Walking through the newly opened Northern Oak Animal Hospital (NOAH), there is a definite sense of excitement. The state-of-the-art hospital for pets has the latest technology and dedicated rooms, and is teamed with staff knowledgeable in a wide variety of procedures to ensure top-notch care for Sarnia’s furry friends, from cats and dogs to rabbits and hedgehogs.
NOAH is one of three local veterinary clinics owned by three passionate veterinarians: Dr. Carley Stewardson, Dr. Rachel Laird De Groot, and Dr. Jamie McGill Worsley. The other locations are the Forest Veterinary Clinic and Birch Lane Veterinary Clinic (formerly College Park Animal Hospital).
“We had a lot of clients in Forest who were just driving from Sarnia,” says Talia Richardson, Practice Manager for all three locations. “We took over Birch Lane in 2022, and we’re still too busy for that location. Expanding here, we can have four appointments going on.”
One reason they are continually expanding, explains Richardson, is that “the vets love being vets.” They operate out of all three locations and continuously improve their skills and knowledge to improve pets’ and owners’ experiences. Richardson adds, “We’re big on continuing education, so pretty much every year, one of the vets will go to a conference to learn a new skill.”
Their insights helped to create the many unique spaces at the Northern Oak Animal Hospital. There is a comfort room for pet owners, a soundproof cat room (so they don’t get scared of barking dogs), a dental services room and a surgery suite with interior windows to allow staff to be constantly aware of what’s happening. A red-light therapy laser helps to improve healing for wounds or arthritis.
As a former Royal Bank of Canada branch, there was the issue of what to do with the vault. Instead of removing the concrete and steel structure, it is being put to great use as the site’s X-ray room.
“It was very convenient because typically with X-ray rooms is you need to put lead in the wall to make sure that no radiation leaves,” says Richardson. “But the contractor said it is 16 inches of poured concrete, so it’s actually better than lead.”
Supporting the pet services, Northern Oak Animal Hospital does blood and urine analysis in its in-house lab, with results in only 10 minutes. They can also send samples to other labs for more in-depth profiling, more inclusive profiles, or to do testing on areas that can’t occur onsite.
When it comes to medication, many options are available, Richardson says. “We will offer every option, spending time to understand the owner’s situation, what the problem is and whether they need lower-cost meds to see if that helps. We’re willing to work with every person.”
The animal hospital is unlike any other and is open and ready to help Sarnians pets live happier, healthier lives. “[The vets] have given it their personal touch,” says Richardson. “Everything has been considered.”
The Northern Oak Animal Hospital is open Monday through Friday and, starting in August, will be open on Saturday mornings for clinic animals who need urgent care.
Learn more and request an appointment at www.northernoakah.com or call 226-776-1777.
Northern Oak Animal Hospital will host an open house for kids and dogs of all ages to explore this Saturday, June 22, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 1125 Lakeshore Road, near Murphy Road in Sarnia.