Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the questions we hear most often from pet owners in Dunbar and across Vancouver. If you do not see what you are looking for, our team is happy to help. Call us at (604) 221-5858 or book an appointment online at altavistaanimalhospital.ca.

About Our Clinic

Where is Alta Vista Animal Hospital located in Vancouver?
We are located at 4543 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC V6S 2G7, in the heart of the Dunbar neighbourhood. We have served dogs and cats in this community since 1998. Street parking is available on Dunbar Street and surrounding blocks.
What are your hours in Dunbar, Vancouver?
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on statutory holidays. You can reach us at (604) 221-5858 or book online at any time.
Is Alta Vista Animal Hospital locally owned?
Yes. Alta Vista Animal Hospital is a locally owned, family-run veterinary clinic. Dr. Parveen Munjal has led the practice since 2008, continuing the community-first approach the clinic was built on when it opened in Dunbar in 1998. We are not a chain. We are part of this neighbourhood.
Do you accept new clients in Dunbar?

Yes. We welcome new clients seven days a week. You can book an appointment online, call us at (604) 221-5858, or complete our new client registration form on our website before your first visit.

What happens if my pet needs care after your hours?
If your pet needs urgent attention outside our clinic hours, please contact a 24-hour veterinary facility in Vancouver. We can provide a referral when you call us during our hours at (604) 221-5858.

Appointments and Visits

How do I book an appointment at Alta Vista Animal Hospital?
You can book online through our website at altavistaanimalhospital.ca/make-an-appointment/, or call us directly at (604) 221-5858. We are open seven days a week and do our best to accommodate same-day requests for urgent concerns during our hours.
What should I bring to my pet's first appointment?
For a first visit, please bring any previous veterinary records you have, including vaccination history, past bloodwork, and any current product information. If your pet is on a specific product or has a known health condition, having that information ready helps our team provide the most appropriate care from the very first visit.
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
We recommend annual wellness exams for healthy adult dogs and cats. Senior pets aged seven and older benefit from biannual visits, as age-related changes can develop between annual appointments. Puppies and kittens need several visits in their first year for their vaccine series and developmental monitoring. Our team will advise on the right schedule for your pet at each visit.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
We do our best to accommodate walk-in visits during our open hours, particularly for urgent concerns. Calling ahead at (604) 221-5858 is always recommended so our team can prepare and reduce your wait time. Scheduled appointments are seen first, but we will never turn away a pet in genuine need during our hours.

Vaccines and Preventive Care

What vaccines does my dog need in Vancouver?
Core vaccines for dogs include distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and rabies. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, our team may also recommend lifestyle vaccines including Bordetella, leptospirosis, and Lyme disease. We personalize every vaccine schedule at your pet’s exam rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Call (604) 221-5858 to book your dog’s wellness visit.
What vaccines does my cat need?
Core vaccines for cats include feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies. Feline leukemia vaccine is recommended for cats with outdoor access or exposure to other cats. Our team will review your cat’s lifestyle and health history at each visit and recommend the vaccines that are appropriate for your individual cat.
When should I start vaccinating my puppy or kitten?
Puppies and kittens typically receive their first vaccines between 8 and 10 weeks of age, followed by a series of boosters every three to four weeks until approximately 16 weeks. Starting on time is important for building strong immunity during the most vulnerable period of your pet’s life. Call us at (604) 221-5858 to book your puppy’s or kitten’s first visit.
Does my pet need year-round flea and tick prevention in Vancouver?
Flea prevention is generally recommended year-round for most pets in Vancouver, as fleas can survive in mild temperatures. Tick prevention is particularly important for pets that spend time in wooded areas, trails, or parks. Our team will recommend the most appropriate product for your pet’s lifestyle, species, and age at your next visit.

Surgery and Dental Care

What is the best age to spay or neuter my dog in Vancouver?
The ideal timing depends on your dog’s breed and expected adult size. Small and medium breeds are typically spayed or neutered between 6 and 9 months. Large and giant breeds may benefit from waiting until 12 to 18 months to support healthy musculoskeletal development. Our team will recommend the right timing after examining your dog and discussing your goals.
How do I know if my pet needs a dental cleaning?
Signs that your pet may need a dental cleaning include persistent bad breath, visible tartar buildup on the teeth, red or swollen gums, difficulty chewing, or pawing at the mouth. Our team assesses your pet’s dental health at every wellness exam. Most adult dogs and cats benefit from a professional dental cleaning every one to two years.
Is it safe to sedate my pet for a dental cleaning?
Yes. Performing a dental cleaning under general sedation is the safest way to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces, including below the gumline. We offer pre-procedure bloodwork to identify any concerns beforehand, monitor your pet’s vital signs continuously throughout, and tailor the sedation protocol to your pet’s age and health status. Our team reviews the process with you in full before any dental visit.

Diagnostics and Medical Care

Does Alta Vista Animal Hospital have X-ray and ultrasound on site?
Yes. We have digital X-ray available in-clinic for same-visit imaging of bones, joints, the chest, and the abdomen. Ultrasound is also available for assessing internal organ structure and guiding certain procedures. Our team will recommend the appropriate imaging based on your pet’s signs and physical findings.
How quickly will I get my pet's blood test results?
In-house blood panels typically produce results within the same visit, allowing our team to review findings with you before you leave. Specialized send-out panels may take one to three business days. We will always let you know the expected timeline when tests are collected.
My pet seems fine but is due for bloodwork. Is it really necessary?
Annual wellness bloodwork is one of the most valuable tools we have for catching health changes early, before symptoms appear. Many conditions, including kidney disease, liver changes, diabetes, and thyroid disease, are highly manageable when detected at an early stage and much harder to manage once clinical signs develop. We recommend it as a routine part of every adult wellness visit.

Nutrition and Weight

How do I know if my pet is a healthy weight?
The most reliable way is a body condition assessment by your veterinarian. At home, you should be able to feel your pet’s ribs without pressing firmly, see a visible waist when viewed from above, and notice an abdominal tuck when viewed from the side. Our team assesses body condition at every wellness visit and provides specific guidance on what a healthy weight looks like for your pet’s breed and frame.
What should I feed my puppy or kitten?
We recommend a high-quality diet labelled for growth or all life stages, formulated to AAFCO standards. For large and giant breed puppies, a large-breed specific puppy formula is important to support controlled growth and joint development. For kittens, including a significant portion of wet food supports hydration alongside dry food. Our team provides personalized feeding guidance at your puppy’s or kitten’s first visit.

Pet Insurance and Costs

Does Alta Vista Animal Hospital accept pet insurance?
Yes. We work with most major Canadian pet insurance providers, including Trupanion, Pets Plus Us, and Fetch. Most insurers operate on a reimbursement model, meaning you pay at the time of the visit and submit a claim to your provider for reimbursement. We can provide itemized invoices to support your claim. Ask our team at your next visit for guidance on what to look for when choosing a plan.
Is pet insurance worth it for a healthy young pet?
Getting pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy is generally the best time to enroll, as premiums are lower and pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from coverage. Unexpected illness and injury can result in significant costs at any age, and insurance can make a meaningful difference in what care options are available to you. We are happy to discuss what to look for in a plan at your next visit.