When your pet is facing a medical emergency, it’s important to know that the hospital treating them is equipped, prepared, and staffed to handle urgent and complex cases. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) in Surrey, BC, this readiness is backed by formal recognition: BBVSH is one of only two hospitals in Canada to hold Level I Facility Certification from the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS)—the highest certification level available.
This certification reflects the hospital’s alignment with guidelines and infrastructure standards set out by VECCS to support high-quality emergency and critical care for animals.
What Is VECCS Facility Certification?
The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of veterinary emergency medicine, intensive care, and trauma care. As part of this mission, VECCS offers a voluntary certification program to recognize veterinary facilities that meet specific criteria in their ability to deliver emergency and critical care services.
To qualify, hospitals must demonstrate appropriate:
- Facility design and layout
- Medical equipment and resources
- Staffing with trained professionals
- Established protocols for emergency response
- Ongoing commitment to staff education and development
BBVSH’s Level I designation indicates the hospital has met the most rigorous set of criteria within the VECCS certification program.
The goal of the certification is to help pet owners and referring veterinarians identify hospitals that meet high standards of emergency preparedness and critical care capacity. You can learn more at veccs.org.
Why It Matters
VECCS Facility Certification helps ensure that emergency and critical care services are not only available but are delivered in a structured, consistent, and well-supported environment. This is particularly important for pets experiencing trauma, severe illness, or complications following surgery.
BBVSH Surrey’s Level I certification reflects:
- Readiness to receive and treat emergencies at any time of day or night
- Comprehensive support through advanced medical equipment and technology
- Collaborative care, with access to specialists across multiple departments
- Commitment to quality, including protocols for continuous improvement
Being one of just two VECCS-certified hospitals in Canada, BBVSH Surrey is part of a small group of facilities recognized for meeting these important standards.
BBVSH and VetCOT
In addition to VECCS certification, BBVSH Surrey is also a Level II Trauma Center certified by the Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT). VetCOT is supported by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) and works to develop a cohesive network of veterinary trauma centres. The two programs—VECCS and VetCOT—complement each other in promoting the highest standards in emergency and trauma care.
Learn more about VetCOT at vetcot.org and see how both designations work together to support BBVSH’s emergency services on our certifications page.
What This Means for Pet Owners
When your pet’s health is on the line, having access to a hospital that is VECCS-certified means that the systems, team, and environment are in place to respond rapidly and effectively. BBVSH Surrey’s Level I certification is a sign of its dedication to providing reliable, well-coordinated care for even the most serious conditions.
Our emergency and critical care departments operate 24/7, with no appointment needed. If your pet is experiencing an emergency, you can bring them directly to the hospital—or call ahead at 604-514-8383 so our team can prepare for your arrival.
For more about our certifications and what they mean for your pet’s care, visit: