5 minute read
LITTLE PAWS ANIMAL CLINIC
Little Paws Animal Clinic is a full-service Steveston Village veterinary clinic dedicated to treating dogs and cats of all sizes, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, ferrets, chinchillas, and rodents.
Opened in 2008, Little Paws veterinarian and medical director Dr. Adam Avitan purchased the business in 2018. Since 2022, Little Paws has been under the ownership of TELUS Health; however, Dr. Adam (he and his colleagues go by their first names) and associate veterinarians Dr. Megan Chan and Dr. Matthew Tso continue to work at the respected clinic.
Little Paws Animal Clinic’s dedicated veterinarians bring expertise and a deep passion for animal care to their practice.
In 2006, Dr. Adam left B.C. to study at the University of Calgary, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. Subsequently, he pursued Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne, one of the top-ranked Veterinary schools in the world. While in Australia, Dr. Adam treated a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, horses, and birds, along with exotic creatures like koalas, kangaroos, and deadly snakes. After spending ten years away from Richmond, he returned home in 2015 to practice locally and give back to the community he grew up in.
Dr. Adam says, “I was initially drawn to Steveston for its charm and picturesque scenery; I soon discovered a vibrant community rich in warmth and charm. Beyond diagnosing and treating ailments, my daily reward lies in witnessing pets heal and flourish with the collaborative effort of their owners and our team. Whether it's a beloved dog bouncing back after surgery or a cat purring with gratitude after overcoming illness, these moments define the essence of veterinary practice here.”
“Developing relationships not only with pets but also with their owners, I am present for moments of joy and concern.” Dr. Adam
“My role extends beyond medical care to encompass support, education, and advocacy for every pet in our village. My work’s fulfillment comes from witnessing my patients’ tangible transformations— seeing them walk happy and healthy through our village streets is deeply rewarding. Each success story speaks volumes about the resilience of our furry companions and the unwavering bond between humans and animals,” he adds.
Practice Manager Ericel Chang says, “We take pride in our warm and welcoming environment. When you enter our clinic, you are greeted with a friendly smile and a calm atmosphere designed to make pets and their owners feel at ease. We understand that visiting the vet can be stressful, so we strive to create a positive experience for everyone involved.”
The veterinary team is known for its patience and empathy, which makes pet owners feel confident and reassured during visits.
Fear-free methods reduce stress and anxiety for both pets and their owners. The clinic is also AAHA Accredited, meaning they have met and exceeded stringent quality standards encompassing all aspects of veterinary medicine, from pain management to medical recordkeeping.
The team strives to ensure pets enjoy their time at Little Paws. For high-stress and reactive pets, they offer free “happy visits” to help foster and develop positive associations with those pets and the doctors, team, and clinic facility.
The team’s dedication to continuing education and staying abreast of the latest advancements in veterinary medicine ensures that they provide the highest standard of care. Whether investing in state-of-the-art equipment or attending seminars to learn new techniques, they always strive to improve their services and exceed expectations.
Little Paws offers Canada-wide veterinarian consultations through its TELUS Health MyPet app and veterinary technician appointments (also Canada-wide). Virtual vet technicians help owners with behavioural and health maintenance concerns (housetraining, nutrition, anxiety, and at-home dental care) through their telemedicine service. Vet technicians cannot diagnose illnesses or prescribe medication; however, virtual vets can help assess your pet’s health, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans, along with everything vet technicians can do. They can assist with shipping prescriptions to clients all over B.C., direct to their door, to provide added convenience for pet owners.
The clinic’s annual membership offers pet owners affordable veterinary care. It provides in-clinic consults and unlimited virtual consults with a veterinarian or a veterinary technician through the TELUS Health MyPet app, discounts on in-clinic products, medications, and services, and discounts on products in the online myVETstore.
“My greatest reward is seeing our positive impact, from healing pets to supporting their families. It's about making a meaningful difference and fostering a healthier, happier community of pets and their loving owners,” says Ericel.
Dr. Adam concludes, “We deeply value the relationships we build with our clients and their pets. Your trust means everything to us, and we are committed to building lasting connections based on transparency, respect, and genuine care. At Little Paws Animal Clinic, you’re not just a client—you’re part of our extended family.”
Little Paws Animal Clinic
130–12011 Second Avenue
Richmond BC V7E 3L6
Phone 604-241-7387
Story by Sarah Gordon (August 2024) PALLA MEDIA
Photos copyright to Sandra Steier Photography
