Reviews of Nelson Animal Hospital (Doctor)

Alexandra B. Hasbany

Nice staff and clinic. Expensive, and charged for follow up due to a missed diagnosis by vet. Receptionists also seem unfamiliar with processing pet insurance- they advertise trupanion being accepted but both receptionists seemed not entirely confident with the process. I then waited a month to learn that they had not submitted my claim first claim. Disappointing as trupanion is noted for being the easiest and most vet preferred form of insurance because of its simple submission process. As a result I am still waiting almost two month later to find out if they submitted it properly or not.

brad janzen

Best Vet and staff we've ever had. The whole staff was so supportive and helpful with our cat Lucky during weeks of difficulty. Dr. Ayres, Dr. Celeste, Malary and EVERYONE there couldn't have been better. Thankyou during a difficult time. The Janzen Family

Juno

My name is Juno. I am a very opinionated 15-year-old feline with a strong interest in wildlife watching. My daily reports on mice and birds have been raved about across the country and they are still regularly rewarded with treats and kisses in my very own home. And here I am today helping raise awareness on senior pet care at the Nelson Animal Hospital. It is my belief that pets from all walks of life deserve to be cared for with dignity, respect and compassion by accountable and trustworthy humans. The Nelson Animal Hospital staff had a different agenda in mind when they “cared” for me. Each treatment that the technicians/assistants/staff recommended made me agonize for days. When my beloved human contacted them to discuss the issue, they were cold, manipulative, condescending and greedy, and they even refused to let us talk to a seasoned veterinarian. Their behaviour was totally uncalled for, even more so that I have been a loyal client there for years. My beloved human felt betrayed, and sad, and heart broken, and helpless; so, we went to another animal hospital. There, we were able to agree on a care plan that was better suited for me. I am pleased to report that I am now well enough to snuggle and purr for short periods of time, and I am slowly reprising my role as a wildlife reporter. Sadly, even if I am working hard on recovering from my traumatic experience, I still believe that I will leave the Earth plane sooner than I hoped for. Before I do so, I would like to thank all of you for helping me speak my truth and free myself from the greedy grip of the Nelson Animal Hospital. I hope my words will inspire others to seek the level of care they deserve. Lastly, I very much so want to thank YOU, my beloved human, for rescuing me when I was a young kitty, and for all the love, cuddles, kisses, treats and adventures you have given me all my life. I love you unconditionally and I will miss snuggling and purring in your arms. Being your cat was an honour. Your name will be known in cat heaven. Amen and meow!

Mollie Jarrett

Great Team, friendly and respectful.

Zoe Laisnez

They are very good. Gentle with animals, thorough exam, easy to book appointments with.

Jessica Ingham

Horribly disappointing.

Brigid Barner

Our vets of choice for our 4 Italian Mastiffs and our cat

Vicki Dawn

The Staff here are so amazing, they are very caring and they go above and beyond for there clients and their fur babies. I would highly recommend if you need anything for your furry family

James Baxter

Love these guys. So does my dog

Ray Thomas

Our pup had a great visit today, what a great staff and our pup didn't even know she got vaccinated.

Lily Fraser

Everyone in this office is wonderful, they are caring and interested in all of our creatures, and they have been caring and understanding with ourselves whenever we need to come in. They've been there for emergencies as well as routine appointments and always professional and gentle. I wouldn't want to take my loved ones to any other office.

Dyllan Lachelt

These guys have helped me through everything from routine checkups, late night accidents, hypochondria, and that time my dog ate broken glass. Amazing support staff, super friendly and compassionate.

Daria Le Bleu

I took my cat there when he was really young he was super sick they helped him so much and for that thank you. When he was getting a bit older I got him vaccinated by them too, but one of the staff members was quite rude and judgemental. She asked me if I was of age to have a pet. I am 19 I really thought this comment was awful. If I am taking care of my pet properly then what is the problem?

alek k

Service and vets are amazing. Price is restrictive and a bit much to be honest. Almost can't justify going there because of the price. But like i say, the vets are some of the best.

Crawford Girl

Wow. Kind, caring and you won't need to get a 2nd mortgage. The staff there are thorough and knowledgeable and discussed care options that weren't just added costs. Thank you!

Family Design

Superb staff, excellent care, very satisfied!

Patrick Hamlyn

Best vet in the area. They take great care of our furry friends and work with one of our dogs who really has problems with the vet! Thy are helpful and the pricing is reasonable for the quality of care they provide.

Jody Ferguson

Very nice staff! They take care of your pup.....

Rebecca Horkoff

Wonderful Caring Staff

Sue Ellen

So caring & compassionate ❤❤

Evan Bull

Very nice facility. With very helpful staff.

Krista Profili-Fontes

Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. It was a great experience. We had our dog spayed and the incision is barely visual. She was well taken care of.

Daniel Airth-Nelson

Very kind people, very good with my cat ????

Dakota Marsh

They are amazing, always able to get the animals in on short notice as required. Great environment.

Heather Gingras

Emergency care that successfully treated a 3 inch by 3 inch flap of skin that had nearly torn right off of my exuberant dog's chest when she collided with a maple branch. Kind, knowledgeable staff. Highly recommended.

Kyle Mace

I can’t say enough about this team’s passion for animals and care for our dog. For 13 years they showed us compassion and patience; never rushing through our concerns and always answering our questions. Thank you to Leanne, Veronika and Celeste for making our visits such a great experience over all the years. We truly appreciate you!

Alex Wallis

The best!

Melyssa Sieber

Caring and attentive vets and staff who take time to listen, research and follow up. We've been here for emergency, end-of-life, and new puppy care, and wouldn't go elsewhere.

Zach Burleson

They care about my dog. Always very helpful.

Melissa Klassen

Called to get my tiny yorkie in due to large growth on back of her neck that doubled in size the past week and was told hey are booking into December and to take her to the vet that vaccinated her.

Kathleen Wheeler

Really awesome service! They were super helpful and explained everything really well to me. You can tell they care

Heather Reid

Very friendly staff

Shanaya Carter

I can not say enough good things about Nelson Animal Hospital. The staff are so friendly and informative and the vets are helpful beyond words. They are all truly dedicated to you and your pets and it feels good to know they have your best interest at heart. Would recommend to absolutely anyone! I have had issues with my cat urinating where she shouldn’t be and the staff (and vets!) have constantly followed up with me and been there for me. I don’t think you will find their level of caring and professionalism at many places.

J Whitey

State of the art animal care. Friendly compassionate staff.

Brandon Edstrom

Great staff with amazing service, you can really tell they care

KATHY/ROB Maglio

Person and professional!! I highly recomend the Nelson Animal Hospital!!

David J Humphries

Great people could not do enough for our puppy.

Brian Ellis

There a good vet. They don't upsell like the other vets in town and they seem to care about you and your pet

Jolene Thompson

Best vet clinic in town with kind, caring and professional staff! We are always confident leaving our pets in their care, knowing they are in good hands and we will be charged fairly. Shout out to Celeste who fit us in between appointments today!

Dave Pickard

My dog gets treated very good here

Paul Pillisch

Best veterinarians in the world as far as we are concerned!

Talister Crowley

I have been taking my dog Nyx here since she was a pup. Very fair service.

Krystal Marie

Nelson Animal Hospital is our second home. All the women here are incredible, if you are going anywhere else you arw doing a diservice to your beloved. Kind, caring, compassionate!

Lindsay Laltoo

My husband and I were traveling across the country with our dog when she got a rash that started to get infected. We were able to get in to see Dr. Leanne Sackney the same day we called, and she was great with our dog, and very reassuring to us. She gave us lots of information, antibiotics, and a copy of her notes to include in our vet records. I would definitely recommend the clinic, and Dr. Sackney to anyone.

Alyssa Taburiaux

Thank you to the wonderful staff for being so helpful and taking such great care of Lamar, We are so happy she is back home and recovering.

Nick Muzzio

Amazing group of caring staff that really make you feel part of the family.

Bryan MacKenzie

The staff a friendly and the doctors are super knowledgable on the items I have asked. Have had bad experiences in the past with vets giving wrong advice on drug medication rather than just admitting they need to look it up. The vet here who had worked in a emergency area in the states was very knowledgeable and professional.

Lush Air Supply Limited

They don't care about your pets. They only care about your money in their pockets. They think they know your pet better than you do. They operate on my dog because she wasn't energetic enough, my dog is depressed when not with me...duh!! The vet acknowledged it was rushed, that she should have checked with me first, gave me a discount. They got me to come a get my dog right after surgery. My dog passed out in the truck, woke up and was unable to walk. Thank you so much for your care, you obviously do!!

Kid Kootenay

First vet I have been to in a long time that seems to actually care about the animals so caring

Wendy Kelly

Extremely compassionate and very knowledgeable.

Small Trees997

We were on vacation in Nelson and our dog tore her dew claw. They were able to fit us in quickly. The vet was very nice and the prices were very reasonable.

Jennifer St Denis

Been to this place a couple of times, this time I waited 40 mins in the exam room. No one came in to check on my dog, I had to go and ask what was going on, no update or sorry just "we where busy" finally she was seen after 45 mins of waiting!!!!

Ryan Dupuis

Take our cats there, as we have moved permanently to Nelson recently the staff was wonderful setting us up.

Polly Topolinsky

I called this morning and got an appointment for today. The vet that saw us was Dr. Celeste Bignell. She was very thorough. A much better check up for my dog than the previous vet we were seeing. She was very caring and gentle with our pet. Thank you.

Sarah Bolton

Wonderful, caring people

Kevin

Good attitude

jamesmikk

caring and sharing the love of our animals. I thank you as will as my Indie thanks you.

justin ballard

Very helpful and professional even at 1 in the morning!

Jordyn Garvin

Animal hospital I feel really care about the well being of your animals. All staff is super friendly and helpful. My animals have always left their feeling better!

S K

If I could give more stars, I would. They were a great help in a tough time.

Kyle Parsons

Amazing service. I live in Trail and needed an emergency appointment for my dog. All vets in Trail and Castlegar turned me and my dog away but Nelson Animal Hospital fit us in that day and got my pup back to healthy in no time. I will continue to make the hour long drive to continue to use this vet

Susan Smyth

Amazing and very caring people here!

Laurel Conley

Excellent care of my dear doggie friend.

Pumpkinz Ollesson

Wow, this place is amazing. I've been with them for a year and I wouldn't go anywhere else. All the staff are incredible. They went out of thier way to help me figure out what was going on with my pup. Multiple Emails, phone calls, they were on it and I am forever greatful. I have vets 5 min walking distance from where I live that refused to help...i am now glad they turned us down as patients. I will drive the 45 minutes to these amazing people as I know they put the time in for me and my fur family. I have complete confidence in every single soul in Nelson animal hospital. Highly recommend

Laurrie Johnson

Always a good experience, even juring covid

D M

I took a friend and her dog there today and not only were the staff very friendly and considerate (water bottles offered), but we were seen on time. The vet was very thorough and did a great job with the dog. Absolutely reccomend!

Nonion Business

Get ready to open up your entire bank account. What your animal has, they will make it sound worst than it is to sell you more unnecessary procedures and/or medication... Be assertive otherwise your pet will be cut open for no reason.

Cass Adolph

Celeste is the best doctor our dog Gimli has ever had and we miss her very much! She was so caring and was always happy to see Gimli even though he wasn't always the most well behaved guy.

Tara Gray

So very kind and helpful with our cat emergency. Offering lots of choices and keeping us informed at all times with out just jumping to surgery n high costs right away. Also take good regular care of our ???? too.

Dave

Very helpful staff.

Phil Mulligan

The worst vet in Canada works here. An abysmal excuse and I would never take my little girl there ever again! Avoid!!

Courtney MacDonald

A few things need to be said about Nelson animal hospital. Someone you can trust? No! We entrusted our sweet girl with Dr. Celeste Bignell for over 2 years. She was diagnosed with a heart condition which we then were actively treating (so we thought) when we noticed our dog getting worse never better after many visits we decided to get a second opinion. Turns out her heart is in good shape for her age. Turns out the treatment and medicine we were prescribed could have KILLED our dog. She has a liver tumour, not a heart condition. After only 1 week of the proper treatment we are seeing some positives. We may never now be able to correct the problem because it was unnoticed. All the tests, medications, and discomfort our happy girl went through and they could have killed her. I could have killed her by taking her back because you’re supposed to be able to trust your vet like any doctor. The last straw was when I was handed back a dog who was bleeding down the techs lab coat, she didn’t even notice. She didn’t even tell me why my dog was bleeding. Please steer clear of Nelson animal hospital and Celeste the owner. Protect your animals but learning from my mistake. Thankfully my girl is still with us, but we won’t know her outcome just yet. Thank you to Dr. Theresa Hart at cottonwood falls animal clinic, you not only gave me a diagnoses and showed me the results which I’ve never seen before but gave me a bit of hope it’s not my pups time yet.

Kent Wood

Next job a good thing for you!

Connor Martel

The team at Nelson Animal Hospital are super helpful and truly do all they can to take care of your pets.

Jessica Wood

Amazing service, amazing people. They were very thorough. Thanks for taking such good care of my pup!

Loretta Sheriff

Very caring, great staff. Highly recommend ????

Marietta Rosser

Great..finally i got to go in with my tiny dog...great vet !!!!

Joleen Goodwin

Honnest about "my animals come First" Caring about me and my pet. Understanding, patient about follow up communications. WHAT AN AWSUM CLINIC FOR MY ANIMALS!!!!!!!

Jodie McNulty

I would give the Nelson Animal Hospital 5 stars if Celeste was not the owner of this clinic. I see that someone else has also complained about diagnosing their dog with a heart problem. I had an incident where I was told by Celeste that my dog had a heart murmur and it would cost significant more money to have dental surgery. I also took my dog to another Vet and I was told there was nothing wrong with my dog's heart. When I took her back to the Nelson hospital I had a different Vet who re-evaluated my dog and I was told that Celeste was the boss and it seems she did not want to over step her. As much as words were not said the look on the Vet's face was clear that that Celeste was not correct about my dog's heart. I brought my dog again to a different Vet and again confirmed that there was no heart murmur but every time I go back to the Nelson Animal hospital it is written in the notes that my dog has a heart murmur. Every other Vet that works at this clinic has been amazing.

Rachel Walker

Great service, with compassionate care. We will be back :)

Robyn Poznikoff

Today was the first time I have been here. It was a emergency, they did not hesitate as I ran in the door with my injured dog. I would recommend this place to anyone. The team was amazing and patient with me as I said goodbye to my best friend.

Gaul Peisler

Nelson Animal Hospital has offered excellent care and diagnosis for my dog over the years. I especially appreciate Dr. Sackney as she has overseen his health issues a few times and she seems to put her personal energy and love into her work and was spot on with some rare and really hard stuff that was happening to my dog over the years. He lived to be 17 years old and went thru a few ordeals in his life. Recently he developed a problem that medicine couldn’t fix and I was told in a compassionate way what I really needed to hear about final care and well being. As sad as it is to say goodbye to such a beautiful companion, I’m glad he received his final care with N.A.H. Dr. Bigwel (who was attending that day) and all the staff were very gentle to both of us, taking care of the details, so we could focus on our goodbyes in a comfortable environment. Highly recommend this clinic to pet parents.

Adrian Schilke

Nelson Animal Hospital is just fantastic the whole team are great in caring for our fur family. Dr. Leanne Sackney is a brilliant vet she explains everything she truly cares and gives quality care, patience and consideration to the needs of your extended family. One of our cats was diagnosed with Polycythemia - Lung Neoplasia and the care, follow up, on going care and dedication given to us is second to none. Our cat has surpassed our and the specialists expectations on his longevity and some of this has to be attributed to Dr. Sackney, Recently took our dog in for her annual check up and they treated her so with great care. Highlighted areas to be aware of and things to follow up on in the possible future. Truly enjoy and trusting our fur family with the team at Nelson Animal Hospital.

Jennifer

A few good things and one bad thing. My dog was spayed here and had complications afterwards which were addressed promptly but she needed an emergency vet as she was getting worse. When I called the emergency number I was told to call another vet. I honestly thought my dog was dying and was told to call another vet. My vet bills were over a thousand dollars for her spay and another check up because she wasn’t doing well, so you can see why I gave this review rating.

Tracy Good

Superior animal care

Christoph Martens

We always have great experiences at NAH. Thanks for making vet visit fun!!

Cristina W.

I no longer live in the Kootenays, but now think that it may actually be worth the drive to come back to this vet from Vancouver. I felt inspired to write this review after having a terrible experience with a very money-hungry vet in Vancouver calling for hundreds of dollars worth of tests and medication for a minor issue. This vet generously talked with me on the phone and gave me medical advice FOR FREE for my injured animal when I lived in the Slocan Valley. In Vancouver most vets refuse to talk on the phone about anything unless you bring your cat in and they get the examination fee from you! I am so grateful that he helped me and my cat, and with his advice I was able to heal my pet which was very empowering! This is truly a vet that CARES about both the animals and the humans that are in need of help, and not about the money. It's a sad state of affairs to say this is a rare thing, but believe me when I say at least for a Vancouverite, it is! THANK YOU for giving me such a positive experience with a vet for the first time in my life, and restoring my faith in humanity. For you Koonenites, be grateful for what you have, cause this vet is the real deal!

Andrew Fricke

Bad timing for my dog to get ill. Couldn't get in unless the Emergency cost was paid. Times have changed,

Maureen Negraeff

Unbelievable compassion and love shown to my family in a time of grief. Thank you!

norine s

They care about MONEY not animals. They apparently have 2 open appointments each day if you phone at 8 am. EXCEPT they don't answer the phone till 8:15.Very disappointed since we have been clients for many years

Judy Brown

The staff and vets are very caring.I wouldn't take my furry friends anywhere else.

Tara Garrett

Always great with my pup. Covid compliant. Dr. was through. Always great staff.