Top veterinary care near Kaslo

North Kootenay Veterinary Services is a top-quality clinic located just north of Kaslo, B.C.

The staff at North Kootenay Veterinary Services is one big happy family. — Photo courtesy Pat Haegedorn

Pat Haegedorn is the sole proprietor of North Kootenay Veterinary Services, located nine kilometres north of Kaslo, B.C. He and his wife, Nicola Candy, started the practice in April of 1994, and they currently have two employees on staff. Haegedorn was born and raised in Kaslo, and the couple's home and practice was built on the property where he grew up.

"I had always wanted to return to Kaslo after graduating from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon in 1988," said Haegedorn. "We have raised our three daughters, Rebecca, Heidi and Kathryn here."

We asked him a few more questions about being a Kootenay veterinarian, and he shared some of his insights with us.

What do you like most about doing business in the Kootenays?

Doing business in the Kootenays—I like the feeling of community here—the business relationships that often lead to friendships and the accountability that results from those relationships.

What are your favourite activities outside of work?

Our family loves the Kootenay outdoors. We live right on beautiful Kootenay Lake amongst the mountains, and so we hike and ATV, swim and canoe, ski and snowmobile.  I play hockey, and two of our daughters have played competitive hockey.

What aspect of your business are you most proud of?

I am proud of our ability to provide a necessary service in the community, and that our clients trust us to do so.