Pet Care Services in Langley, BC

Pet care services in Langley, BC form the foundation of a long and healthy life for your dog or cat. At Latimer Animal Hospital, we offer comprehensive preventive care that keeps your pet protected from parasites, infectious diseases, and conditions that are far easier to prevent than to address after they develop. From core vaccinations and parasite prevention to microchipping and routine grooming care, our team tailors every visit to your pet's lifestyle, age, and individual needs. Call us at (236) 473-0375 to schedule your pet's next preventive care appointment.

Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

Vaccinations are the single most effective way to protect your pet from serious infectious diseases. At Latimer Animal Hospital in Langley, BC, we follow current canine and feline vaccine guidelines and customize your pet's vaccination schedule based on age, lifestyle, and local disease risks. Core vaccines protect against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and rabies in dogs, and feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies in cats. We discuss lifestyle vaccines for Bordetella, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis, and feline leukemia at your pet's first visit. We also offer split-visit vaccination appointments for pets who benefit from a lower-stress, gradual approach.

Flea Prevention and Control for Pets

Flea infestations cause intense discomfort for your pet and can introduce tapeworms and transmit disease to other animals and people in your home. Year-round flea prevention is the most reliable approach in the Langley area, where mild winters allow flea populations to persist through much of the year. Our team recommends veterinarian-approved flea prevention products tailored to your pet's weight, species, and lifestyle. If your pet has an active infestation, we will guide you through a systematic approach that covers both your pet and their environment to break the flea life cycle completely.

Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition transmitted by mosquitoes that affects both dogs and cats. Although heartworm prevalence in the Fraser Valley is lower than in other parts of Canada, risk increases significantly for pets that travel to endemic regions. Our team will assess your pet's individual risk based on travel history and lifestyle, and recommend appropriate preventive products if indicated. Testing is available for dogs before starting any prevention program. Catching heartworm early is critical, as advanced cases require intensive veterinary care. Prevention is safe, simple, and far less costly than managing the condition.

Tick Prevention

Ticks in the Langley and Fraser Valley area can transmit Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses to your pets. Our team recommends proven tick prevention products that protect your dog or cat during outdoor activities, hikes, and time in natural areas. We will recommend the most appropriate prevention option based on your pet's exposure risk, weight, species, and any existing health conditions. We also provide guidance on safe tick removal and what symptoms to monitor after a tick is found. Consistent prevention dramatically reduces the risk of tick-borne illness in your pet and your family.

Microchip Pet Identification

A microchip gives your pet the best chance of returning home if they are ever lost. At Latimer Animal Hospital, we implant microchips during a brief, safe procedure that can be performed at any regular visit. Unlike collars and tags, a microchip cannot fall off, be removed, or become illegible over time. Animal shelters and veterinary clinics throughout Langley and British Columbia routinely scan for microchips. Once the chip is registered with your contact information, shelters and clinics can reunite you with your pet quickly. Ask about microchipping at your pet's next visit, or book it as a standalone appointment.

Deworming

Intestinal parasites are common in dogs and cats of all ages, and many pets carry parasites without showing obvious signs. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms can affect your pet's growth, nutrition, and overall health. Some intestinal parasites can also be transmitted to people, making regular deworming a family health matter. Our team develops a deworming schedule based on your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk of exposure. We recommend stool testing at least once yearly for adult pets, and more frequently for young animals, hunting dogs, and pets with outdoor access. Deworming is simple, safe, and effective.

Nail Trim

Overgrown nails cause discomfort, affect your pet's gait, and can curl back into paw pads if left unaddressed for too long. Regular nail trims at Latimer Animal Hospital in Langley, BC are performed with gentle, low-stress handling techniques to keep the experience positive for your pet. We use appropriate tools for each pet's nail size and thickness, and we take extra care with dark nails where the quick is not visible. For pets who experience significant anxiety around nail trims, we offer sedated nail trims through our medical grooming service. Book a standalone nail trim or add it to any wellness visit.

Ear Cleaning

Clean, healthy ears reduce the risk of infection and allow us to spot early signs of ear disease before they become painful. We use only veterinarian-approved ear cleaning products and gentle technique. During routine ear cleaning, we also inspect the ear canal for redness, discharge, odor, or foreign material that might indicate an infection or other concern. Pets with allergies, long ear canals, or frequent water exposure may benefit from more frequent ear cleaning. We will show you how to safely clean your pet's ears at home and what signs to watch for between visits.

Anal Gland Expression

Anal glands are small scent glands on either side of your pet's rectum that normally empty during bowel movements. When they fail to empty naturally, they can become impacted and uncomfortable, leading your pet to scoot, lick the area, or display discomfort when sitting. Our team performs gentle external anal gland expression to relieve discomfort and help prevent impaction. Pets who have recurrent anal gland issues may benefit from dietary adjustments or more frequent expression. If we notice signs of infection or abnormal discharge during expression, we will address the concern promptly at the same visit.

Explore More Services

Puppy and adult wellness exams in Langley

Medical care for skin, ear, and allergy conditions

Professional dental cleaning for dogs and cats

FAQs

When should my puppy or kitten get their first vaccinations in Langley?

Puppies typically begin their vaccine series at 8 weeks of age and kittens at 8 weeks as well. The series requires booster visits at 12 and 16 weeks to build full immunity. Lifestyle vaccines and rabies are added at 12 to 16 weeks. Call Latimer Animal Hospital at (236) 473-0375 to schedule your new pet’s first visit as soon as possible after bringing them home.

How often does my dog need flea and tick prevention in Langley, BC?

Year-round flea prevention is recommended in the Langley area, as mild winters allow fleas to persist through most of the year. Tick prevention is especially important during spring and fall when tick activity peaks. We recommend products at every annual wellness visit and will help you select the right option for your pet’s age, weight, and lifestyle.

Is microchipping required for dogs in British Columbia?

Microchipping is not currently mandated province-wide in British Columbia, but many municipalities strongly encourage it, and it is the most reliable form of permanent identification available. We recommend microchipping all dogs and cats, ideally at their first visit or during a spay or neuter procedure. Registration with your current contact details is essential for the chip to work.

How do I know if my dog needs anal gland expression?

Common signs include scooting along the floor, excessive licking of the tail area, a fishy odor, or reluctance to sit. Not all dogs need regular manual expression, as many empty their glands naturally. If your dog shows these signs, book an appointment and we will assess whether expression is needed and whether there are any underlying causes to address.

For most indoor adult cats, an annual fecal test and deworming as needed is appropriate. Cats with outdoor access, those who hunt, or those who live in multi-pet households benefit from fecal testing every three to six months. We will recommend the right schedule based on your cat’s individual risk at their annual wellness exam.

Keep your pet healthy year-round with personalized preventive care. Book your dog's or cat's pet care visit at Latimer Animal Hospital in Langley, BC today. Call (236) 473-0375 or book online at latimervets.ca/book-an-appointment/.