Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic
About Us
Our History
1988
In 1988, Dr. Margaret Cairns joined as an associate veterinarian and later became a valued third partner. From those early days, the three partners worked tirelessly—often putting in long days and countless hours to support their clients and care for their patients. Over more than four decades, they built strong bonds and lasting friendships with generations of pet owners in the community.
1995
Originally a mixed animal practice serving both large and small animals, the clinic eventually shifted its focus to small animal medicine in response to the rapid growth of the West Shore area. In 1995, Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic moved to its current home in Hatley Park Plaza, where it continues to thrive.
2021 & 2022
In November 2021, we said a heartfelt farewell to Dr. Margaret Cairns as she entered a well-earned retirement, followed by Dr. John Gayfer in November 2022. We are deeply grateful for the care, compassion, and dedication they offered to countless pets and families throughout their careers.
Where We Are Today
Today, our clinic is home to a dedicated and growing team of eight veterinarians. We continue to expand our medical services to meet the evolving needs of our community, while remaining true to the values of compassion, trust, and excellence that have defined us for over four decades.
Pets We Serve
Household Pets:
Dogs
Cats
Our Fear-Free Approach
At Juan de Fuca Veterinary Clinic, your pet’s comfort and well-being are our top priorities. That’s why we’ve adopted a Fear-Free approach to veterinary care—ensuring each visit is as calm and stress-free as possible.
We have Fear Free Certified staff and we are committed to creating a positive experience for both pets and their people.
Stress-Free Check-In Options
To help support a low-stress environment, we offer stress-free check-in for clients who prefer it. You have two convenient options when you arrive:
Come inside and check in at the front desk, or
Call us from your vehicle to check in from a more comfortable space for your pet
Working Together to Reduce Stress
Together, we can help make every veterinary visit a calm, comfortable experience for your pet.
Here are a few other ways we can work together to keep your pet’s visit as smooth as possible:
Waiting in the car can reduce anxiety by keeping your pet in a familiar environment until their appointment begins.
Keeping noise levels low helps prevent overstimulation, especially in the waiting area.
Limiting social visits — even friendly pets may feel unwell and prefer not to interact with others.
