Reviews of Lifeline Animal Clinic (Veterinarian)

Larry Schafer

We recently attended at Dr Brar's clinic for the first time, based on the recommendation of a group of people that we get together with in the afternoon with our respective dogs. Over time, everyone in the group has wound up using Dr Brar. Now we know why, he was gentle and extremely knowledge about the care and treatment of our dog, and spent a considerable amount of time with us to ensure that we understood what our options were. His low key, but patient and caring approach was wonderful, as was the successful surgery that he performed. And to top it all, his charges for professional services were refreshingly reasonable, if not if fact borderline modest.

Kathryn Jones

I took my guinea pig here when she stopped eating and was peeing blood I was told her teeth were overgrown and needed to be clipped and that she was constipated. He clipped her teeth and told me to take her home and feed her pineapple for the constipation. Which I did. She was still not well 2 days later, I called the clinic back and was told that they couldn't do anything further till I brought a sterile urine sample for analysis. I asked how I was supposed to have my Guinea pig pee in a cup and got no answers. I made an appointment at another vet. Unfortunately my baby girl died in the meantime. Oh and one other thing, he did NOT wear gloves to examine her and when he was finished she smelled like curry! Very unprofessional, not to mention unhygienic and unsanitary! I would NOT recommend taking your pet here if you love them. I would be concerned with what my pet might contract while there by the unsanitary practices of the vet himself, not to mention being misdiagnosed. There are plenty of great vet clinics out there, unfortunately I chose this one. Don't make the same mistake!

Evan Thomas

Dr. Brar is awesome! Friendly, very knowledgeable, and takes the time to listen. The front desk staff are also great, and the follow-up phone calls are nice too.

Seth Law

Best vet experience I have ever had. So refreshing having a vet suggest the simplest and most cost effective solutions first and go from there. Very knowledgable. i Highly recomend this vet clinic

Freya McCaffrey

DO NOT bring your pet to Lifeline Animal Clinic. I visited with my dog, and I had multiple concerns about his well-being. The vet ignored my concerns and did not do a thorough exam, and then charged me $180. The hospital had many small plastic pieces on the floor that my dog could have swallowed easily, and was overall dirty and not well kept. The exam room had no seating for myself and gave my dog an uncomfortable vibe. I asked the veterinarian about many things, and was told that my dog is healthy and fine. WELL! I switched vets, and visited Oaklands Veterinary Hospital and it turns out, my dog did have an ear infection, a chipped tooth AND WORMS! If you love and care about your pet, take them to Oaklands (and its only down the street).

Kyle Empringham

I went here because they offered a $35 check-up, and unfortunately, it did feel like a cheap exam. The vet was a kind man, but far too quiet and didn't do much to actually examine my dog. He took the dog's temperature but didn't tell me the number or explain anything he was doing to me. When I told him about a digestion problem, he responded back with "he needs a rabies booster" which had little to do with the conversation we were having. Once he gave the booster shot, he left the room for 5 minutes, then came back and said "Okay", meaning that the appointment was now over. I told him that I still had questions, and as a response to one he said "the girls up front can help you" and walked away without saying bye. Because there was a show involved, it costed me $95 (other more reputable clinics around have quoted me $100 for a more thorough check-up and shots). This is similar to last year, when my dog had an infection on his leg and he simply took out a razor and cut down the hair on his leg, running into the skin a couple times and causing the dog to bleed.

J.J. S.

Knowledgable staff, not complaints with how they treat their animals and the Vet seems to know his stuff no problem. But a few of the staff have personalities that I find a bit stand offish, including the Vet, he's a nice guy but he's in and out and doesn't explain that much. I've tried to get them to explain to me multiple times how many shots my kittens need or how many they have had and what not. No matter how many times I ask I keep getting confused and they run in circles and don't fully answer me. I know it's not their intent to be confusing but it's frustrating. The first time I took my kittens in I tried to get the Vet to explain how many shots and the prices and what they needed I I kind of got brushed off as he gave my kittens their shots without fully explaining what the shots were. NOT OK. I understand it is a busy clinic but everytime I call them they are putting me on hold 3 or more times. It's not completely their fault as people in the clinic should honestly be letting them finish on the phone first but its very annoying. Hold once is fine until you are done with customers but when you pick the phone back up please focus on me. I find this odd as every time I've been in there has inly been 1 other customer in the waiting room every time. They gave me photocopies of their records which I cannot understand very well at all. I have two kittens, same age and siblings, and one record is missing a bunch of stuff but because they come during the same appointment they only filled out one completely, which I find sad as I like having proper records at home. I probably will be moving Vets after my kittens are done all their 1st year shots and boosters. In summary there's nothing wrong with their knowledge or treatment of the animals, but I'd like to be somewhere that is also focused on the pet's owner understanding what's going on.

Hao Li

Dr. Brar is a very knowledge and skilled veterinarian. Traditional eastern medicine combined with modern western medication. Highly recommended.

Paddyo Lantern

Dr. Brar is a vet whom I trust to offer only what my pet needs. In my 8 years of experience bringing him my 2 cats and 2 dogs for everything from broken paws to feline infections, there has never been any of the b.s. I experienced previously with other vets in town (Fort Street, Keating Cross and the Old Island Highway). There's no fancy talk, no fancy office, and no fancy wool pulled over my eyes. He does not leverage extra dollars out by playing on the vulnerability of heightened emotions that often come with concern over an animals' well-being. In my opinion, he offers the very best care for my animal friends I could find.

Atis Metuzals

Good place to take your pet...limited parking

Megan Little

Very welcoming, always makes sure all of my questions are answered as well as always following up after appointments

Ryan P

Mix of western medicine and naturopathic. Great veterinarian!

Amanda Schuster

The staff was very helpful and so friendly.

Alanna Harlton

Dr Brar has been kind and gentle with my problem kitten. His rates are fair and the clinic is clean.

William Hamilton

Top notch vet and staff. Saved my cats' life.

Char Johnston-Carter

Don't bring you rat to this vet. Even though they say they have experience with pocket pets, the vet that saw my rat though he was healthy. In reality my rat was quite sick and I had to put him down a week later. I spent $90 here to get incorrect information and no help.

Delicia Marie Jacobs

The best Veterinary clinic ever! I can't say enough good things about Dr.Brar and his amazing team. They are all so helpful, supportive and professional. Dr. Brar is so knowledgable and kind. He has even come in after hours/on his day off to help my dog! He cares so much about the animals, and it really shows! I am endlessly impressed by how knowledge and passionate he truly is. I would highly recommend Dr.Brar, he continues to keep so up-to-date within his field, and ensures he has cutting edge equipment. My French Bulldog has directly benefited from this! She has IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) and a torn ligament. She has been receiving chiropractic adjustments along with laser therapy from him. You can't even tell she has such serious injuries now; she runs and goes up the stairs and wants to play again! We are so grateful. Thank you Dr.Brar and everyone at Lifeline for making Coco's quality of life so much better! Heres to many more days spent in the sun fetching sticks and toys.

Derek Roberts

Good vet, but it can be hard to get in.

GSL

Dr. Brar is the best veterinarian that I have ever brought my pets to. His kindness, knowledge and way with animals is like nothing I have seen before. I refer my friends with pets to him and they too are so happy with the care he and his staff offer.

David Futter

Great veterinary care by Dr. Brar and staff.

ally and dennis guevin

Doctor Brar is the best vet we have used in Victoria.

Amanda Hamilton

Dr.Brar is wonderful. Saved my boy, and I'll forever be thankful.

Josh Prowse

Dr. Brar is my one and only vet. I highly recommend him as he puts your pet's needs first,and blends eastern and western philosophies.

Sharmaine Diesta

Me and my dog really had a bad experience with this clinic. First, we have waited for 20mins. inside their dirty little white room, my dog keeps barking and crying so I took her outside as she herself doesn't like the place either so, I asked the staff to just notify me if the Veterinarian is ready to assist us. The staff called us outside and said the Doctor will be ready soon so, we went back to the room the staff wanted us to stay (there's no chair inside the room!) and we have waited again for another 10mins. so my dog started to bark and cry again. Second, the Veterinarian seems like he doesn't know what he is doing. He didn't even look at my dog's vaccination record. I do have my dog's vaccination record the whole time. And lastly, the staff gave me a wrong information about the price so I ended up paying $80 more than I expected to pay. I am not gonna go back to this clinic again. Terrible experience!

cleo gagner

Amazing vet. Saved my cats life. Would recommend

Vennie Manhas

Caring and gentle with my chihuahuas good prices

Barb Carmichael

Such a wonderful and caring vet and staff! I strongly recommend them. Very responsive and use both western procedures and medicine and other techniques like chiro too. My shepherd/rottie cross is 14 years old next month and Dr Brar and his team have been instrumental in keeping her healthy and mobile. Excellent value for service too - expensive procedures are not pushed or recommended unless truly necessary and they look for other treatments first.

Kianna Csolle

Dr. Brar and his team are absolutely wonderful! He is so knowledgeable and kind and takes the time to explain to you what is going on and treatment options!

Wendy Boissevain

Great staff and they truly have the best interest of your pet, it's not about the money.

Koralson

I went to this vet and asked about my dogs ear scratching issue, he said "there is nothing wrong" so after this experience I went to Oaklands Vet Hospital which is just down the road who informed me that my dog DOES in fact have an ear infection. On top of this a chipped tooth which the other vet did not see?? Either way I would steer clear of Lifeline animal clinic due to their absolutely incompetent and uncaring staff members. If you love your pet, you will take them to Oaklands Vet Hospital and NOT Lifeline Animal Clinic.

S. Leung

Dr. Brar has been doing a wonderful job of caring for our cats for years now. In 2008, we had a cat who contracted conjunctivitis every few months. We took him to at least three different vets who were unable to figure out the problem and simply prescribed eye medication. The first time Dr. Brar saw our cat, he immediately diagnosed Bartonella and blood tests quickly confirmed his diagnosis. After medication cleared up the Bartonella, our cat never had conjunctivitis again. We moved away from Victoria, but returned a few years ago and have been taking our two cats to Dr. Brar. One suffers from kidney disease, but acupuncture has been keeping the disease at bay — her kidney values are back in the normal range. Our other cat has chronic constipation which didn’t improve (even with medication and laxatives) until he started receiving laser treatments. The improvement was immediate and the laser treatments continue to keep our cat’s bowel movements regular. Dr. Brar is a very intelligent and compassionate veterinarian, and is always expanding his medical knowledge. We appreciate that he uses both Western and Eastern medicine, as appropriate, to provide the best possible care for our cats. And as a bonus, his staff are caring and obviously love animals, which makes it much more pleasant when taking your animals to the vet.

Michelle Garland

They take great care of my dog when I bring him in. I like that the vet doesn't prescribe medication is it is not necessary. They also emailed me after I brought my dog in and he was diagnosed with kennel cough to check on him. I really appreciate that they really seem to care about how he is doing

Kristen

Dr.Brar and his staff are very kind and the costs are reasonable.

Haeley Barton

Dr. Brar is generous with his knowledge, resources and time...a quality I find woefully lacking in my experience with other clinics around greater Victoria. I have never been up-sold on products or services here, and I always understand the recommendations and treatments my dog is receiving (IN ADVANCE so I can consent, which some other clinics seem to freewheel with). I have worked at 3 vet clinics and it is refreshing to know a veterinarian that cares so much about his patients - time in this emotionally charged industry has not jaded this man. I have also found him to be empathetic of my owner experience as I work through the difficult decisions we eventually find ourselves faced with. His staff are lovely, always doing their best and keeping a calm atmosphere. Pricing is more than reasonable for the value. My impression of Dr Brar is that he is introspective, I give him time to be contemplative during our appointments and ask him to share what he is thinking. This calm, quiet demeanour might seem odd to some people but it is exactly what my little creature needs and it resonates with me too. Highly recommend this quaint, locally owned clinic and am grateful for their service.

Anna Fletcher

I have been bringing my cats and my dog here since 2013, and it is by far one of the best veterinary hospitals I have been to. Dr. Brar and all of the staff there are very kind and gentle with the animals and are all absolutely delightful.

c s

This is by far the very best veterinarian we have ever had in 40 years of being dog owners. I like that Dr Brar has his own OR, so we know exactly who is looking after our dogs, and that they are not in a high stress environment with lots of other patients. Excellent alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, which have proved to be great alternatives to surgery. Can’t say enough good things about this practice!

Art Anywhere

Doctor and staff are very caring and professional, care about my cats well being

Jennifer Bourque

Dr.Brar is one of the best veterinarian on vancouver island. I moved to vancouver recently and will make the trip to see him.

harman singh

Dr. Brar goes above and beyond for your lived ones. Also they have amazing staff

Lise Rundle

Dr Brar is very easy to talk to and very knowledgeable. I would recommend him to anyone.

Colleen Stevenson

Dr. Brar is such a kind-hearted man! He has consistently taken great care of our dog.

Robin Wilcock

The best vet I’ve ever dealt with

Sarah Hawthorne

Best pet clinic in town! Highly recommend!

Sarah Bell

I went to Dr. Brar because my Dad's dog was a patient of his. My dog had been recently diagnosed with bladder cancer and my parents, suggested a second of opinion from their vet...aka...Dr. Brar. They gifted me the second of opinion visit (though I paid for all the herbal medicine he recommended), because they love their "Grand-dog". To start off, he is a different kind of guy..very stand-offish but I googled him and his qualifications are amazing. So even though he stood as far as possible from me in the visit and was visibly uncomfortable, it wasn't about me. It was about my girl. Long story short. I went into the exam with him and my dog. He tried a "new technique" on her that looked alot like a a brining kit for a Turkey without the needle. My dog was terrified...it made a kind of "pow" air noise as he pressed in onto her back. She was terrified. Then he did it a few minutes later...saying, "see how she isn't reacting?". All I could see was my dog vibrating in fear as she is very sensitive to sound being a rescue for a area with alot of gun shots. He also examined her and said she had muscular issues because she was "damp". Something she does not have as I mentioned to him. Anyway, we got past that, showed him her ultrasounds and xray's from another vet. He kept saying that without knowing the stage of the cancer and having a biopsy it is hard to figure out treatment. VERY TRUE FOR MOST CANCERS. In, Bladder cancer (I have since learned), if you biopsy, it is very easy to seed aka spread the cancer around....also, it is the size of the tumor that matters...whether it be Stage 2 or 4. I talked to 4 different Vet's about this including a holistic and a oncologist and they all agree, especially where my dogs'tumor was that at. In the end, he recommended a couple of Eastern medicines...which I bought..$150...plus my parents coverage of the visit. He also said he would talk to the Ultrasound guy and think about treatment for my dog and get back to me...that was mid June....my Dad mentioned that he talked to HIM about my dog abd her treatment about 2 weeks ago and was going to call me. So far no call....while my parents gifted me another opinion, there is no reason to talk about my dogs care WITHOUT EVER CONTACTING ME. Maybe he is a decent vet. But no one ever followed up with me. I found him at some points very rude. He had no patience with my questions...which is what a second opinion is especially, with a Eastern medicines Dr. And a cancer diagnosis....and more importantly, little patience with my dog. She was at the Vet...again, and scared and he took no time with her at all. Just told the Vet Tech to hold her. What a way to treat a animal with cancer.

Sandy Renaud

We are so grateful for Dr. Brar's excellent care for our pets! We lost our beautiful Sheltie, Lola, recently and Dr. Brar couldn't have been more compassionate and caring. He went above and beyond in helping us. Now we have our new wee 'Coco', a Shih Tzu puppy, so we'll look forward to having him as our Vet for her, as well as for our Himalayan cat, Chantilly. The staff are very friendly and caring as well.

adam forest

Dr Brar is quiet but he's very nice. Doesn't show much emotion when he speaks and seems like he tries to rush through the appointments. The girls in the front aren't friendly at all and almost rude.

A J

Kam Brar (Veterinarian) is rude, non-communicative, does not look at you when he does say something. He gives hurried cursory examinations and does not listen to you when you state your concern for your animal family member (pet). I would not give even a one star rating but you have to to post

Magdalena Anna

I visited this vet because my dog had an eye infection. There was a bit of a wait and the office could do with some updating, but those aren't really big issues for me. When I saw Dr. Brar he asked a couple of short questions and looked in my dog's eye two times (once with an eye stain). He told me that the eye looked ok and that he didn't need antibiotics, maybe just some drops. The entire appointment was less than 10 minutes. When I got my invoice there were two charges, an $89 consult fee and a $60 eye stain and exam fee. I certainly have no problem with the exam fee, that's what he did, but how can he justify an additional $89 when he never looked at any other part of the dog? He basically charged $156 (incl. tax) for 10 minutes of work. That's over $900 an hour. I called a different, well-respected vet's office, and they told me that an eye exam like that would cost $70 at the most at their clinic. Although I had no complaints about his eye exam or competency, I will not return to this clinic.

Clint McNichol

I can't recommend Lifeline highly enough. Dr. Brar is a fantastic veterinarian. He always puts the well being of his patients first with a view on both holistic and traditional medicine. The staff are great and I trust in Kam's assessments when my cat isn't well. Clint McNichol