Country Animal Hospital

I am the owner/operator of the pet boarding facility on the Courtenay/Melville boundary. Though I am equidistant from several clinics, Dr. Tom, his front office, as well as other the DVM staff at Country Animal Hospital are always my first and only call when I need anything medically related or relevant for either my dogs personally, or guests. From prescriptions, consultations, appointments, or just advice which I often ask when trying to determine the best course of action to take with a guest who I am unsure about the best way to proceed, no matter how big or small, they always have time for me. They provide education, are professional, prompt and incredibly caring. I would highly recommend this animal hospital based on my extensive experience both as a kennel operator as well as a “dog dad” who loves his own, as well as all dogs in care, beyond measure.

My wife (in person) and I (all other correspondence) along with our elderly dog, just had a truly upsetting visit and overall experience, and I would not recommend Dr. Van Dyke to new clients. I work in multiple fields, and I’m fully aware that Covid has put added stresses on businesses that require some added patience and understanding from all parties, but they are clearly overwhelmed as an organization and not providing high quality service at this time. Phone calls are rarely picked up, emails go unanswered (even though their website proclaims these to be the methods to contact them!). It took three attempts over 10+ days to get any response about an appointment after an initial positive response. We had our full records sent over from our previous vet, described our dogs situation at all times with a clear understanding about the precariousness of potential care and an awareness of his age and condition…yet were then treated with hurriedness and condescension. Imagine arriving for your booked appointment and then being told right off the bat “I’ve got another animal on the table so I’ve got two minutes.” At first he seemed to not know what we were actually there for, but my wife agreed to the recommended blood work and further exam, and was told to wait an hour. Of course Three hours passed before she could get in again, only to be greeted with “So your dog is a hot mess”. What progressional would think this is appropriate language to use? Then he disbelieved information my wife provided him on his medical history and behaviour - why we would lie about our dog that we’ve had for 16+ years, I don’t know? My wife was worried the Dr. might behave differently with me - so it was at least reassuring in our conference call later that day that I was witness to the same glib, Disingenuous, know-it-all & talk-over-&-down-to-you tone and manner. Oh well, only out $400 - at least we got there before the X-rays happened. Why we would need those when my dog was ‘a hot mess’ and clearly needing ‘palliative care’, I dunno! And yes, Dr. Van Dyck, I know that a ‘tumour’ can refer to basically any abnormal growth on the body (benign or otherwise), but when some relatively harmless and/or sebaceous cysts, and when we’ve had certain problematic ones biopsied on more than one occasion and they’ve come back negative for cancer(in the file!)…again, maybe saying “your dog is covered in tumours!” is not the ideal way to convey your expertise.

Dr. VanDyke is an amazing vet! Treated all of my parents animals and my elderly cat. Always respectful and professional service! So glad to have him and all his wonderful staff in the valley.

Dr Rachel and team were fantastic when our younger cat dashed out and got in a scrap with a feral ending up with an abcess. Fantastic treatment with meds and follow-up instructions and reasonable cost. It's a bit far to go, but we were so impressed Country Animal Hospital is now our go-to family vet for advice and treatment.

My mom called her old reliable vet... a DIFFERENT business... because her cat needed urgent help. We can try to see him in 2 days". Apparently they don't appreciate their loyal customers. So

after they broke my dog's jaw during the removal of a canine tooth I was send home with a 50% reduction on the invoice of the removal of the tooth and ended up with about 6K costs for dental specialist and special food for 3 months. I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt.a few weeks ago i needed their service again, and again, I was made pay extra for an error they made.now having read other reviews, i agree, that you are fine as long as you agree with Dr Dyk's rules and don't mind not being talked to with respect (even though this is exactly what they ask you to do with them).Having said this, the ladies at the reception are great, very responsive and very respectful, hats off to them!

I've never had anything but amazing, friendly and responsive service from the staff, technicians and vet. They are sensitive, respectful and informative. I feel lucky to have found them!

Poor treatment and lecture by Vet when brought cat for pre-spay check. Refused to spay unless not fed raw for 2 full weeks. Shocked that she was 'unvaxxed since is 2 years overdue' but records showed full vax at 4 mo and she was barely 2 years old amd our regular Vet ok with next vax at 3 years old.Then held cat hostage and would not release until we went home for cash and paid $85 for the lecture, refusal to spay and no assessment then refused to give record of visit. Not even a weight!Perhaps this Vet would be fine if you followed his rules.

Excellent service. Dr. Tom as we call him is amazing. He was able to recognize an illness with our dog that another clinic dismissed several times. Since then he has cared for all of our pets and does monthly care for our oldest dog. His staff is extremely friendly and very efficient. For us it is old fashioned service: where you almost feel like family. In a world where customer service is almost non existent. We cannot say enough about this clinic. We trust them fully with our three fur babies.