Kathryn Shandruk

BSc, DVM
Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre Team
Veterinarian
Emergency & Critical Care
Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre Team

At a Glance

My Pets:

River
Phoenix

Born and raised in Calgary Alberta, Dr. Kathryn Shandruk grew up surrounded by adopted animals that her family would rescue. These early years were instrumental in developing an appreciation for the human-animal bond and shaping her future devoted to the care and well-being of all animals. Dr. Shandruk spent her young adult years volunteering and working in veterinary hospitals in her hometown, eager to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine. She attended the University of Calgary to attain her Bachelors degree in Science with a degree in Biological Sciences and graduated with her DVM from the University of Melbourne. During veterinary school, she developed a passion for small animal medicine, with an interest in Emergency and Critical Care.

When Dr. Shandruk is not dedicating her time to caring for animals, including her own adopted cats, River and Phoenix, she enjoys exploring what our beautiful country has to offer, with biking, skiing and hiking in the mountains.

See our departments

Emergency & Critical Care

Our Critical Care Service excels in managing patients recovering from major surgery, illness, or trauma and those patients requiring positive pressure ventilation or other specialized care. Our critical care team includes three board-certified critical care specialists, Dr. Clare Hyatt, Dr. Laura Osborne, Dr. James Lange, and resident Dr. Erin Patterson and Dr. Amber Wright. Your pet will get the best care possible. 

Our Emergency Service is staffed by a team of highly skilled veterinarians and technicians who are equipped and prepared to handle any pet emergency with skill, speed, and compassion. We have the ability to offer all levels of care in an emergency and are outfitted to care for even the most critical patients. One or more veterinarians and technicians are on-site at all times.

Our team will work closely with your family veterinarian to make sure your pet gets the best care possible before, during, and after hospitalization. Open communication with your family veterinarian during regular business hours, and the transfer of medical records and test results by fax or email, allows us to keep your veterinarian informed of your pet's progress.

Our dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) is equipped to provide oxygen therapy, cardiac monitoring, blood transfusions, mechanical ventilation and nutritional support. Our in-house laboratory, radiology and ultrasound capabilities enable us to get crucial diagnostic information very quickly. Our blood bank allows our canine and feline patients to have access to a safe blood supply.

Triage/Waiting Times:

No appointment is ever necessary to see the emergency service. We are here when your pet is ill.

Our hospital works on the same triage principle as human hospitals where the more seriously ill or injured patients will be seen before stable and healthy patients. If necessary, seriously ill or injured patients may be moved straight to our treatment room for immediate assessment by an emergency veterinarian. This allows us to provide your pet with life-saving medications and treatments in a timely and efficient manner.

Financial Policy:

We promise to stay transparent with our costs. All patients will be charged an emergency consultation fee. This fee covers the initial evaluation and assessment by a veterinarian to help make the best recommendations for you and your pet. We will provide detailed financial estimates for all treatment options so that you can decide on the best course of action for your family and pet.

Our fees ensure that we can provide the highest quality veterinary care with a modern, fully equipped medical facility, and provide a board-certified and specialty-trained team to care for your pet.

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre

1802 10 Avenue SW

Calgary, AB T3C 0J8

Main: 403-770-1340

Fax: 403-770-1344

Hospital Hours:

    Mon-Sun: Open 24 hours

Referral Services:

Monday - Friday
8am - 4pm

Are you a Primary Care Veterinarian? We have dedicated resources for you.

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