For those planning to breed their cats or dogs, the right care matters – from pre-conception through birth. Poplar Grove Veterinary Services in Innisfail has become a trusted name for pet owners seeking specialized reproductive care for both small and large animals. Led by Dr. Stacey Homer, the clinic provides breeding and pregnancy at every step. “We’re passionate about helping pet owners build and care for the next generation of healthy, thriving animals,” Dr. Homer says.
The clinic offers breeding counselling and is equipped with advanced tools to support all aspects of reproductive health. One of their core services is ovulation timing. “Timing is everything when it comes to breeding,” Dr. Homer explains. “We use progesterone testing to determine the optimal time for conception, helping owners increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.”
Genetic testing is also integral, with both Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and PennHIP radiographs available to evaluate hip health. Comprehensive semen evaluations help ensure both parents are healthy and compatible, helping prevent genetic health issues from passing to future generations.
The clinic also provides advanced imaging, including pregnancy ultrasounds and radiographs, which deliver critical insights throughout pregnancy. “Ultrasounds allow us to confirm pregnancies early, while radiographs later in the term give us an accurate puppy or kitten count, which helps us prepare for delivery,” says Dr. Homer.
For pet owners interested in preserving breeding options, Poplar Grove offers semen cryopreservation services, which include the collection, analysis, and storage of semen for future use. “Cryopreservation opens doors for breeders, giving them control over timing and access to genetic lines,” Dr. Homer says. Artificial insemination is available as well, with options for both transcervical and surgical insemination, providing a safe alternative when natural breeding isn’t viable.
Poplar Grove has many success stories in canine reproduction. A poodle who produced a litter but had since struggled to conceive. After four unsuccessful breeding attempts with two different clinics, the owner turned to Poplar Grove as a final attempt due to the dog’s age and the limited availability of the male’s cryopreserved semen. Through meticulous tracking, re-evaluation, and careful timing, the clinic successfully achieved a pregnancy with a healthy litter of eight puppies. These puppies went on to train in show rings worldwide, prompting the owner to attempt one final breeding with cryopreserved semen from a male in Paris. With the same precision, Poplar Grove’s team produced another litter of four, furthering this line’s legacy in the show world.
Another memorable case involved an Australian Shepherd whose semen had been cryopreserved 15 years prior. The owner had waited for the ideal female companion, and when the perfect match emerged, the male had already passed away. With only two doses of semen available, Poplar Grove’s team diligently monitored the female’s cycle and, using all available resources, successfully achieved a pregnancy. The resulting litter of seven puppies carried on the legacy of a Grand Champion long after his passing.
The clinic’s cryopreservation services have also connected dogs across the world, enabling unique genetic combinations for working and service dogs, from bomb detection to search and rescue roles. This form of breeding preserves important genetic lines without the logistical challenges of travel, ensuring these valuable traits endure for generations.
Dr. Homer emphasizes the importance of maintaining purebred lines alongside rescue advocacy, recognizing that each breed brings unique characteristics. “Every breed was developed for a reason,” Dr. Homer says. “When breeding is done ethically and with health as a priority, it’s possible to produce exceptional animals, whether they’re working dogs or companions.”
“Our goal is to strengthen the human-animal bond,” Dr. Homer adds. “Whether you’re welcoming a litter of kittens or bringing new puppies into the world, we’re here to support you every step of the way.”
For more information about Poplar Grove Veterinary Services’ breeding and reproductive care, visit poplargrovevet.com or call 403-227-4701.
