Vancouver Feline Hospital

I dont know why anyone gives this place anything more than 1 star. The most unprofessional admin staff i have ever come across. Dr. Nicki does not have a high workload — she simply chooses not to work as much… two different things. They never answer their phone or emails. My cat has heart disease and her meds are a life or death matter. She has been running low and I need a refill prescription or transfer of records to another Vet and they won’t even do this for me in a timely manner. To top it off, the receptionist is so condescending — she keeps laughing with her colleagues while phone with me and when i ask whats so funny, she replies «just the fact that you keep calling so much even though we said doctor not available». SORRY THAT I CARE THAT MUCH ABOUT MY CAT.
When I find out who this receptionist is, she will undoubtedly receive a back hand from me.
I have had a million bad experiences with so many different orgs, however I didnt care enough to get on Unilocal.This is my first time and simply because the experience was so bad over a matter that means alot to me — my cat.

I have been calling them for a week straight on the days they are open and no answer. I find it unprofessional and unacceptable that a animal hospital does not even answer their phones but have 5 stars. Absolutely ridiculous I’ll take my business elsewhere

UPDATE: Dr. Nicky’s switch to house calls has proven successful. We enjoy no longer having to take our cats in, as the undue stress can worsen illness.

Excellent clinic. It’s hard to find a vet that both you AND your pet like. Dr. Nicky is very professional and has a real way with cats. Our Seamus got extremely ill while we were on an international holiday, (poor cat sitter) and had to be hospitalized. The feline hospital sent us updates daily on him and even sent pictures when they could. We felt better knowing he was in good hands. Dr. Nicky always has your pet’s best interest at heart, and will be honest with you (even if it isn’t what you want to hear). You won’t have to worry about having unnecessary procedures pushed on you here.
Most importantly, I cannot say enough good things about Lindsay, (receptionist, probably among other things there). Her updates really made us feel less helpless while away, she really went the extra mile to ease our minds. Truly the BEST clinic in Vancouver.

let me start by saying that i was worried when i saw the previous review that said this clinic was no longer accepting new patients– but i was really worried about our sick kitten and called them anyhow this morning– i got an appointment no problem– they did tell me that the doctor was not performing any neutering/​spaying operations and i said it was okay because my kitten was from a rescue organization that provided a free neuter/​spay with purchase from one of 6 specific vets covering the lower mainland region–
anyhow, so i was very relieved when i got an appointment that quickly for my kitten and i was not disappointed– they immediately knew what was wrong with my kitten and did not shame me for not bringing him in earlier– (i had taken him to 2 other vets on the north shore but he had been misdiagnosed and unfortunately became quite sick rather quickly) — dr. joosting and her male assistant were a brilliant team– both so gentle and soft spoken– the vet was fantastic and her experience was well apparent– i knew my kitten was in the best of hands– when all was said and done, she did not try to upsell me at all, my bill was very reasonable– i love this woman and her practice and feel so grateful i could get in to see her today– we live on the north shore, but it was worth the drive for me to see a vet who not only specializes in cats (this is VERY important in some cases), but especially to get dr. joosting’s expert opinion– thanks vancouver feline hospital…

NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
I’m about to bring a Sphynx into my life so it is very important for me to find a good vet. I’ve been sending out questionnaires to various vets around Vancouver.
Against my initial intuition (Vancouver Feline Hospital has a very poor website which gave me pause), I did read rave reviews and sent them an email. No response. I called them — voice mail. Not very encouraging. I sent one more email and then received this response this morning:
«sorry for the delay in getting back to you. We tend to be very busy here, Dr. Nicky is no longer accepting new patients due to her high workload. She still accepts new cases involving sick cats, but no young cats needing vaccinations, neuters, spays etc.
Regards
Thomas
Vancouver Feline Hospital
604−738−5100»
So, sadly, that is that. I was a little crestfallen, as all the reviews are so wonderful. But it is a testament to how great Dr. Nicky is.
And the search goes on…

I took my two older cats here to get rabies shots for a move. One of my cats is very anxious and traditionally he is a bit of a terror when it comes to the vet, but the doctor on duty here (sorry, I didn’t catch her name) was incredibly kind, calm, and patient. My nervous kitty had a much more calm experience than he’s ever had before at the vet.
The prices were reasonable, and on top of the vaccination and check-​up I was given a wealth of really good advice on preventative health care for older cats. I’m leaving Vancouver shortly, but if I was staying I absolutely would go back to the Vancouver Feline Hospital without hesitation.

I have a very uniquely delicate cat — stress induced bladder infections, stress induced everything really. Dr Nicky is so calm and kind with him, she is unbelievably knowledgeable, and she only does what she feels is necessary (for example: she held off on some dental surgery because she knew his other tooth would need taking out soon and wanted to do it all at once to minimize procedures).
Thomas, her helpful partner in practice, is also phenomenal. He makes you feel at ease and is always extremely empathetic.
Visit fees are on the more costly side, but its worth it!

Let’s get one thing straight: the last time I moved my previously feral girls, it resulted in having to cut them out of the wall in my new apartment…
They don’t like car rides.
So the thought of packaging three, yes, three of these timid but lovable little monsters up and shipping them across the pond?! Pour me a whisky folks, things are about to get stressful.
This past Monday, armed with the Mother Unit and tupperware with holes in it (YOU try and stick them in a little kennel — THEN you judge), we took Professor, Bean & Kramer to this little clinic to get poked, proded and chipped for our big adventure. We walked in with three howling, nervous cats and as two, much quieter but equally nervous women.
People. Take your cats here.
I never, in a million years thought this process would turn out to be so darn easy. Dr. Nicky is amazing. The woman speaks cat. Even with the most wily of my ladies, it was a quick pop out of the container, poke, check & chip. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am. All three girls were dealt with quickly, gently and without stress. It was a wonderful experience and a HUGE weight off my chest.
They had the five stars after the first cat. Then they did two more.
But besides being creatures of cat zen, this place has a few other perks up its sleeves.
1. It’s fairly priced. Moving three girls isn’t going to be a cheap excursion any way you cut it but here, I feel like it’s worth every penny. Each girl came to about $ 150 with exam, rabies & microchip.
2. They have private rooms — which is nice, when you have scaredy ladies in tow. You can pop them in the room and let them explore before the exam.
3. Their email correspondence is SO HELPFUL. Ok… this might sound weird, but I just spent the last month emailing vets around the city about this big move, and Thomas was hands down the most professional and helpful. I even had the chance to tour the spot before I brought the girls in.
4. They gave me tips to keep the monsters from fighting in the middle of the night (stress from the move) and the occasional RUNNING OVER MY FACE while fighting. The tips were on point and after a few adjustments, I woke up scar free.
These people are aces and i’m so glad I found them to help us out on our big adventure. Highly, highly recommend you pop in here with your fur beast.

Vancouver feline hospital is the best. Top care for my kitty, prompt follow up, thorough visit. They are friendly and awesome and i would never go anywhere else. Worth every penny for the peace of mind.

I was really nervous to go to an unfamiliar vet with my 4 month kitten. Even though she meowed the whole way there, she calmed down once they let us go into a private room and gave me toys to play with her.
The vet and the assistants were great! They were really calm and addressed all of my concerns, as well as giving me some relevant websites to read up on ‘how to raise your cat right.’ Who knew that you had to separate the water bowl from the food bowl?
I really appreciated how gentle they were with the kitten and the fact that the prices for the medicine and visit were quite reasonable.
I would recommend researching any issues that you may have and using the opportunity to ask the vet questions.

I was desperate to find a vet who was honest and trustworthy. After spending over $ 1000 at Animal Care Clinic in tests that were inconclusive, I needed my kitty tigger to get help fast. I came across feline hospital when I googled, wanting a cat specific vet. They do ultrasounds onsite which is cheaper and got us in quickly. The office has a room for you to release your cat and Thomas and Dr. Nicki are extremely open. You are invited to watch your beloved pet get treated. After spending over an hour with Tigger, I got the unfortunate news he has cancer. Dr. Nicki was extremely professional and caring. I was very lucky to have her and Thomas’s support through a very difficult time. Your pet will be in good hands.

5 Stars ++++
I have been a client of Dr. Nicky’s from the day she opened her clinic. I’ve worked in veterinary clinics in the past and have been working in the field for over 15 years. Dr. Nicky and her partner Thomas are truly amazing. They are real people with an honest approach. Dr. Nicky has clearly gone into this profession not only because she is passionate and brilliant, but also because she truly loves animals and wants the best for them. Her and Thomas will recommend what they think is best for your kitty and that is all. They won’t try to up sell you or take advantage of the love you have for your kitty. I’ve never met anyone so knowledgeable, loving and devoted as these people. They will make you feel at home in their beautiful, clean and cat friendly clinic. I’ve learned more about cats and what they need from being a client of Dr. Nicky than I’ve ever learned in my years of experience in the industry. Hand down, as far as I’m concerned, if you have a cat this is the only place you should be taking them.

Dr Nicky and Thomas took care of our cat for 5 years from the time he was 12 to when he was put down at 17 years old. Throughout that time we received no less than stellar service and attention from them both. He also boarded with them when we were out of the country for 2 weeks earlier this year and he was so happy there, he almost didn’t want to come home!
As our cat aged, he developed symptoms that needed careful diagnosing and testing and Dr Nicky was very logical and pragmatic in her approach. She patiently taught us how to test his blood sugar, administer insulin, administer IV fluids with various meds, administer steroids and pain medication. At the end of his life, they held our boy and cried along with us as he passed away. A few days after he passed, they sent us a personal bereavement card, which really helped us through the grieving process.
I can’t recommend this veterinary hospital enough.

We feel very fortunate that we discovered Dr Nicki and Thomas. The clinic has a calm, quiet atmosphere and Dr Nicki’s gentle, soft-​spoken way of examining cats on the floor all help to relax our cats. Her knowledge and expertise is top-​notch and we feel that our cats are getting the very best veterinary care available in the Lower Mainland at a very reasonable cost.

What a great place. I feel like I’m just parrotting the other reviews, but they’re all right: Dr Nicki Joosting and Thomas are both awesome and were really great with our cat and diagnosed his problem in a snap. It was easy and fast and nothing unnecessary was done. Both the cat and I were very happy.
Other things:
— private rooms where your cat gets to explore around and get comfortable before seeing Dr Joosting
— really open to being called up about anything, Thomas (he’s the one who isn’t Dr Nicki) really knows what’s up and is just a phone call away. or e-​mail!
— very very reasonably priced
— great environment
Really, there is no reason to take your cat anywhere else. Originally we took our cat to Cats Only — they never diagnosed his problem, and we were charged a pile of money. Don’t do that. Go to VFH!

I’m so happy I took my cat here. Words cannot describe the amazing and successful surgery they performed on my Cat. Both Dr. Nicky and Thomas are exceptional people. Highly talented and bring warmth and loving care all around. My cat is super scared when going to the vet but oddly enough she climbed into her kennel just to go to the vet! i was in disbelief. awww love her so much. Definitely recommend bringing your cat here.

Hands down, Dr Nicky is the best vet I have ever taken my cats to. It’s her calm demeanor, her encyclopedic knowledge and practical tips that make a visit to the vet’s office an actual pleasure rather than a dreaded chore.
Dr Nicky sits on the floor with my cats, rather than standing them (unwillingly) on an examination table, and she allows them the space and time to skulk around and check her out before handling them. For my skittish beasts, this is a welcome respite from vets who seem hellbent on terrifying them. Even though my cat Kevin is a mean mean cat who scratches her, she still seems to genuinely like him! Hell, I barely do! ;)
She has never tried to «upsell» me, and in fact, she balks at overly recommending particular brands of food lest she seem like she is trying to make a quick buck. This is such a welcome change!
My guys have been visiting Dr Nicky for 6 years, and my little cat Trixie even had surgery here, all with great results. Her receptionist/​assistant Thomas is also amazing.
I cannot recommend Dr Nicky Joosting more strongly. You won’t be disappointed with her level of care, kindness and professionalism.

The team here are superb. I wish I could get this level of care from my GP.
Dr. Joosting is exceptionally knowledgeable (and passionate) about feline treatment and health, this is why I think she has specialized. She is especially keen on preventative care which to me is always a great sign.
They are also very reasonable in price and they keep a clean, friendly facility.

We have been taking our cat Zaskar to Dr. Nicky Joosting since she opened the Hospital in 2003 after we had tried many others. We know our beloved cat Zaskar was a handful of a patient!!! Dr Nicky and Thomas always took the very best care in handling Zaskar. We recently had to put Zaskar to rest, the hardest time in our lives. Dr. Nicky did everything she could for Zaskar to have a long happy healthy life. I would highly recommend this VERY CLEAN feline Hospital to anyone who wants the very best for their Cat.
RIP Zaskar