Certainly! Use our scales any time. There is a treat jar at reception for you to use to help lure your pet onto the scales and to reward your pet for standing on the scales. Our receptionist will record their weight on their patient file so we always keep track of any changes.
Yes, we are happy to show visitors around our hospital, however if there are sensitive procedures or in-patients we may need to schedule another time.
Usually yes. However if your pet is hospitalised for tick paralysis or any condition for which excitement or stress could be detrimental, visiting is not allowed. We ask you to keep your visits brief and quiet to keep your pet calm and not disturb other pets in the hospital. Leaving a personal item (eg t-shirt) with your pet may help them feel less lonely when you leave.
Hospitalised pets are not continuously supervised after-hours. Depending on their situation they may be checked periodically by the veterinarian either in person or via CCTV, or your pet may be referred to a 24-hour care hospital (closest is Bangalow, NSW).
We require payment in full at the time of service. We accept cash, EFTPOS, credit cards, direct deposit and Vetpay. Vetpay offers payment plans for approved applicants to pay for their pet’s treatment over time.
It is best to call your insurance company prior to treatment (if possible) to ensure your pet is covered for the intended procedure. When the bill is paid (or before, if using GapOnly) provide us with your policy number and insurance company and we can submit the claim online for you in most cases. If you haven’t done the claim at the time, you can still claim by submitting your invoice and a claim form to your insurance company. Sometimes the vet needs to complete the form. Just bring your form to us and we’ll help you.
The vet submits your claim to GapOnly at the completion of treatment. The insurance company assesses the claim immediately and pays the veterinary hospital the amount of the claim and you only need to pay the gap. The claim process takes around 15-20 minutes.
We are not financial advisors. Most people who take up pet insurance say it’s great for peace of mind. Veterinary care can become quite expensive very quickly and pet insurance removes some of the financial stress from decisions, allowing your pet to receive the care they need.
The Pet Portal is an online link to your pet’s records at our hospital. You can log in using the mobile phone number we have on file and see their vaccination reminders and appointments, update your contact details and order medication or products.
Visit the Pet Portal here.
How wonderful! We can’t wait to see you. Just pop in and see us, call the clinic or make an appointment online. You could also complete our New Client Form so we have all of your details in advance.
Complete the New Client Form here.
For your peace of mind, it is helpful if we are familiar with what is happening with your pet and what to do in case veterinary care is needed in your absence. Please complete our Owner Absence Form so we have all of this information at hand.
Complete the Owner Absence Form here
For a “routine” procedure such as desexing, call our friendly receptionist to book a mutually convenient day. It is recommended to bring your pet prior to the surgery day for a “happy visit” or “pre-surgery check” with your veterinary nurse free of charge. Your nurse will check that your pet is suitable for the procedure and discuss any extras that may be required. For non-routine procedures you will need to book a consultation with your veterinarian prior to booking the surgical day so we are all on the same page with what needs to be done.
You will be emailed a “Care Plan” with instructions for your pet’s preparation as well as an “Informed Consent Form” for you to complete and return prior to the surgery day – we can help if you’re having difficulty.
View a Care Plan example here.
The short answer is because pets are living beings and as such each may respond differently to medications and surgery. Surgical and dental procedures may sometimes take much longer than initially anticipated and other situations may arise over the course of your pet’s treatment affecting the previous plan. Because you are paying for the veterinarian’s expertise, the fee will reflect the time taken and difficulty of the procedure as well as the varying medications and equipment required to treat your pet. There is no one size fits all for veterinary care.
Desexing procedures on young animals are performed at our hospital at a reduced rate as our voluntary contribution to animal welfare, allowing pet owners to budget for their pet’s routine care in the first year. Desexing, although regarded as a routine procedure is not a simple procedure, and often desexing surgeries are discounted by hundreds of dollars compared to other similar surgical procedures.
You can ask your veterinarian to write a prescription for your medication to an online pharmacy of your choice. There is a fee for this service and there are risks of buying your pet’s medication from online pharmacies.
Drugs purchased from online pharmacies may be: counterfeit, contaminated, unsafe, short-dated, different from the doses recommended by your veterinarian, labelled incorrectly, shipped or stored in an unregulated manner, sourced from unethical sources, from a facility that operates illegally with no governmental oversight or harmful to your pet. Drug manufacturers may not warrant the safety, purity, or efficacy of products sold through online pharmacies.
Our practice cannot take responsibility for the safety, labelling, transport or standard of drugs purchased through an Online Pharmacy.
It’s recommended to bring your pet in for a checkup at least once a year. Puppies, kittens, senior pets and pets with health issues need more frequent visits.
Vaccinations are a safe and effective method of preventing dangerous illnesses that may affect your pet. Vaccinations are given as a primary course when your pet is very young, however boosters are required at regular intervals (usually annually) to ensure ongoing protection of your pet and other pets around you.
Your pet’s mouth, teeth & gums will be examined by our trained veterinary nurse, who will then estimate the degree of dental disease in your pet’s mouth.
If your pet has any dental disease present, it is recommended for your pet to have a dental cleaning or more involved dental treatment depending on the grade of the disease. Accurate grading of the disease is impossible in a conscious animal, needing general anaesthesia, careful examination and probing of the teeth, and often dental x-rays for making a definitive treatment plan. Your veterinary nurse will estimate the cost of dental treatment for your pet and book your pet in to have a dental procedure at a mutually convenient date.
If your pet has no dental disease, congratulations! Your nurse will discuss ways of keeping your pet’s teeth healthy.
Pets can be very clever at masking pain and may appear perfectly normal. Other symptoms may include limping, decreased activity, changes in appetite and vocalising more than usual. If you notice any of these signs or any other unusual behaviour, just give us a call.
Check the pet for identification, such as a tag or labelled collar. Secure the pet away from danger. Be careful handling unknown animals as they can be unpredictable in an unusual setting and may snap or bite without warning.
If the pet appears well and uninjured, take it to the nearest animal shelter, or call the Council Ranger.
If the animal shelter is closed, find somewhere safe to contain the pet until opening time. If this is not possible, call the Ranger on the Council’s after-hours service.
If the pet appears unwell, call your nearest veterinarian for advice.
You can help by supporting local shelters and rescue organisations through volunteering, donations or fostering animals. Spreading awareness about the importance of desexing pets can also help the stray population.
Living alongside native wildlife means we sometimes encounter animals that are sick, injured, or orphaned.
It’s important to remember that wild animals are not accustomed to human contact and can become extremely stressed when handled. Improper handling can cause further injury or even be fatal. Always approach with care and aim to reduce stress as much as possible.
What to Do:
Step 1: Remove Immediate Dangers
Secure any pets—especially cats and dogs—to prevent further harm to the animal until help arrives.
Step 2: Minimise Stress
Only approach a wild animal if it is safe to do so.
Gently cover the animal with a towel or blanket, then carefully place it in a ventilated box. Keep the box in a warm, quiet, and dark place. Do not disturb it—even well-meaning attention can be harmful.
Step 3: Contact WIRES
Call the Mid-North Coast Branch of WIRES on 1300 094 737 for expert assistance.
Important: It is illegal to keep native wildlife taken from the wild. They must be handed over to a licensed wildlife carer or rescue organisation like WIRES.
A balanced diet is crucial for your pet’s health. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations based on your pet’s age, breed and health condition. Generally, a high quality commercial pet food is a good choice.
Some human foods are safe for pets, but many can be harmful. Human foods are not a complete and balanced diet for pets. Avoid giving your pet chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic and anything with caffeine or alcohol. If in doubt, give us a call to check.
Provide your cat with scratching posts and pads. Use positive reinforcement such as treats to encourage your cat to use these alternatives. You can also use deterrent sprays on some furniture.
Preventative medication should be given year round. Drop in or call our friendly team to discuss the best products and schedule for your pet.
Common signs of fleas include excessive scratching, red or irritated skin, and visible fleas or flea “dirt” (actually their droppings!) in your pet’s fur, often on their rump!
Yes, older dogs can suffer from cognitive decline. Symptoms include confusion, changes in sleep patterns, and loss of interest in usual activities. The best thing to do would be to bring your older dog in for a consultation with one of our vets for a full health check and cognitive assessment.
Generally dogs only need a bath every 1-3 months, depending on their breed and lifestyle. Dogs with skin conditions usually require more frequent baths with a medicated shampoo. On the beautiful Coffs Coast, most of us often take our dogs to the creek or beach. After they have been swimming in salt water, it’s important to wash the salt off with fresh water so the drying effect of the salt on the skin is reduced. Some shampoos are safe for daily use if desired.
No. Human shampoo can be too harsh for a pet’s skin. Only use a shampoo specially formulated for pets and be wary of any product that isn’t recommended by your vet. Many pet shampoos that include “natural” oils and fragrances can actually cause irritation in the skin or may even be toxic!
Cats knead as a comforting behavior they learned as kittens. It’s their way of showing affection and feeling secure.
Head tilting helps a dog hear better and understand you. Plus, it’s their way of looking extra cute to get your attention!
Tail chasing can be a sign of playfulness, boredom, or even a way to get your attention. If it becomes excessive, make an appointment to see one of our vets to rule out any medical issues.
Guinea Pigs quickly learn to associate certain sounds with food. The fridge opening often means fresh veggies are coming, so they squeak with excitement!