The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has selected Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) as its Practice of the Year for 2025. This distinction is notable as BBVSH is the only veterinary facility in Canada with a VECCS Level 1 designation to receive the award this year.

The award recognizes veterinary practices that demonstrate high standards in patient care, client service, community engagement, teamwork, and contributions to the veterinary profession. BBVSH is scheduled to accept the honor at the CVMA’s annual event in June.

Since its founding in 2009, BBVSH has expanded from a small group of four staff to a team of over 180 employees serving the Metro Vancouver and wider British Columbia area. Operating independently and family-owned, the hospital offers round-the-clock emergency, critical care, and specialty services with a focus on coordinated patient care.

In 2022, BBVSH relocated to a newly designed facility in Surrey, intended to accommodate increasing demand for emergency and specialty veterinary services. The location provides convenient access for clients throughout the Metro Vancouver region.

Key aspects of BBVSH’s practice noted by the CVMA include:

• Emergency and Specialty Care: As one of only two VECCS Level 1 hospitals in Canada and designated a VetCOT Level II Trauma Centre, BBVSH delivers continuous emergency and specialty treatment through a collaborative team structure.
• Veterinary Education: The hospital offers ongoing continuing education sessions, approved by RACE, which have drawn participation from over 800 veterinary professionals in recent years.
• Adoption of Advanced Techniques: BBVSH incorporates developments such as advanced imaging, minimally invasive surgery, and maintains an in-house blood bank to support multidisciplinary patient care with emphasis on clear communication.
• Community Partnerships: The hospital works with various rescue and service organizations to provide subsidized care for therapy animals, special needs rescues, and retired service dogs, reflecting a community-oriented approach to veterinary service.

The 2025 Practice of the Year recognition reflects both clinical capabilities and the broader values of collaboration and service toward animals and their owners upheld by BBVSH.

“This recognition from the CVMA is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our entire team, who live our values every day and in service to our community,” said Dr. Geoffrey Hutchinson, co-owner and board-certified veterinary surgeon. “Our mission has always been to provide the care each patient needs, working together and tapping into the extensive expertise of our multidisciplinary team. At the end of the day, it’s about treating our patients like family, and working together to get them home so they can spend more time with their loved ones. I’m honoured to be able to accept this award on behalf of our entire team.”