One afternoon, I found myself in a bit of a panic because my dog had been acting a little strange, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. I knew I had to act quickly, but with so many vet clinics around, I had no idea where to start.
Thankfully, the closest vet in my area was not only calm and compassionate but thorough in explaining what was going on. My pet was treated with care, and I left feeling relieved, knowing I had found a vet I could trust.
If you’re in the same boat, looking for the best care for your furry friends in Ottawa, you’re in luck! I’ve put together a list of top-rated vets in the city—each one known for their expertise, compassionate care, and commitment to your pet’s well-being!
How much does a vet clinic cost in Ottawa?
In Ottawa, the cost of a vet clinic visit typically ranges from $40 to $3,000. This price depends on the type of service required, such as routine check-ups or more specialised procedures like surgery or emergency care.
Carling Animal Hospital

Address: 2268 Carling Ave
Phone: +16137253439
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM
Carling Animal Hospital stands out for their expertise—they’ve been around since 1989! That’s a long time in our books, and it made us feel confident in their service!
We’re just iffy that they’re closed during weekends, which might pose an inconvenience if you have an emergency or a busy weekday schedule.
On the upside, customers we spoke with praised the staff for their quick response, even returning calls the morning after late-night messages. Vets are also described as patient, calming, and detail-oriented, so both pets and owners feel at ease.
We also appreciate how the staff takes the time to explain complex cases, making it easy for new owners and concerned furparents to understand what’s going on.
Furthermore, the clinic is also praised for its ability to handle a range of animals, including more exotic pets like rabbits, which not all clinics cater to!
Truly cares
“We always have such a good experience here! From the vets to techs to the front desk staff 🙂 they truly care about your pets and if there are any miscommunications they take the time to make things right. Really appreciate all they do and could not recommend them more for your furry friends!”
-Sarah Fredericks, Google Review
Extremely satisfactory services
“On August 13th I brought my big brown Newfoundland dog, SANDY, in to have her annual examination, shots and bloodwork done with her new Vet, Dr. Kelia Bascom, whom I found to be extremely warm and caring as well as thorough and highly-comfortable with SANDY. All of my concerns were responded to and my visit was extremely satisfactory. We have been using CAH for decades, and with Dr. Bascom as SANDY’s new Vet, we will continue to do so and highly recommend this veterinary facility to everyone as we always have done. SANDY will be going in for her monthly grooming session with Shana in the near future, so that too is excellently performed and caringly done. Thanks to all doctors, technicians, staff and groomers at Carling Animal Hospital from Val and SANDY Frost. They are the best.”
-Val Frost, Google Review
Algonquin Animal Hospital

Address: 1945 Baseline Rd
Phone: +16137010918
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 7 PM
If you’re looking for a vet that treats your pet like family, Algonquin Animal Hospital might just be the place. We experienced how incredibly accommodating and genuinely caring they are with our furbaby.
We also observed that the staff here know how to keep both pets and owners at ease, from handling allergies to providing immediate care. They’re also great at explaining the details, so you never feel like you’re in the dark about your pet’s health.
In addition, they approve bookings very quickly, which is especially helpful when something urgent pops up.
However, they’re closed on weekends, which can make things tricky if you need help outside regular weekday hours. It’s something to keep in mind if your schedule leans toward weekends or if you’re looking for a vet with seven-day availability.
Informative clinic
“The young lady that works at the front desk is amazing I called with a random question and she was more then happy to answer and was able to help ease my head, my cat has a kidney disease and has her heat cycles when I called just to clarify some things about her behaviour the young lady was more than happy to answer my question thank you so much for your time today. 😁”
-Mackenzie Moisan, Google Review
Excellent animan care
“We have always received excellent care at Algonquin Animal Hospital. All of the staff are kind, understanding, and very knowledgeable. We bring our dog and cats here and feel they are always very well taken care of. I would highly recommend bringing your pets here.”
-Kate, Google Review
West Carleton Animal Hospital

Address: 3710 Carp Rd, Carp
Phone: +16138391115
Business Hours:
- Monday and Thursday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday and Friday- 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 1 PM
When we visited West Carleton Animal Hospital, we were amazed at the number of services they offer. They have general wellness exams, parasite prevention, digital radiography (x-rays), ultrasound, and more!
When we visited them, we noted how attentive they were at handling our dog. Plus, from the moment we entered to when we’re about to leave, our experience was hassle-free.
Another thing we appreciate is the thoughtfulness and sensitivity of the staff, including the vets, when it comes to saying goodbye to a pet. Many furparents we surveyed commended them for not rushing the process and then helped them feel supported.
One drawback, however, is that they are closed on Sundays, which might not work for everyone’s schedule.
Pleasant care
“We have brought multiple dogs and cats here over the years and always had good experiences. Great front end staff and very pleasant to deal with”
-Bright Idea Property Group, Google Review
So much care
“My dog never liked going to the vet before when we lived in Dakar, Senegal even though the vet was great and affectionate. Her tail wags when she comes to this clinic. The staff is great and caring.”
-Marie-Lise Bassey, Google Review
Centretown Veterinary Hospital

Address: 955 Somerset St W
Phone: +16135670500
Business Hours:
- Monday – 8 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 8 AM to 7 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 1 PM
Centretown Veterinary Hospital went on our radar because they’re highly regarded for its focus on pet well-being and ethical practices.
We tagged along the appointment of our staffer who brought her cat, and we were impressed by the thorough approach of the veterinarians. We appreciate how they took the time to explain every detail of our appointment and the status of her pet.
We also commend the vet’s transparency and communication because it eased her concerns, making the experience much less stressful. Communication is another strong suit they possess because the staff are quick and clear in their responses.
This efficiency extends to the front desk, with many clients commenting on how friendly and organised the entire team is. Whether it’s for routine vaccinations or more complex care, clients have shared that their pets were treated gently and professionally.
However, like some other veterinary services, Centretown Veterinary Hospital is closed on Sundays. While this may not be a dealbreaker for most, it could be inconvenient if you need assistance over the weekend, especially if there’s an emergency.
Great vet
“After having gone through a couple other vets, we are relieved to have finally found a spot that feels right just as Markus heads into his golden years. Thank you Centretown for a great first visit, and to Dr Thom for taking the time to discuss all options and steps to help us ensure Markus continues to age gracefully.”
-Amanda Alois Herr, Google Review
Genuine support
“My beautiful aging cat is having health problems. This place is helping us through this with kindness, patience and great veterinary advice. They provide many options for treatment and are understanding/respectful of your choices for care. We came from a very bad veterinary experience in The Glebe and now dealing with Centretown is like a ray of sunshine. I feel lucky to have found them. Of special note: Effie the office manager – if you have to go to her for any reason, you will find a fair, compassionate listener. Dr. Thom – Another one who actually listens to you – knowledgeable, takes time to help you figure out what you need to do.”
-Lynn L, Google Review
VCA Canada Ottawa Veterinary Hospital

Address: 2148 Carling Ave Unit 7
Phone: +16137251182
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Monday, Saturday – Open 24 hours
- Tuesday to Friday – 8 AM to 12 AM
VCA Canada Ottawa Veterinary Hospital stands out for its exceptional care, though it’s worth noting that the services are priced on the higher end. Overall, we think that quality of care and the state-of-the-art facilities justify the expense.
The hospital’s ability to handle urgent cases, even during odd hours, is something that we appreciate. Other pet owners expressed the same appreciation for the immediate attention they received during critical situations.
Another thing we want to highlight is how compassionate and knowledgeable the staff are. From thorough diagnostics to clear explanations of treatment plans, the team kept us informed every step of the way.
Furthermore, former customers we surveyed mentioned feeling well-supported during challenging moments, such as making end-of-life decisions for their pets. The staff’s empathy and patience during such times have left lasting impressions on them.
Daily updates via text messages have also been praised as a way to keep you informed, reducing stress during your pets’ recovery.
Super friendly staff
“My 4 year old Siamese girl stopped eating and using her litter box, so I took her here to get checked. The staff were super friendly and were able to see Kessie right away! Thanks so much for your help and glad to hear my little fur baby is going to make a full recovery! ❤️”
-Tania Massia, Google Review
Effective treatments
“Very happy with the service and care we recently received here. Deep gratitude to Dr Ian and team. From excellent initial care, to a follow-up visit and a phone call check-in just to make sure treatment was working, we were consistently impressed with his professionalism and compassion. Staff at front desk are a wealth of knowledge as are the pro vet techs that helped us. Simply an excellent team. Rumi sends his appreciation!”
-Karen Thompson, Google Review