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B.C. Veterinary Hospital Recognized for Lifesaving Innovation and Deep Community Impact
June 26, 2025
Victoria, B.C. – Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) was named the 2025 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Practice of the Year during the Annual CVMA Awards Gala on June 25, in recognition of its outstanding achievements in clinical innovation, community service, and collaborative veterinary care.
Established in 2009 and located in Surrey, B.C., BBVSH is a Canadian-owned, family-run specialty and emergency hospital offering 24/7 care across surgery, oncology, cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, and critical care.
Led by co-founders Dr. Geoffrey Hutchinson and Dr. Sarah Charney, the hospital has grown from a four-person team to more than 180 staff. In 2022, BBVSH moved into a custom-built 26,000 sq. ft. facility equipped with advanced diagnostics, ICU capabilities, and hospital-grade surgical suites. The hospital is one of only two Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society Certified Level I emergency centres in Canada and is also a certified VetCOT Level II Trauma Centre.
“Every moment matters at BBVSH — from emergency intake to long-term recovery — because every patient is treated like family,” says Karen Gilchrist, nominator and communications advisor to the hospital. “What sets BBVSH apart is its unwavering commitment to innovation, compassion, and community.”
BBVSH's impact extends far beyond its walls. The hospital offers discounted and emergency care to retired police and military service dogs through its partnership with Ned’s Wish, and supports therapy animals and handlers with HERO DAWGS. The team also collaborates with rescues such as TinyKittens, providing complex surgical care to feral and special-needs cats.
Its Blood Bank program enables clients to register their pets as donors to support others in need, reinforcing BBVSH’s ethos of community-based care.
The hospital’s ongoing commitment to education is evident through its free Registry of Approved Continuing Education approved continuing education sessions, which have reached more than 800 veterinary professionals across B.C. in the past five years.
From a patient like Jag, a Labrador Retriever who survived a 30-foot fall and underwent emergency spinal surgery, to feral cats Tomball and Teacup, BBVSH's lifesaving interventions reflect its team’s extraordinary skill, empathy, and collaborative approach.
“Even if Jag hadn’t survived surgery, I would still be writing this letter,” shared dog owner Molly. “The BBVSH team’s dedication and compassion turned a moment of despair into a story of hope and healing.”
The CVMA Practice of the Year Award, established in 2013 and sponsored by Scotiabank, recognizes a veterinary practice team for outstanding achievement within their local community. Criteria include innovation in the provision of veterinary services, commitment to work-life balance, charitable involvement, and implementation of green practices.
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The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, the CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about the CVMA.
Contact:
Ashley Dupont
Communications Officer
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 125
adupont@cvma-acmv.org