciences. She also just completed another Veterinarian Assistance Seminar with Jen McGowan and Kasara Toth. When she’s not assisting at BVS, she’s having fun on the island with her Golden Retriever, Taka.
VISITING VETERINARIANS:
Dr. Earladeen MacGregor, D.V.M. graduated from Ontario Veterinary College in 2005 and went on to practice exotic and small animal medicine full time for 2 years in Victoria, BC. She has worked in Vancouver, Richmond, Campbell River and Labrador while also serving as a trail veterinarian for multiple sprint and long distance sled dog races. Her particular areas of interest include sports medicine, feline geriatric medicine, emergency and exotic medicine.
Dr. Phil Andersen, D.V.M. has been a practicing veterinarian for
23 years. He is a 1987 honour graduate of Western College, received a
recommendation from the University of Pennsylvania and the recipient of a
Pharmacology Award. He has developed expertise in mixed animal
practices, including orthopedics, allergies and skin conditions. His
primary goal is always disease prevention.
– Our pet testimonials, (from animals who miraculously can talk, write emails, text message...) are in italics. ;-)
_________
"Hi Dr. Westcott,
Despite my efforts to slowly get Moss fit again after his operation, he thought the pace was far too slow. Last Friday he saw the bear on Woods Road, took off as though shot from a cannon, and pursued him at full greyhound speed along the road, up a steep, long driveway, and into the woods. Eventually he dashed back, very pleased with himself indeed.
I can't thank you enough for correctly diagnosing the laryngeal paralysis and staying up all night, two nights in a row, to save his life. We are very lucky to have a vet that is so skilled in identifying the problem and willing to work these horrific hours.
I'm sorry I took so long to send this, but I was waiting for a suitable picture--one will come along eventually.
Please use any of these comments you wish on your web site,
Thank you again,"
Mark and Leslie Churchland
"Dr Westcott has been great to my family since we moved over to Bowen. My four Dachshunds always seem to find trouble and Alistair has always been there to get them out of it, even in the middle of the night on a weekend. Even my nervous highly strung Italian Greyhound is comfortable visiting the clinic. We are so glad that we have such a caring and compassionate doctor for our dogs."
Dawn, Gord, Zack, Johnny the horse you helped with colic, Chester the noisiest dog on Bowen…
“…your amazing staff…”
Much love, Angus, Chase, Richard, Becki, Bret, and Joy.
“…many, many thanks, re last night and the follow-up – woof, woof and advice this morning… next time I promise to behave appropriately – sit, shake a paw and woof!"
Joe
“…thanks so much for ‘fixing’ Ringo’s leg.He is doing so well!...”
Tina and Alex
“…you’re all a part of what makes Bowen so special!”
Nancy Cox
“…thank you so very much from the very bottom of our hearts for everything…”
Carol, Owen and John, “I feel much better now…meow…purr…”
"…Thanks forall your help with Casey…you were very respectful, sensitive and we really appreciate your assistance.Thanks for your awesome care of Winston. He seems to like coming here often.; )"
Tim Hausch and Diana
“…thank you for taking such good care of us!”
Lish and Kitten Peterson (and their Parentals)
“Thank you so much for your care in the past year. It means so much to me."
Robyn Culter
“I would like to thank you for your home visit to me a couple of months ago.You have looked at me for quite a long time and you noticed that I could use some extra Vitamin E.Well, you should see me now; feathers start growing everywhere!I don’t have the time to pick them all out, so maybe one day I can even fly again!And also the food you recommended – I like very much now, even without the yoghurt, so that is a good sign too.
My “parents” give me iso meg vitamin E every other day and I heard them talking the other day, wondering for how long they have to give me that. Maybe they give you a call someday because I still don’t like to travel.It scares the hell out of me!I hope to see you again one day, both of us in good health..."
…lots of regards from Pipo
“In appreciation for all you do for our Wildlife on Bowen, we decided to have a yard sale.Hope this will help…(CAWES donation?)”
Thank you, again,Barb and Lance Weismiller
“Thank you so much for diagnosing Scouty’s lung worm.It was awful to hear him gagging and all the time I thought it was hair balls.That’s the last time I will play 'Veterinarian!'We’ll see you soon to get their shots!"
Robyn
“Many thanks for the wonderful care given to Calle over Easter!Shehas bounced right back.We are more grateful than ever to have her in our family."
Sincerely, Liz and family.
“Thank you for everything you do for us and all our pets!”
Geraldine, Peter, Francesca and Selene.Annie, Finnigan, Niki and Donnie.Cuddles, our hamster, too!
“Thank you for your compassion and understanding.Your kindness and loving is a blessing."
Ian and Joyce
“Our most heart-felt gratitude go out ot the Bowen Veterinary Services Team for your emergency response…your care and concern…this freak accident frightened us as we thought we might lose our Good Boy to a paralyzed hind end…
…I am THRILLED to say that Jack…is walking without any visible trouble…wagging his tail…the twinkle has returned to his sweet, brown eyes.Thanks again Bowen Veterinary Services team for all you do and for all you did for our Jack!”
The Casalese family
"Words can hardly express our gratitude to you for the level of commitment, care and attention you gave to Bert over the past year."
Many, many thanks, Jaki, Chris, and Ray.
“Many thanks to you all for your amazing care and attention of our animals over the years and for your friendship."
Our very best, regards to you all,
Lorne Peterson
“…thank you so much for taking such good care of us throughout the year.”
Love,Gunnar and Kitten Peterson(and of course their parents Lorne and Gwen)
“Thank you very much for the special care you took with Baili.She and I very much appreciate your generosity.”
Meg and Baili
“I want to thank you for allowing me to visit the clinic on Novemver 7. I had a great and interesting time. I loved seeing the medical instruments, learning about worms, the x-rays and the animals.I also really like Timber and Allie."
Thank you very much again,
Sincerely, Alison Beaty
“Thank you soooo much for your TLC you have given to our little Ory.”
Mike, Carmen, Kylee and Sarah-Jo
“Sory that Keoki got hurt.Thank you for helping us with Squack-alot!"
Thank you,
from Siena and Keoki
“Thank you for all your help, support and getting the Dog Ranch off the ground.We couldn’t of done it without you!"
Happy lots to all,
Karen, Scott and our many beasts
“Thanks so much for making my foot feel better.”
Love Barney (Bonnie, Roger and family)
“Thank you so much for taking such good care of me.”
Jango
“It is not possible to express in words how thankful we are for your great care of Trooper as well as us.Your generosity will be rewarded, but we cannot thank you enough for your kindness...so many heartfelt emotions!So I will simply say thank you, Thank You, Thank You!For fixing Trooper and taking such good care of him; your time, energy and skills - for taking care of us too."
Lyz and Paul
“Thank you dears for all you do for CAWES.Your efforts on our behalf are … priceless."
From Angie for us all (CAWES)
“Thanks so much for all the loving attentive care and friendship.”
Seamus and Billie
“Many thanks for your deep caring.”
Betsy
“Thank you very much for your patience, professionalism, and thoughtfulness …your were wonderful helping us get through the time with Gracie and also getting the rest of the gang to their new home.”
Bob and Barb
“Thank you so much for all the good care and attention.”
Cilla and John (Kotz)...and a big thanks fromDuffy!
“Thank you for all you do for our animals and for the love you show all the little creatures on Bowen, great and small.”
The Shatzky – Greenspoon Clan!
More testimonials coming soon...(keep those cards and letters coming in...)
PHOTO ALBUM:
Our photo album is updated regularly. Feel free to send us some of your favourite pet and wildlife photos. We'd love to include them!
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