GOOD TO KNOW
FAQs
First Visit and New Clients
What should I bring to my first appointment at Columbia Square Animal Hospital?
Please bring any previous health records, vaccination history, and a note of any products your pet currently uses, such as flea and tick prevention or joint supplements. If your pet has been seen by another veterinarian, a copy of their most recent bloodwork or visit notes is especially helpful. Our team will take care of the rest. If you have questions before your first appointment, call us at (604) 521-5572.
Do you see dogs and cats at Columbia Square Animal Hospital in New Westminster?
Yes, we provide veterinary care for dogs and cats. Whether it is a routine wellness visit, a concern you have noticed at home, or something that needs same-day attention, our team is here to help. Call us at (604) 521-5572 if you have questions about a specific concern or want to confirm we can help before booking.
Where is Columbia Square Animal Hospital located and is there parking available?
We are located at #104 – 78 Tenth St., New Westminster, BC V3M 3X3, in the Columbia Square area. For parking details and directions, call us at (604) 521-5572 or visit our website and our team will be happy to help you plan your visit.
Appointments and Hours
How do I book an appointment at Columbia Square Animal Hospital?
The easiest way to book is to call us directly at (604) 521-5572. Our team can walk you through availability and find a time that fits your schedule. We are open seven days a week, so there are plenty of options to choose from.
What are your hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We are open seven days a week, including weekday evenings, so care is available when most clinics are closed. For urgent needs outside our hours, please contact your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
Do you accept same-day or urgent care appointments?
Yes, we work to accommodate same-day appointments for urgent concerns during clinic hours. We recommend calling ahead at (604) 521-5572 so our team can prepare for your arrival and give you the most direct guidance. For concerns that arise outside our hours, please seek care at your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
Our Services
What veterinary services does Columbia Square Animal Hospital offer?
We offer a wide range of services for dogs and cats, including pet care services, medical services, surgeries, same-day urgent care, in-house diagnostics, dental services, nutrition counselling, wellness and preventive care, end-of-life care, additional services, and pet travel services. For a full list of what we offer, visit our Services page or call us at (604) 521-5572.
Can you help if my pet is having an urgent health issue?
Yes, we can help with urgent health concerns during our clinic hours, seven days a week. We provide same-day urgent care for issues that cannot wait for a routine appointment. Call us at (604) 521-5572 as soon as possible so we can advise you on the next step. If the concern arises outside our hours, please go to your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
Does Columbia Square Animal Hospital offer dental care for dogs and cats?
Yes, we provide dental services for dogs and cats, including professional dental examinations and cleanings performed under full anaesthetic monitoring. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues we see in pets, and early care makes a real difference in long-term health. If you have noticed changes in your pet’s breath, eating habits, or mouth, call us at (604) 521-5572 to discuss whether a dental assessment is the right next step.
Payment and Insurance
What payment methods does Columbia Square Animal Hospital accept?
For the most current details on accepted payment methods, please call us at (604) 521-5572 or visit our Payment Options page where full details are listed. We encourage you to call ahead with any billing questions so we can help you prepare for your visit.
Does Columbia Square Animal Hospital work with pet insurance?
Yes, we work with pet insurance. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm coverage details and the reimbursement process, as each plan works a little differently. Bring your policy information to your appointment and our team can help provide the documentation your insurer requires. For questions about insurance and billing, visit our Payment Options page or call us at (604) 521-5572.
Do you provide an estimate before starting care?
Yes, we provide cost estimates before beginning any care and encourage you to ask questions about any aspect of pricing at any point in your visit. We believe informed pet owners make informed decisions for their animals, and we will always walk you through what we recommend and why. If you have questions about costs before booking, call us at (604) 521-5572.
Preventive Care
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
Healthy adult dogs and cats should have a wellness exam once a year. Senior pets generally benefit from exams every six months, as health can change more quickly as animals age. Regular wellness visits allow our team to catch early signs of illness, keep vaccinations current, and tailor a preventive care plan as your pet’s needs change.
What vaccines does my pet need in New Westminster?
Core vaccines for dogs include protection against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza, as well as Rabies, which is required by law in British Columbia. Core vaccines for cats include protection against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia, plus Rabies. Lifestyle vaccines, such as leptospirosis for dogs in our area or feline leukaemia for cats with outdoor access, are recommended based on your pet’s individual risk profile. Our team will assess your pet’s needs at the first appointment and at every visit. Call us at (604) 521-5572 to discuss your pet’s vaccination history.
How do I protect my pet from parasites in New Westminster?
Fleas and ticks are present throughout New Westminster and the wider Lower Mainland year-round, with tick activity peaking in spring and autumn. Leptospirosis is also a genuine risk for dogs in our area, spread through the urine of wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, and rats that frequent local parks and waterways. We recommend year-round parasite prevention and can help you build a protection plan tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and exposure risks. Speak with our team at your next visit or call (604) 521-5572.
After Hours and Emergencies
What should I do if my pet has an emergency outside your hours?
If your pet needs emergency care outside our clinic hours, please search for your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital and call ahead before travelling so they can prepare for your arrival. Do not wait to see if the situation improves on its own: many veterinary emergencies deteriorate quickly and early care significantly improves outcomes. Our team is available at (604) 521-5572 during clinic hours and can also provide referral guidance at your next appointment.
What counts as a veterinary emergency?
True emergencies require immediate veterinary attention and should not wait for a routine appointment. Common emergencies include difficulty or laboured breathing, collapse or sudden inability to stand, seizures, suspected ingestion of a toxin or foreign object, inability to urinate (especially in male cats), uncontrolled or severe bleeding, trauma from an accident or animal attack, and pale, white, or blue gums. If your pet is showing any of these signs during our hours, call us immediately at (604) 521-5572. Outside our hours, go directly to your nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.