Harbour Veterinary Clinic

05/28/2026

While Harbour Veterinary Clinic operates independently as a full-service veterinary clinic, we are proud to work closely alongside IBKC and share the same board.

The Safe Harbour program is fully funded by IBKC, with all applications and approvals managed through the rescue. We’re incredibly excited to collaborate on this initiative so more pets and families can access veterinary care when they need it most.

We are piloting a new program to help subsidize the cost of veterinary care for residents of Vancouver Island. Please read the entire page to see the things we can support and the things that are e…

04/23/2026

We’ve had a few questions today and wanted to clarify 💛

Itty Bitty Kitty Committee and Harbour Veterinary Clinic are two separate legal organizations, operating in completely different locations with separate teams and day-to-day operations. It was important to us from the very beginning to keep the two entities seperate for accountability and animal welfare.

While IBKC is currently managing a parvo situation within their rescue, there are no cases of parvo at Harbour Veterinary Clinic. We do not have any parvo-positive or suspected animals in the clinic.

As always, we follow strict cleaning and infection control protocols to keep our space safe for all patients.

If you have an upcoming appointment, you can feel confident that it is safe to attend. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

Thank you for your understanding and for supporting both organizations in the work they do in our community 🐾

04/17/2026

In Memory of Dr. Erin Heck

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Erin Heck, a member of the veterinary community from Alberta.

She was someone who chose a life of caring—for animals, for people, and for her community. That kind of work asks a lot from those who do it.

Her loss is a painful reminder that behind every veterinary professional is a human being—someone carrying the weight of this work, often quietly.

We ask that you keep this in mind in your interactions with veterinary staff. Kindness, patience, and understanding matter more than you may realize.

Today, we hold space for Dr. Heck and for all those who continue to show up each day to care for others.

With care,
Harbour Veterinary Clinic

04/11/2026

🐰 TNR isn’t just for cats… it’s for rabbits too.

This week, we started a rabbit TNR (trap-neuter-return) right here in Victoria.

There are so many pet rabbits being dumped across our community. When left outside, they don’t just “figure it out”… they fight, breed rapidly, and the situation spirals fast. What starts as a few abandoned pets can quickly become a large, struggling population.

We know there aren’t enough homes for all of them right now. But even when we can’t bring them all inside, we can still make a difference.

✨ By spaying and neutering, we:
• Reduce fighting and suffering
• Decrease stress from hormones
• Stop the cycle of endless breeding

It’s not a perfect solution—but it is relief, and it does matter.

💛 Huge thank you to GVAC and Broken Promises Rescue for taking on the trapping, recovery, and return for this project. This work is hard, emotional, and so important.

🚫 And please—don’t dump your pets outside.
Domestic rabbits cannot survive the way people think they can. Abandonment leads to suffering, not freedom.

If you need help, reach out. There are always better options.

03/15/2026

Our furry neighbours are professional investigators when it comes to finding things they shouldn’t! 🕵️‍♂️ Since March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, we’re sharing the top toxins we see here at Harbour Vet.

The 'Big Three' treated most often:
1. Lilies (Dangerous for cats: even just the pollen!)
2. Chocolate & Xylitol (Check those sugar-free gum and peanut butter labels!)
3. Human meds (Advil and Tylenol are major no-nos).

Some surprising ones: grapes, raisins, onions, and even some essential oil diffusers can cause real trouble. 🌿

At Harbour Vet, we’re committed to being here for our community when things go wrong. As a locally-owned clinic, your pet's safety is our top priority.

Keep those counters clear and noses out of the grocery bags! If you’re ever worried about what your favourite explorer ate, give us a shout or book a check-up online anytime. 🐾❤️

03/10/2026

They say it takes a village, and at Harbour Vet, we truly believe it takes a community to look after animals in need. 🐾

We are so proud of our partnership with local rescues and the BC SPCA. These teams work tirelessly to give every pet a second chance, and we’re honoured to support their mission.

To help these animals on their way to forever homes, we provide discounted services whenever we can, same-day appointments for urgent rescue needs, and dedicated medical care for pets in foster. Whether it's a tiny kitten or a senior dog, our community clinic is here to ensure they are healthy and ready for their new families.

Supporting local rescues is a core part of our mission. We’re grateful for the trust the BC SPCA and our partners place in our team every day.

If you're thinking about adding a new member to your family, please consider adopting from a local rescue! And if your own furry friend is due for a visit, you can book an appointment online anytime. Supporting us helps us keep supporting them. ❤️

03/08/2026

Behind every wagging tail at Harbour Vet is a powerhouse of women. As we look toward International Women’s Day on March 8th, we’re celebrating the incredible women who are the heart and centre of our clinic.

From the front desk to the surgery suite, our team is driven by a deep commitment to our neighbours. We aren't just here to work; we’re here because we truly care about your family and your pets.

At Harbour Vet, we’re proud to be a locally-owned, women-led team dedicated to providing compassionate, accessible care for every pet that walks through our doors. Whether it’s a routine check-up or complex dental work, we’re here for you.

Thank you for trusting us with your furry family members. We’re so proud to be part of this community! ❤️🐾

03/05/2026

Being a "Harbour Hero" isn’t just about the stethoscopes and the scrubs. To us, it’s about being the vet clinic our neighbourhood deserves. 🐾

We’re proud to be locally owned and independent. Why does that matter? It means when you walk through our doors, you’re not just a number in a corporate database. You’re our neighbour. We don’t have a distant head office telling us how to care for your pets: we listen to you instead.

That independence gives us the freedom to focus on what really counts: building long-term relationships and making sure every patient: like this sweet senior soul catching some midday rays: feels safe, valued, and loved. ☀️

We’re so grateful to be a part of this community. Thank you for choosing local and trusting us with your furry family members. It’s a responsibility we never take for granted.

Looking to join the Harbour Vet family? We’d love to meet you.

Book an appointment online or give us a shout! 🏥✨

03/03/2026

Is it really a Victoria afternoon if we haven't checked the forecast three times and still got caught in a downpour? ☔️

We all know that classic "wet dog" scent, but there’s something a bit more important than the smell to keep an eye on during our rainy season. Welcome to our first edition of Waiting Room Wisdom!

When our pups come in from a soggy walk, it’s tempting to just give them a quick once-over with a towel and call it a day. But those little spaces between their toes and paw pads can trap moisture, leading to itchy skin or even pesky irritations. It’s one of those small things that can turn into a big discomfort for your furry friend.

Our best tip? Keep a designated "paw towel" by the door and make sure to get right in between those toes to keep them dry and happy. If your pup is prone to sensitive skin, a quick blow-dry on the coolest setting can work wonders too.

Happy splashing out there! If those paws are looking a bit red or your pet is licking them more than usual, we’re always here to help.

Give us a shout or book an appointment online anytime. We'd love to see you and your favourite four-legged puddle jumper! 🐾

03/01/2026

The Vancouver ‘green’ we love is waking up: and unfortunately, so are the local hitchhikers. 🐾

In our rainy climate, flea and tick season starts early. Between the damp puddles and forest trails, it’s already prime time for pests to find a home. If your sleek lab-mix or favourite senior cat is scratching more lately, it’s likely time for a spring tune-up before the heat really hits.

At Harbour Vet, we believe in keeping care accessible and honest. As an independent clinic, we’re focused on looking after our neighbours and making sure your pets stay healthy and happy year-round.

Give us a shout or book an appointment online to stock up on prevention or chat about the best options for your furry family. We’re always happy to help keep those tails wagging! ❤️