Finding the right veterinary clinic for your dog or cat isn’t just about picking the closest option on Google Maps. Your pet’s health, comfort, and long-term wellbeing depend on the quality of care they receive, and frankly, not all clinics are created equal.

If you’re living in Surrey, BC, you’ve probably noticed there’s no shortage of options. But how do you separate the excellent from the merely adequate? After working with pet owners across the Lower Mainland for over two decades, I’ve seen what makes certain veterinary practices stand out, and what red flags you should watch for.

Let’s walk through what actually matters when choosing a pet care provider, so you can make a confident decision for your furry family member.

Why Your Choice of Veterinary Clinic Actually Matters

Your cat doesn’t care about fancy waiting rooms or Instagram-worthy branding. What matters is whether the vet takes time to explain things clearly, handles your anxious dog with patience, or catches early warning signs during routine checkups.

I’ve spoken with countless pet owners who switched clinics after years of mediocre experiences. The most common complaint? Feeling rushed during appointments, or sensing that their concerns weren’t being taken seriously. These aren’t small issues. They can mean the difference between catching a dental problem early versus dealing with a painful infection months later.

Good pet care services in Surrey should make both you and your pet feel comfortable. If your dog trembles at the mere sight of the clinic door, or your vet dismisses your questions, that’s worth paying attention to.

Start With the Basics: Credentials and Experience

This might seem obvious, but it’s worth stating: make sure any veterinarian you’re considering is licensed with the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia. You can verify this online in about 30 seconds.

Beyond licensing, look at the team’s actual experience. How long has the clinic been operating? Do they have vets who specialize in certain areas, like feline medicine or canine orthopedics? Generalists are fine for routine care, but if your pet has specific health issues, you’ll want someone with deeper expertise.

For example, dental care for pets is often overlooked until there’s an obvious problem. Periodontal disease affects over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three, yet many owners don’t realize their pet needs regular dental checkups. A quality clinic won’t just fix problems as they arise. They’ll help you prevent them in the first place.

Range of Services: What Should Be Available?

A solid veterinary practice should cover the essentials without forcing you to drive across town for every specialized need. Here’s what I’d consider baseline:

Preventive care: annual exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and nutritional counseling.

Diagnostic services: blood work, urinalysis, X-rays, and potentially ultrasound. If they need to refer out for every diagnostic test, that’s a hassle you’ll deal with repeatedly.

Urgent care: accidents and sudden illnesses don’t follow business hours. While not every clinic offers 24/7 emergency service, they should have a clear protocol for after-hours emergencies and partnerships with emergency hospitals.

Dental services: this goes beyond just teeth cleaning. Proper dental care includes pre-anesthetic bloodwork, monitoring during procedures, and follow-up care plans.

Surgical capabilities: spaying, neutering, and other common procedures should be available on-site with appropriate anesthetic monitoring.

Dog care services in Surrey vary widely in scope. Some clinics focus heavily on wellness visits but lack surgical facilities. Others excel at surgery but feel impersonal during routine checkups. Think about what your pet is likely to need over their lifetime.

If you have a cat, find out if the clinic has feline-friendly certification or at least separate waiting areas. Cats are stressed enough by vet visits without having to sit next to a barking German Shepherd.

The Communication Factor (Often Overlooked)

Here’s something that doesn’t show up in online reviews but matters enormously: does the vet actually listen to you?

I can’t count how many times I’ve heard pet owners say they felt dismissed when raising concerns. Maybe their dog seemed lethargic, but the vet brushed it off. Or their cat’s eating habits changed, and they were told not to worry. Months later, a more serious issue emerged.

Good veterinarians ask questions. They want to know about changes in behaviour, appetite, energy levels, and bathroom habits. They explain diagnoses in plain language, not medical jargon that leaves you nodding along without understanding.

During your first visit, pay attention to how the vet interacts with your pet. Do they get down to your dog’s level or handle your cat gently? Do they explain what they’re doing before they do it? These small gestures reveal a lot about their approach to care.

Location and Accessibility Matter More Than You Think

Yes, you want excellent medical care. But you also need a clinic you can actually get to without heroic effort.

Think about your daily routine. If the clinic is 30 minutes away in good traffic, what happens during rush hour? What if your pet needs multiple visits for a chronic condition? Convenience isn’t everything, but it’s not nothing either.

Also consider parking, accessibility if you have mobility limitations, and whether the clinic’s hours align with your schedule. Cat care services in Surrey often include evening or weekend appointments, which can be a lifesaver if you work standard hours.

Some clinics, like 108 Avenue Animal Hospital, offer extended hours specifically because they understand that pet health issues don’t only happen between 9 and 5.

Cost Transparency and Payment Options

Nobody likes surprise bills, especially regarding something as important as your pet’s health. A trustworthy clinic provides clear cost estimates upfront and explains what’s included.

Ask about payment plans or whether they work with pet insurance companies. Veterinary care can get expensive, particularly for urgent care situations or ongoing treatments. Knowing your financial options ahead of time reduces stress when you’re already worried about your pet.

That said, don’t choose a vet based solely on price. The cheapest option usually cuts corners somewhere, whether it’s outdated equipment, rushed appointments, or less experienced staff. You’re looking for fair pricing combined with quality care.

Read Reviews (But Read Between the Lines)

Online reviews are helpful, but they require some interpretation. A single angry review doesn’t mean much. Everyone has bad days, and some people are impossible to satisfy. But patterns matter.

If multiple reviews mention long wait times, rushed appointments, or difficulty getting callbacks, pay attention. Similarly, if reviewers consistently praise how well the team handled their anxious pets or how thoroughly issues were explained, that’s meaningful.

Look specifically for reviews that mention situations similar to what you might face. If you have a senior dog with health issues, reviews from other owners of older pets are more relevant than those from people bringing in puppies for vaccinations.

The Trial Visit: What to Watch For

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule a general wellness exam or consultation. This lets you experience the clinic firsthand without the pressure of an emergency situation.

Notice how long you wait past your appointment time. A few minutes is normal; 45 minutes suggests poor scheduling or overbooking. Watch how staff interact with animals in the waiting room and whether the space feels clean and organized.

During the appointment itself, does the vet examine your pet thoroughly or seem to rush through? Do they answer your questions patiently, or do you feel like you’re taking up too much of their time? Do they recommend unnecessary tests or products, or do their suggestions seem genuinely focused on your pet’s wellbeing?

If something feels off, trust your instincts. You’re not being picky. You’re being a responsible pet owner.

Building a Long-Term Relationship

The goal isn’t just finding a clinic for today. You want a veterinary team that will care for your pet throughout their life, from those energetic puppy or kitten years through to their senior stage.

Continuity of care matters. When your vet knows your pet’s medical history and personality, they can spot changes more quickly. They understand that your normally food-motivated Labrador refusing treats is unusual, or that your aloof cat seeking extra attention might indicate something’s wrong.

This relationship also makes difficult decisions easier. If you eventually face serious health issues with your aging pet, having a vet you trust makes those conversations less overwhelming.

Making Your Decision

Choosing the right pet care provider comes down to a combination of practical factors and gut feeling. You want solid medical credentials, comprehensive services, clear communication, and reasonable accessibility. But you also want to feel heard and respected, and you want your pet to feel safe.

If you’re in the Surrey area exploring dog care services in Surrey or cat care services in Surrey, start with a shortlist of two or three clinics that meet the basic criteria I’ve outlined here. Visit each one, ask questions, and see how you feel about the experience.

For pets requiring specialized care, whether that’s ongoing dental care, management of chronic conditions, or simply urgent care availability, make sure the clinic you choose can meet those needs without constant referrals elsewhere.

Your relationship with your veterinary clinic is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner. Take the time to find the right fit. Your dog or cat will thank you for it, even if they can’t say so in words.