114 2nd St Box 326 • Langley, WA 98260 • (360) 331–8090
Monday & Thursday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
PET WELLNESS CARE
The people on Whidbey Island enjoy an active lifestyle that supports a healthy, balanced sense of well-being. Our pet companions are essential and are integrated in our daily lives. At the Animal Hospital by the Sea, we consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to participate in such a unique community.
With regular wellness check-ups, we can help prevent many illnesses and provide early diagnosis of conditions that may then be treated in a timely manner. At the Animal Hospital by the Sea we are committed to helping you achieve the long and happy life he or she your pet was meant to have.
Our goal is to get to know you and your pets individually so that we can provide the best possible recommendations throughout their lives. The following are considered when planning their wellness plan.
DOGS VS CATS? ... OR DOGS AND CATS!
At the Animal Hospital by the Sea, we understand that, medically speaking, dogs are not just small humans and most certainly cats are not just small dogs (just ask one!). We appreciate, and indeed celebrate, each species’ uniqueness, highlighting their individual needs and preferences in our day-to-day practice. We adhere to the American Animal Hospital Association guidelines for both dog and cat care. We also keep in mind that so many of our pet families include both dogs and cats, as well as any number of other animals, and will only make recommendations for products and services that are safe for both.
Here on Whidbey Island and certainly in Langley, celebrating our canine companions it is part of our local culture. Our facility is located between the Langley Post Office and several banks and shops that welcome visiting dogs on their daily rounds to pick up counter treats! We encourage you to include us on your route, stop in for treats and use the lobby’s convenient recessed scale for “weigh ins” (four-legged pets only, please!)
The Animal Hospital by the Sea equally celebrates our fascination with our intriguing feline friends. Our hospital subscribes to the protocols established by the CATalyst Council and the American Association of Feline Practitioners for “Cat-Friendly Practices” and adheres to the medical guidelines set forth by these “feline-focused” organizations.
LIFE STAGE
Most people appreciate that puppies and kittens require different care than do active adult petsthan do our senior pets. Allow us to help determine exactly when these “life stage” transitions occur, as your pet’s relative calendar age will vary significantly between different types and sizes of animals. We are here to guide you in the proper care of your pets by assessing and monitoring the health factors that deserve special attention each step of the way.
GENETICS
Every breed of dog and cat has specific health conditions or problems that may come to bear on their health and well-being. It is important to note that mixed breeds and “designer breeds” are not necessarily exempt from breed-related problems, but may in fact be at risk for developing issues from all their ancestors. At the Animal Hospital by the Sea, our knowledgeable staff will help familiarize you with any specific concerns for your pets, including helping you evaluate and select what type of pet you may want to bring home.
SEX
Male or female, intact or neutered... the presence or absence of various hormones at different stages of your pets’ lives can radically influence our recommendations for their upbringing and care. Nutritional needs, behavioral modification, and long-term metabolic concerns will change with each pet’s development status. At the Animal Hospital by the Sea, we have personal experience with all types of pets at all stages, a familiarity that makes us uniquely qualified to help you sort through the considerations and consequences of your spaying and neutering decisions.
LIFESTYLE
Is your pet a couch potato or an athlete? Does he or she spend time outdoors or inside lounging on a big chair? Does he or she get groomed; go to training classes; frequent the dog park at Greenbank Farm, the Farmers Markets, or the Double Bluff dog beach; or perhaps simply walk around Langley meeting and greeting other dogs on the way to the post office? Does your pet travel out of Western Washington during the summer? Have you seen outdoor barn cats or feral cats in your neighborhood? Do they sometimes come up to your house? Look inside through a screen? These are the types of questions we need to consider to determine what care your pet will need to stay healthy. All these lifestyle factors, and more, are taken into account when we develop a customized wellness plan for your pet.
ENVIRONMENT
Your pets’ day-to-day surroundings determine many of their health risks. At the Animal Hospital by the Sea, we want to learn all about where your pets live, work, and spend their time so that we may make the appropriate suggestions to keep them safe and healthy for many years to come.