Find answers to the most common questions about veterinary care at PoCo West Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam. From booking your first appointment to understanding your pet’s health needs at every life stage, our team is here to help. If your question is not answered below, call us directly at (604) 554-1255. We are open seven days a week and are always happy to talk through any concern about your dog or cat.
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Please note that consultations begin at 9:00 AM. The clinic opens at 8:00 AM for administrative purposes. For the most current hours, check Google Maps. After-hours emergencies can be directed to Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Surrey at (604) 514-8383.
You can book an appointment online at pocowestvets.ca/make-an-appointment/ or call us directly at (604) 554-1255 during clinic hours. We recommend calling for same-day or urgent appointments so our team can prepare for your arrival. New clients can also complete a registration form at pocowestvets.ca/new-client-registration/ before their first visit.
We recommend booking ahead to reduce wait times, but we do our best to accommodate same-day and walk-in visits, particularly for urgent concerns. Call us at (604) 554-1255 when you arrive or before heading in, so our team can give you an accurate wait time and prepare the right resources for your pet’s visit.
Yes. We are open Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with consultations beginning at 9:00 AM both days. Weekend appointments are popular, so we recommend booking in advance. Call (604) 554-1255 or book online at pocowestvets.ca/make-an-appointment/.
For emergencies outside our hours, we recommend Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital at 10436 173 St, Surrey, BC, available 24 hours a day at (604) 514-8383. If your pet has a life-threatening emergency such as difficulty breathing, collapse, inability to urinate, suspected poisoning, or severe injury, please go directly to an emergency clinic rather than waiting.
Yes, we welcome new clients from Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody, and the surrounding Tri-Cities area. You can register online at pocowestvets.ca/new-client-registration/ or call us at (604) 554-1255 to schedule your first appointment. Bringing any existing veterinary records from your previous clinic helps us provide continuity of care at your first visit.
Bring your pet’s existing vaccination records, any previous health history or test results, a list of any products your pet is currently on, and a fresh stool sample if your pet is due for a parasite screening. For cats, please bring them in a secure carrier. For dogs, use a well-fitted leash and collar or harness. Arriving a few minutes early helps with check-in.
Yes. We provide veterinary care for dogs and cats across all life stages, from puppies and kittens through to seniors. Our team is experienced with both species and tailors every wellness visit, preventive care plan, and health assessment to the individual needs of your companion.
Puppies typically receive their first vaccines at 8 weeks of age. The core series continues at 12 and 16 weeks, with a booster one year later. We also recommend leptospirosis vaccination for puppies in Port Coquitlam given local wildlife exposure risk near trails and waterways. Starting on schedule gives your puppy the strongest protection during their most vulnerable period. Call (604) 554-1255 to book your first puppy visit.
Most core vaccines are boosted one year after the puppy or kitten series, then every one to three years depending on the specific vaccine and your pet’s lifestyle. Lifestyle vaccines such as Bordetella and leptospirosis may be recommended annually for at-risk pets. We review your pet’s records at every wellness visit and recommend only what is clinically appropriate for your individual companion.
Yes. Indoor cats still need core vaccines, particularly FVRCP (feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) and rabies. These viruses can be carried into the home on clothing or through contact with other animals. We also recommend FeLV vaccination for cats with any potential exposure risk. Annual wellness visits allow us to monitor your cat’s health and keep vaccines current.
Yes. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected wildlife, including raccoons and deer, and is present in standing water and soil. Port Coquitlam’s trails, parks, and proximity to the Pitt River area create real exposure risk for local dogs. Leptospirosis is also transmissible to humans. We strongly recommend the vaccine for all dogs in Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities area.
The most effective approach is to keep the carrier out at home as a permanent piece of furniture rather than only bringing it out for vet visits. Place treats, bedding, and toys inside regularly. Spray the interior with Feliway pheromone spray 15 minutes before travel. Cats that associate their carrier with comfort travel much more calmly. Our team is happy to discuss low-stress carrier training strategies at your next visit.
Signs that require same-day or immediate attention include difficulty breathing, collapse or sudden weakness, seizures, suspected poisoning, inability to urinate (especially male cats), severe vomiting or diarrhea with blood, a distended or painful abdomen, deep lacerations, pale or white gums, and uncontrolled bleeding. During our hours, call (604) 554-1255 and come in right away. For after-hours emergencies, contact Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital at (604) 514-8383.
A cat that is straining to urinate with little or no output is experiencing a potential urinary blockage, which is a life-threatening emergency. Do not wait. During our clinic hours, call (604) 554-1255 immediately. If it is outside our hours, go directly to Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Surrey at (604) 514-8383. Every minute matters with a urinary blockage.
Call us immediately at (604) 554-1255 and tell us what your dog ate, how much, and when. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian. Common household toxins for dogs include chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, and certain plants. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is also available 24 hours at (888) 426-4435. Time is critical with toxic ingestion.
Yes. We accommodate same-day urgent visits during our clinic hours whenever possible. We are open seven days a week, including weekday evenings until 10:00 PM. Call ahead at (604) 554-1255 so our team can prepare for your arrival and minimize your wait. For life-threatening emergencies, come directly and call from the parking lot.
Yes. Professional veterinary dental cleaning requires general anesthesia to allow safe, thorough access to all tooth surfaces and below the gum line where disease actually develops. Awake procedures without anesthesia cannot address the areas where most dental disease lives and are not recommended. We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork before every dental procedure to confirm anesthetic safety for your pet.
Bad breath in dogs and cats is almost always a sign of dental disease. By the time odor is noticeable, tartar buildup and gum inflammation are typically already established. We recommend booking a wellness visit so our team can assess your pet’s oral health. Left unaddressed, dental disease causes pain and can affect organ health over time.
We offer in-house bloodwork including complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry panels, geriatric panels, urinalysis, snap testing for common infections, progesterone testing, and endocrinology panels covering conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorders, Cushing’s disease, and Addison’s disease. Results for in-house panels are typically available within 20 to 30 minutes. We explain every result clearly before you leave the clinic.
Yes. We have in-clinic digital X-ray and ultrasound available for dogs and cats. Digital X-ray provides high-quality images for evaluating bones, lungs, the heart, and abdominal organs. Ultrasound allows real-time imaging of soft tissues and organs without radiation. Both are available during regular clinic hours. Specialist echocardiograms and mobile abdominal ultrasound are available through a visiting specialist by appointment.
We recommend annual bloodwork for dogs and cats aged 7 and older, and biannual testing for pets over 10. Senior bloodwork screens for early kidney changes, liver function, thyroid levels, blood sugar, and other metabolic markers that do not produce obvious symptoms until significantly advanced. Early identification through routine testing allows for management strategies that meaningfully improve your senior pet’s quality of life.
A simple body condition score check helps assess weight. At a healthy weight, you should be able to feel your pet’s ribs easily without pressing hard, and their waist should be visible from above. If you cannot feel the ribs or if there is no visible waist tuck, your pet may be overweight. Our team checks body condition score at every wellness visit and can provide a personalized weight management plan if needed.
Choose a food with an AAFCO adequacy statement for growth or all life stages. Large breed puppies specifically need a formula designed for their size to support controlled bone development. Feed measured meals on a consistent schedule, three times daily until 12 weeks and twice daily thereafter. We review your puppy’s diet and body condition at every visit. Our team is happy to discuss specific food options at your first appointment.
We work with most pet insurance providers. Typically, you pay for services at the time of your visit and then submit the claim to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Some plans offer direct billing. We recommend confirming your plan’s claim process directly with your provider. We are happy to provide invoices and documentation needed for your claim. Canadian providers include Trupanion, Pets Plus Us, Fetch, and Petsecure.
Many families find that insurance provides valuable financial protection against unexpected accidents and illnesses. The key is enrolling before any health conditions develop, as pre-existing conditions are typically excluded. Puppies and kittens are the best candidates for enrollment. When comparing plans, look at deductibles, reimbursement percentage, annual limits, and what is excluded. We are happy to discuss what to look for at your first visit.
Please call us at (604) 554-1255 to discuss payment options. We understand that unexpected veterinary costs can be a concern for families. We will do our best to discuss your options and ensure your pet receives the care they need.
We are located at 108 – 2748 Lougheed Hwy, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 6P2. We are easily accessible from Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, and Port Moody. Parking is available on-site. For directions, visit Google Maps or call us at (604) 554-1255. We are open seven days a week to serve the Tri-Cities area.
If you do not see the answer you are looking for, our team is here to help. Call PoCo West Animal Hospital in Port Coquitlam at (604) 554-1255 or book online at pocowestvets.ca/make-an-appointment/. We are open seven days a week, including evenings Monday through Friday.
