Group Commercial Director meets with VIPs (Very Important Pets) in Canada

At Woodbridge Animal Hospital in Ontario, Phil and Jason were joined by Kathy Gilewicz, Operations Director VetStrategy and Practice Manager, Lindsey Hannan, who was delighted to welcome them to their impressive new space, having moved to this larger site earlier this year. Thanks to investment made possible by VetStrategy, their new premises are modern and spacious, and the number of examination rooms has increased from one to four. Time was spent meeting team members, owners and their pets, and hearing all about the exciting plans to expand the team and their service offering, as well as care for increased numbers of local pets in the new rooms.

Royal York Animal Hospital (pictured top left) has played a crucial role in the lives of local pets and owners for over 40 years. They’re particularly proud of their accreditation by The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) for exceeding stringent quality standards, as well as gaining recognition as a certified Cat Friendly clinic. Every individual team member also has a Fear Free Certification, which means they’re trained in how to take the fear our of a trip to the vets for patients.  

During their visit here, Phil and Jason met Grace – an adorable puppy who was recently brought into the clinic with Parvovirus, a highly contagious disease that can be fatal. The owner was unable to care for Grace, so Receptionist, Nancy adopted her. After receiving the emergency care she so desperately needed, Grace has become an important member of the Hospital team and helps to welcome owners and patients when they visit. 

North Hill Animal Hospital in Bolton (pictured right) was one of the first practices to join the VetStrategy family more than 11 years ago and has been taking care of local pet patients since 1986. Bonnie, Practice Manager (above) showed the team around the hospital, which is AAHA accredited, and has recently invested in a separate cat entrance and cat-only exam room, complete with a cat pheromone diffuser to help cats feel safe: improvements which have led to silver level accreditation as a Cat Friendly Practice. 

Phil and Jason learnt about the recognition the Hospital had gained locally for their fantastic work, including being voted Favourite Veterinary Service in Caledon by the Bolton community for the 6th year in a row, and achieving the Diamond Award (1st Place) at the Caledon Enterprise Readers’ Choice Awards - for Best Veterinary Services two years in a row. 

During their visit to Richview Animal Hospital, Phil and Jason heard how the team has been widening the more traditional veterinary services they offer to further meet the needs of local pet owners with the recent introduction of acupuncture. It’s been particularly well received by owners with pet patients who have been diagnosed with arthritis and joint inflammation, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative joint disease. 

Phil McNally tells us, “It was great to visit colleagues at our Hospitals in Canada. Reflecting on my trip, what really stood out was the important role our clinical teams play in their local communities. With owners increasingly regarding their pets as members of the family, their appreciation of the important part our veterinary teams play in their communities was extremely visible, and something our hospital teams are right to be proud of. Great to see how our investments in practices and people are helping them to deliver the animal care their communities deserve. Huge thanks to Jason, the VetStrategy team, and the Hospital teams, for hosting me on such an insightful trip!”