Padfoot Animal Hospital dedicates itself to providing the best care and services to its clients and their companions through exceptional veterinary competences, genuine compassion and community involvement. We value the relationship, continued trust, and goodwill we establish with our clients. Kindness, respect, and expertise with clients, their pets and each other are our priorities.
Get To Know Us
At Padfoot Animal Hospital, we believe every pet deserves compassionate, personalized care. Located in the heart of Nanaimo, our brand-new facility is designed to provide top-quality veterinary services for your furry family members.
Dr. Valérie Drolet grew up in the beautiful Laurentian Mountains of Québec, where her love of animals and books shaped her early years. That passion led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, earning her doctorate with honors from l’Université de Montréal in 2011. After graduating, she made her way to Vancouver Island to begin her career in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
For almost a decade, Dr. Drolet practiced in Port Hardy, where she gained experience in everything from general practice to emergency medicine—and even tackled some orthopedic cases. During her time on the North Island, she met her partner, started her own family and built lasting connections with the community.
In 2020, she and her family relocated to Nanaimo, where she continued to work in local veterinary clinics and at the local Emergency Veterinary Hospital. While raising her family, Dr. Drolet dreamed of creating her own practice—one that felt warm, welcoming, and truly centered around the needs of the community.
That dream became a reality in May 2024 when she purchased 1621 Townsite Road and started Padfoot Animal Hospital. Dr. Drolet and her team are excited to welcome you and your pets to their clinic, where they’re dedicated to providing exceptional care with a personal touch.
Our Mission
A Warm and Welcoming Space for You and Your Pets
A Modern Approach to Pet Care
As a new hospital, Padfoot is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and modern practices to deliver a comprehensive range of services, from routine check-ups and preventive medicine to advanced treatments and surgery. Our team focuses on helping pets live longer, healthier lives while addressing their unique needs.
A Home Away from Home for Your Pets
We understand that visiting the vet can be stressful for both pets and their owners. That’s why we’ve created a calming and friendly space where your companions feel at ease. From the moment you walk in, you’ll experience a calm and caring atmosphere tailored to your pet’s comfort.
Our team is comprised of genuinely gifted minds

I spent nearly a decade practicing in Port Hardy, where I gained experience in general practice, emergency medicine, and surgery. Those years shaped me. I discovered how much I love digging into a complicated case, following the clues, and finding answers. Science is absolutely my jam. But I’ll admit — I also love surgery. There’s something deeply satisfying about being able to step in during a crisis. A dog who swallowed something they shouldn’t have, a GDV, a pyometra — those cases stay with me because you can truly feel the difference you’ve made.
In 2020, my family and I relocated to Nanaimo, where I continued working locally and at the emergency hospital while quietly holding onto a dream of building something of my own. I wanted to create a practice that felt warm, personal, and deeply rooted in the community — a place where medicine is thoughtful, standards are high, and relationships matter just as much as diagnostics.
At home, I’m a mom to two adorable kidos and wife to an incredibly wonderful husband who keep life full and busy. Until recently, we had three pets and are now down to one extraordinary cat, L.B. — short for Love Bug — who is currently fighting cancer. Loving a pet through illness is heavy and beautiful all at once. When the time is right (and when life settles a little), I look forward to welcoming a dog back into our family.
Padfoot Animal Hospital became a reality in the summer of 2024 when I purchased our building on Townsite Road and then opened our doors in September 2025. My hope is to be a true part of this community — to offer comfort when it’s needed most, clarity when things feel overwhelming, and excellent medicine at every stage of a pet’s life. Veterinary medicine is demanding, humbling, and purposeful work, and I feel incredibly grateful to do it alongside a team that cares as deeply as I do.

I take pride in gentle handling and thoughtful, patient-centered care. Creating a calm, low-stress experience for each patient matters deeply to me. Sometimes that means moving a little slower, adjusting my approach, or simply giving them the time and space they need to feel safe.
What makes the Padfoot team so special is how much we truly care. We collaborate, communicate openly, and hold ourselves to a high standard while supporting one another. It feels intentional here, and I’m proud to be part of a team that advocates so deeply for every patient. Veterinary medicine is challenging work, but it’s also inspiring, rewarding, and full of moments that remind me why I do what I do.

I chose veterinary medicine because it offers constant variety. One moment I may be performing a dental procedure on a senior dog, and the next giving vaccines to a wiggly kitten. That diversity keeps me curious, learning and growing.
Veterinary dentistry has become a particular passion of mine. Oral health plays a vital role in overall wellbeing, and I love seeing the transformation in patients after treatment. Hearing that a pet is acting like a puppy or kitten again is incredibly rewarding.
At home, life is full of chasing my young children and our dog, Houla while trying to embrace the wonderful chaos of family life. Houla, has been with us through many seasons of life and once our only “child,” adjusting to two human siblings took patience — but he has resigned himself to the fact that these loud little people are here to stay.
One thing that surprises people about me? I have an unwavering fear of birds — any size, any type. This did make growing up on a farm entertaining for others, but even with this exposure I have not conquered this fear. I am still known for running away from our chicken and making a dramatic exit when a pigeon flaps too close.
Veterinary medicine challenges me daily, but it also reminds me of why I chose this profession. It’s a privilege to care for animals at every stage of life and support the families who love them.

I take pride in advocating for my patients, supporting clients through important decisions, and working collaboratively with my team to ensure each visit runs smoothly.
Outside of the clinic, I enjoy riding my horses, spending time outdoors, and being with my family. Animals have always been a big part of my life, both in and out of clinic.

Being part of the client care team means creating a welcoming, organized, and efficient experience from the moment someone walks through our doors. I believe strong communication and teamwork make all the difference. At Padfoot, we truly are a well-oiled machine — we step in wherever needed, support one another, and go above and beyond for our clients and their pets. Being able to accommodate emergent cases whenever possible is something I’m especially proud of.
One thing I wish every pet parent knew is how important dental care is. Brushing regularly, feeding an appropriate diet, and scheduling professional dental cleanings — not awake dentals — can make a profound difference in a pet’s overall health and comfort.
At home, life is full and busy in the best way. My husband and our two kids love the outdoors as much as I do, and we spend as much time outside as possible — camping, hiking, swimming, exploring low tide, and soaking up Vancouver Island summers. We share our home with five pets: three cats (Aurora, Evelyn, and Endora) and two dogs (Onyx and Beryl), each with their own unique story. From rescues and rehomed companions to a carefully chosen breeder addition, they all remind me daily why this work matters.
After a long day, you’ll often find me stopping by the river for a quick dip in the summer or sitting quietly by the coast in the winter. Those moments recharge me — just like knowing I’m part of a team that cares deeply, works hard, and shows up fully for our community every single day.

I grew up in Alberta and started my veterinary career in British Columbia, eventually settling on Vancouver Island. Living near the ocean and trails keeps me grounded. Outside the clinic, you will usually find me hiking, sewing my own clothing, or tending to an ever growing collection of houseplants.
Over the years, I have shared my life with several pets who have strengthened my respect for the human animal bond. Caring for them reminds me that veterinary medicine is about more than treating illness. It is about honoring the trust families place in us when they bring us someone they love.
I am detail oriented and enjoy refining protocols, supporting my team, and building systems that allow us to deliver consistent, proactive care. I believe in preventative medicine, early diagnostics, and dental health as practical ways to reduce suffering and prevent more serious problems later on.
Veterinary medicine is demanding and complex work. It requires collaboration, communication, and resilience. I am proud to be part of a team that approaches patient care with intention and compassion. I am equally committed to building a workplace where technicians are respected for their skill and professional value.

As a client care specialist, I’m often the first point of contact for families. I aim to create a calm, welcoming experience and clear communication from the start. Whether it’s a routine visit or a difficult moment, I want clients to feel supported, informed, and genuinely cared for.
Outside of the clinic, I recharge by hiking and spending time outdoors. At home, Theo, my goofy foster-fail dog; William, my handsome black-and-white cat who sparked my love for tuxedo cats; and Hobbs, my special-needs foster-fail, keep life full and grounded — and continually remind me why this work matters.
Open House · April 25th
You're invited to meet the team!
Come see our hospital, ask questions, and get to know the friendly faces caring for your pets. We'd love to welcome you and your furry family members.
Let’s Make Every Tail Wag and Every Purr Count
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