Pets

The Vet Centre offers a full and diverse range of services for the treatment and health of companion animals. These include:

Pet consultations

The Vet Centre Richmond's experienced veterinarians are available to see your pet seven days a week, by appointment. During your consultation our vet will discuss your pets symptoms and needs, and give a full nose to tail clinical examination.  From this point we can discuss a treatment plan tailored to your pets individual needs.

Regular physical examinations and vaccinations are very important because we can help identify potential problems before they become more serious.

Every day brings something different at The Vet Centre, where we perform a wide variety of surgeries from complex orthopaedic (bone) surgery, to the routine desexing of animals.

We have invested in the latest technology in anaesthetic machines, and our nurses have undergone extensive training to ensure your pet is as safe as possible whilst under anaesthetic.

We pride ourselves on being able to use a combination of conventional and non-conventional medicine when treating pets.  Acupuncture is an ancient art for which two of our vets have completed courses.  We have had some great results with dog acupuncture for arthritis and other painful conditions, and on cats for neurological problems. 

Radiology

We have an on-site xray machine which we can use to take xrays of all species from birds to horses and farm animals.  This is a valuable diagnostic aid for many conditions, including broken bones, heart conditions and abdominal pain.

We also perform radiography for Hip and Elbow scores for the NZVA scheme.

Blood sample analysis

Our on-site Idexx blood chemistry and haematology machine can give us results within 30 minutes.  This is extremely valuable in critical cases, and can be used to help diagnose kidney and liver disease, infections, anaemia and many other conditions.  We can also run a blood test for Feline Aids and have the results within 5 minutes. 

Ultrasound

We have a fantastic ex-hospital ultrasound machine that has many diagnostic uses.  It is commonly used for detecting pregnancy in dogs, and estimating the number of puppies to be expected.  It can also be used later on in the pregnancy to detect if the puppies are stressed and therefore help making the decision whether a caesarean section is required.  It has great value in looking at the abdominal contents, looking for tumours and many other abnormalities such as bladder stones and the presence of fluid in the abdomen.

Endoscopy

An endoscope uses fiber-optic equipment to allow us to see inside the body. This is a great tool for checking for foreign bodies in windpipes, and looking at the inside of the stomach and colon without the need for surgery.

Microscopy

We have a microscope in our laboratory that allows us to assess ear swabs, skin scrapings, fine needle aspirates of lumps and bumps, blood slides, faecal and urine samples.  This is a very useful tool in the diagnosis of many conditions, and the development of a treatment plan for your pet.

We run a comprehensive 4 week

that helps you to train your new puppy and give you the tools to ensure your puppy grows into a good canine citizen.  We use these sessions for your puppy to learn to socialise with other pups, and also to help solve any behavioural problems that may have developed.

Nutritional Advice

Our nurses have completed a nutritional advisor course and along with the vets are available to discuss your pets specific nutritional needs, and advise you on the best diet.

Pet supplies

We have a extensive range of pet supplies from flea treatments, worming tablets, athritis supplements, dog leads and collars, pet tags, and a large number of pet toys and treats.  Our staff are very happy to give you advice on the best product for your pet.  We are proud stockists of Iams/Eukanuba & Hills Science Diet pet foods.

We are qualified under New Zealand Biosecurity (MAF Quality Management) to check your animal before travelling overseas and sign the required export certificate to prove that your pet is fit to fly.

Microchipping of newly acquired dogs is required by law in New Zealand. We will microchip your dog and complete the paperwork required for entry onto the National Dog Database.  We also have information on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register which records microchips in any species, not just dogs.  More and more people are microchipping cats, which is a great aid to finding them again if they go missing.  We have even microchipped an expensive parrot!

If you require more information on any of the services listed above, please

or phone