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About Us

The Atlantic Cat Hospital is the first veterinary hospital in Atlantic Canada to be devoted exlusively to cats and their owners.  The clinic was established in 1987 and Dr. Julia purchased it in 2010.  We relocated in 2014 to our current space above the Quinpool Centre on Quinpool Rd in Halifax which provides ample parking and other shops/services for our clients.

Focused on feline health care, our hospital services include preventative health care programs, nutritional assessment, internal medicine, radiology, dentistry, surgery, pharmacy and in-house laboratory as well as reference laboratory services. Veterinary diets, gifts and toys can be found in our reception area where our friendly staff are waiting to assist you.

We are members of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP),  have a Gold Feline Only Cat Friendly Certified Practice (CFCP) designation and are members of the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association (NSVMA), Canadian Veterinary Medical Associations (CVMA) and the Better Business Bureau

Meet Our Doctors

Devoted cat enthusiasts who enjoy the special challenges afforded by the diversity of personalities our patients exhibit. Our veterinarians take part in ongoing continuing education to better serve you and your cats’ needs.  Dr. Julia has completed a special dentistry course to improve her knowledge of dental diseases and their treatment as well as honing her dental surgery skills. She continues to take part in feline dentistry courses when available to be better equipped to specifically addresses the challenges facing feline dentistry.

Dr. Julia Gilkerson

Owner and Veterinarian

Born and raised in South Carolina, Dr. Julia knew from the time she was a toddler that she wanted to be a veterinarian. Animals have always been her driving passion. She started her career journey as a certified horseback riding instructor and trainer. When her son went to university, Dr. J decided it was time for her to do what she’d always dreamed of and she went back to school too.

A resident of Nova Scotia since 1992, Dr. Julia attended the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, PEI. After graduating in 2005 she returned briefly to South Carolina to work in a mixed veterinary practice (dogs, cats, horses and goats). However, the call of the Maritimes could not be ignored and it was less than a year before she returned to her “adopted” home.

Working in Truro at the Truro Veterinary Hospital for 4 years, Dr. Julia became increasingly drawn to feline medicine and always looked forward to seeing her feline patients. Their independent nature and grace are a powerful magnet. When the Atlantic Cat Hospital was put on the market, Dr. Julia pounced on the opportunity viewing it as the “purr-fect” fit.  Dr. Julia is also a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP).

Her own furry family includes her cat Sydney and horse Junior.

Meet Our Team

All of the staff at the Atlantic Cat Hospital have a deep and abiding love of cats, understanding their unique needs. Ongoing continuing education helps staff to meet those needs. Gina completed a special Dentistry course in May of 2012 to fine-tune her skills in caring for your feline friend’s oral health.

Gina M.

Head Registered Veterinary Technician

Gina grew up in a scenic, rural area of Cape Breton. She left the island for Truro, NS to study Veterinary Technology at Nova Scotia Agricultural College, where she received her RVT diploma in 1999. Shortly after she joined Atlantic Cat Hospital, she now leads our treatment team as our Head Veterinary Technician.

Over the years Gina has learned a lot about caring for felines and has been dubbed "The Cat Whisperer" by her peers; treating cats has become her niche. Whether it comes to dental cleanings, monitoring patients, assisting in surgery and all things in between Gina is qualified and ready to nurse cats back to health. Her patience, wisdom and kind heart make her an incredible RVT, all the staff look up to her!

Although Gina loves visiting Cape Breton, she has made her home in Halifax with her husband Perry and cat Rosie. When we actually let her have time off she likes to spend it outdoors, at music events and with family, usually in Cape Breton.

Terri M.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Terri is originally from Shubenacadie, NS but has travelled nation-wide as an RVT since graduating from Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 2001. She has worked in major Canadian veterinary clinics and cat rescues in Toronto and has brought back all of her animal expertise to NS, where we are privileged to have her with us at ACH.

Although she has worked with all animals, she has always favored cats and wanted to work in a feline exclusive veterinary clinic. Not only does Terri love cats but cats love Terri! Her calm approach to feline nursing has helped our scared and anxious patients relax while in hospital. Terri can do it all! From laboratory diagnosis, surgery, patient care and everything in between related to patient treatment.

When not caring for our patients Terri spends most of her time with her family; her partner Chris, their daughters Abbie and Gwen and their precious orange tabby Tobias.

Heidi S.

Registered Veterinary Technician

Bio coming soon...

Keke O.

Veterinary Assistant

Keke was born off the mainland in Port-aux Basques, NFLD. As a teenager she left one island for another when her family moved to Cape Breton, NS eventually making her way to HRM. Keke studied Veterinary Assistant at MBC graduating in 2016.

Before joining us at ACH in November 2020 she worked as an emergency clinic technician assistant for 4 years, directly helping RVTs and doctors care for patients. She has brought that knowledge to us and works with our treatment team, nursing patients and assisting in all elements of treating cats. Both her co-workers and her patients are very lucky to have her here at ACH.

A cat lover from birth, Keke currently has four felines residing with her. Darla, Panda, Andy and Fergus. When not at work she spends her time playing with her herd of kitties, cross-stitching while watching horror movies, reading novels and watching anime that Sara Dawn recommends (forcibly).

Sandy F.

Part-Time Receptionist

After over 25 years in the veterinary field Sandy has OFFICALLY RETIRED!! You can still find her here occasionally helping us out when needed.

When she graces us with her presence to work the occasional shift all the new staff take the opportunity to learn from her. With her years of experience she can answer almost all of your feline-related questions and she has been passing this knowledge on to our new reception team.

In retirement Sandy is enjoying more time with her grandchildren; Cassie, Maddie and Scarlet. She is also an avid bowler and during the summer will only be found on the beach. We miss her greatly and wish her well!

Kim G.

Office Manager

Kim is a world explorer, originally from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan she has lived all over Canada and even stayed awhile on the West Coast of Ireland. We are very happy she has come to Nova Scotia and is on our team! She has a BSC in Biology and previously worked at Atlantic Cat Hospital as a Veterinary Assistant.

Although Kim is currently occupying our front desk, she is a very capable Veterinary Assistant who can answer almost all your feline-related questions. Kim particularly likes the company of cats because they are quirky and make her laugh. Since coming back to ACH she has been a great team member, both her previous co-workers and new co-workers admire her dedication to cats and clients.

She has settled in Dartmouth with her three boys; Chester (partner), Aleister (son) and her cat Boo (the bestest boy). She often likes to create alliterations when she has a spare moment and her hobbies include: Beachcombing, Birdwatching and Boardgames.

Ainsley M.

Pre-Veterinary Student

Ainsley has always called Halifax home. We have known Ainsley for a long time, her family cats Domino and Lucy have been patients of ours for years. She is currently studying an undergraduate in Neuroscience at Dalhousie University with an interest in behavioral endocrinology of bird species. She hopes to attend UPEI in the near future to become a veterinarian.

Although Ainsley is here to learn from our veterinary team she has also played a vital role in our practice. She has become an on-the-job trained veterinary assistant and tackles all tasks given to her with ease, the treatment team is ecstatic to have her helping hand. Ainsley wanted to mention that she is excited to work with and learn from "the kind and hilarious team at ACH" as well she has a deep love for cats.

Ainsley has a very busy schedule with studying, working and doing wildlife rehabilitation in the summer but she still finds time to bake delicious food (that she shares with the team) and practice kickboxing.

Meet Our Clinic Cats

Dolly Duck

Our snow white cat, Dolly Duck, was an emergency case brought to us in October 2009. Duck presented with a shattered pelvis and doctors could only assume that she had been hit by a car while living on the streets of Fairview. Duck was malnourished and had to regain her strength while on cage-rest for three months at the hospital, during this time the staff had grown extremely fond of her.

Our dear Duck passed away surrounded by her loving family at the Atlantic Cat Hospital in December 2020.  She was a presence and an extraordinary ‘clinic cat’ – she had a special relationship with each and every staff member that we will always cherish.

 

Originally she was named “Dolly” but while here it was quickly discovered that her meow sounds more like a “quack” and the nickname “Duck” has become more frequently used. She also waddles due to her previous pelvis injury, which adds even more to her name. Duck spends lots of time “speaking” with clients in reception and her sassy-ness is only exceeded by her cuteness. Her favourite activities are smacking papers off desks, tearing open food bags (even though she only has one tooth left) and being pampered like the royalty that she is. She is extremely loved by her ACH family and the clinic would be very empty without her.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“I don't have enough wonderful things to say about Dr.Julia and her staff. My cat Lancelot is a "Problem Cat", to put it MILDLY- I ended up at ACH when several vets in the HRM couldn't diagnose his many health issues. Not only was Dr.Julia able to diagnose him in a way no one else had, but has been a constant source of support since. In a recent life-and-death situation, she and her staff were so compassionate, and helped us through the ordeal with such care for kitty and myself.

I don't know what the future might hold for Lance, but I know he's receiving the best care from ACH. I highly recommend them!”

Tina Micklethwaite

“Hi Dr. Julia,

Wynnie is doing so well! Thank you for all your care of her. Something I love about you and your staff is that you really know how important our fur friends are. I know Wynnie is in excellent hands with you all and it is wonderful to have that peace of mind. I love my little kitty- so thank you for helping to keep her around and healthy for as long as possible.”

Amanda

“I always highly recommend the Atlantic Cat Hospital. My cats (and I have lots) are important to me. Cats have special needs and conditions. Dr Julia and the staff go out of their way to provide quality care, always in the best interest of the patient. It is clear they love cats, and they take care of the humans as well. I’m so glad they are here for us.”

Cindy Murphy