Routine pet care services at South Fraser Animal Hospital give your dog or cat the foundation for a long, healthy life in Abbotsford, BC. From core vaccinations and annual wellness exams to year-round parasite prevention and everyday grooming care, our team handles the full range of preventive and routine services under one roof. We are open seven days a week, including weekday evenings, so that consistent care fits comfortably into your schedule.
Vaccines protect your dog or cat from a range of serious and preventable illnesses. At South Fraser Animal Hospital, we build individualized vaccination schedules based on your pet's age, health history, and lifestyle risk factors. Core vaccines for dogs include DHPP and rabies. Core vaccines for cats include FVRCP and rabies. We also discuss lifestyle vaccines, including Bordetella, leptospirosis, and Lyme for dogs, and feline leukemia for cats, at your first visit. We offer split-visit vaccine appointments for pets who benefit from shorter sessions.
A yearly wellness exam is the most important preventive step you can take for your dog or cat. Our veterinarians perform a thorough physical examination covering eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, lymph nodes, and body condition. These visits help us catch early changes before they become serious concerns, update your pet's care plan, and address any questions you bring. Puppies and kittens need more frequent visits during their first year, and we recommend semi-annual exams for senior pets aged seven and older.
Fleas are a year-round concern in Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley. A single flea can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and tapeworm infections in dogs and cats. Our team recommends safe, veterinarian-selected preventive products suited to your pet's age, weight, and lifestyle. Consistent prevention is far more effective than managing an active infestation. We review your prevention plan at every visit and update it as your pet's needs change throughout the year.
Heartworm is a serious condition spread by mosquitoes that affects the heart and lungs of dogs and, less commonly, cats. While local risk in BC is lower than in eastern Canada and the US, pets that travel to endemic regions or spend extended time outdoors in high-mosquito areas benefit from a preventive plan. We assess your pet's risk at every wellness visit and discuss whether a preventive product is the right step given their lifestyle.
Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley have an active tick population, including deer ticks and American dog ticks found in wooded trails, fields, and riverside areas near the Fraser River. Year-round or seasonal prevention is recommended for dogs with regular outdoor access. We help you choose the right prevention product for your pet's age, weight, and activity level, and thorough tick checks after every outdoor outing remain essential regardless of what prevention product is used.
A microchip is a permanent, low-risk form of identification that can reunite you with your pet if they are ever lost. The chip, approximately the size of a grain of rice, is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades in a quick, low-stress procedure. If your pet is found and scanned at a shelter or veterinary clinic, the chip links to your contact information in a national registry. We recommend microchipping for all dogs and cats, and it can be done at any age or alongside a spay or neuter procedure.
Intestinal parasites are common in dogs and cats across the Fraser Valley. Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and Giardia can cause digestive upset, poor growth, and weight loss, and some can be transmitted to people in your household. Many infected pets show no obvious signs, which is why routine fecal testing and a regular deworming schedule are recommended even for pets that appear healthy. We discuss deworming frequency based on your pet's lifestyle and level of outdoor exposure.
Healthy ears begin with regular cleaning. Waxy buildup and debris can lead to discomfort and infections, particularly in dogs with floppy ears or those who spend time in water. Our team checks your pet's ears during every wellness visit and performs gentle cleaning using veterinarian-approved products when needed. If your pet is prone to ear issues, we will recommend a home-care routine to maintain ear health between clinic visits.
Regular nail trims keep your dog or cat comfortable and prevent the pain and gait problems that come with overgrown nails. Nails that are too long can curl toward the paw pad or cause your pet to walk unevenly, placing added strain on joints over time. Our team approaches nail trims calmly and patiently, including for pets who find the process stressful, and we can advise on home trimming techniques to extend the time between clinic visits.
Anal glands are small sacs located on either side of your pet's rectum that can cause significant discomfort when they become overfull or impacted. Signs include scooting across the floor, excessive licking at the area, or a persistent fishy odor. Manual expression during a routine visit provides quick relief. For pets with recurring anal gland concerns, we discuss long-term strategies including dietary adjustments that may help reduce the frequency of issues.
Veterinary products and supplements can support joint health, skin and coat condition, digestive balance, and more, but not every product is appropriate for every pet. Our team reviews your pet's current health, age, and body weight before making any recommendation, and we source only veterinarian-grade products evaluated for safety and efficacy. We are happy to review anything your pet is already taking and advise on whether it is appropriate and well-dosed.
Most adult dogs and cats benefit from a wellness exam once a year. Senior pets aged seven and older are typically seen every six months. Puppies and kittens need more frequent visits during their first year to complete their vaccine series and monitor growth. Call us at (604) 855-0770 to book.
Core vaccines for dogs include DHPP and rabies. Cats receive FVRCP and rabies as core vaccines. Lifestyle vaccines such as Bordetella, leptospirosis, and Lyme for dogs, and feline leukemia for cats, are discussed based on your pet’s risk profile. We build a personalized schedule at your first visit.
Yes. The Abbotsford area has an active tick population, including deer ticks and American dog ticks found in wooded and riverside areas. We recommend veterinarian-approved tick prevention for dogs with regular outdoor access, alongside thorough tick checks after every outing.
Microchipping can be done at any age, including at the first puppy or kitten visit. Many owners choose to have it done alongside a spay or neuter. We recommend it for all dogs and cats as a permanent, reliable form of identification.
Common signs include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, a pot-bellied appearance, and scooting. Many pets carry parasites without visible symptoms. Routine fecal testing is the most reliable way to detect parasites early and confirm that a deworming plan is working.
Schedule your pet’s next wellness visit at South Fraser Animal Hospital in Abbotsford. Book online at southfraseranimalhospital.com/make-an-appointment/ or call us at (604) 855-0770. Open seven days a week, including evenings.
