Ottawa is home to dozens of veterinary practices, from 24-hour emergency hospitals downtown to small, family-run clinics in the suburbs. To put this list together, we looked at Google review volume and ratings, clinic websites, and independent directories like Yably, BestProsInTown and 3 Best Rated, focusing on clinics with a real, ongoing presence in the city and a consistent track record with pet owners. Here are ten worth knowing about.
1. VCA Canada Alta Vista Animal Hospital
Area: Alta Vista, 2616 Bank Street · Rating: 4.3 on Google (2,132 reviews)
This is one of the largest animal hospitals in the city, offering on-site MRI and CT imaging, intensive care and access to on-site specialists, plus 24-hour emergency service through its adjoining specialty centre. Reviewers consistently describe the staff as compassionate during emergencies and end-of-life care, though a handful of reviews flag it as pricier than a standard neighbourhood clinic. It suits pet owners who want a full-service hospital that can handle both routine visits and serious medical situations under one roof.
2. Eagleson Veterinary Clinic
Area: Kanata
Eagleson Veterinary Clinic serves Kanata and the wider west end with a mix of routine wellness care, surgery and dental work. Reviewers frequently mention getting seen quickly when they call about an urgent issue, and several describe the team as attentive during annual exams. A smaller number of reviews raise concerns about the cost of diagnostic testing, so it's worth asking for an estimate up front. Good fit for west-end families who want a clinic that can fit them in fast.
3. Carling Animal Hospital
Area: 2268 Carling Avenue (at Woodroffe) · Since: 1989
Independently owned and operating since 1989, Carling Animal Hospital has built a niche reputation for treating exotic pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, alongside cats and dogs. Long-running local reviews point to its longevity and staff experience with less common companion animals as its main draw. It's a solid choice for anyone with a pocket pet or exotic who's struggled to find a vet comfortable treating them.
4. The Hamlet Veterinary Hospital
Area: Blackburn Hamlet, east end · Rating: 4.9 on Google
Located on Innes Road, The Hamlet Veterinary Hospital offers bilingual service for cats and dogs in Ottawa's east end. On Facebook it holds a 98 percent recommendation rate, and reviewers on smaller platforms mention knowledgeable staff and reasonable pricing. It's a good option for east-end and Blackburn Hamlet residents who want French-language service alongside standard veterinary care.
5. Centretown Veterinary Hospital
Area: 955 Somerset Street West, downtown
Centretown Veterinary Hospital serves downtown Ottawa and has a 92 percent recommendation rate on Facebook from its reviewers. Clients describe the team as responsive and thorough in explaining treatment recommendations, with one reviewer calling it the best veterinary experience they'd had across several Canadian cities. Some reviews note occasional friction around appointment scheduling. It suits downtown and Centretown residents without a car who need a walkable clinic.
6. Westboro Animal Hospital
Area: 364 Churchill Avenue North, Westboro
A full-service small animal hospital in Westboro, this clinic has a 90 percent recommendation rate on Facebook from 65 reviews. Long-time clients highlight relationships with specific veterinarians that have lasted over a decade, describing the team as both competent and personable. It's a solid pick for Westboro and Wellington West pet owners who value continuity of care with the same vet over time.
7. Barrhaven Veterinary Hospital
Area: 2900 Woodroffe Avenue, Barrhaven · Rating: 5 stars (96.6% of 480 reviewers would refer)
Barrhaven Veterinary Hospital serves the south end and has one of the higher review-referral rates on this list, with the large majority of reviewers saying they'd send a friend. It's a note to be careful not to confuse this clinic with the separately operated Ottawa Barrhaven Animal Hospital nearby, which has a different ownership and review profile. Good option for Barrhaven families looking for a hospital with strong word-of-mouth backing.
8. Orleans Veterinary Hospital
Area: 2000 Tenth Line Road, Orléans · Rating: 4.5 on Google (540+ reviews) · Since: serving the community for over 40 years
One of the longest-running practices in the east end, Orleans Veterinary Hospital has built up decades of reviews praising staff professionalism and care quality, with a 94 percent recommendation rate on Facebook. Its long tenure and extended weekday hours, open until 8pm several nights a week, make it convenient for Orléans residents juggling work schedules. Best suited to families wanting an established, long-standing local practice.
9. Mer Bleue Veterinary Hospital
Area: Orléans · Rating: 4.9 on Google (180 reviews)
Mer Bleue Veterinary Hospital in Orléans holds one of the highest ratings on this list, with reviewers repeatedly praising specific veterinarians by name for taking time to answer questions without rushing appointments. Clients also mention the clinic's handling of anxious or nervous pets as a particular strength. A good fit for owners of easily stressed animals who want a calmer, unhurried visit.
10. Manotick Veterinary Hospital
Area: 4224 Rideau Valley Drive, Manotick · Since: serving the area for over 25 years
Manotick Veterinary Hospital has served Manotick, Barrhaven, Nepean, Osgoode and Riverside South for more than 25 years, offering dental and ultrasound services alongside routine care. Reviews describe the practice as combining caring service with high clinical standards, with an emphasis on personalized attention for both pets and owners. It's a natural choice for rural and south-Ottawa pet owners outside the urban core.
How We Built This List
This list was compiled from public web sources, clinic websites, Google review data and independent review aggregators such as Yably, BestProsInTown, Facebook business pages and 3 Best Rated. It is not a paid placement, and ottown has not visited or tested any of these clinics directly. Ratings and review counts reflect what was visible in these sources as of August 2026 and may have changed since. Last reviewed: August 2026.
Sources: 3 Best Rated, Yably, BestProsInTown, Facebook business pages, and each clinic's own website.
