Vet Services Wairarapa

Wairarapa Vet Services is a 24/7 animal health service that cares for animals from your pet guinea pig through to the prize-winning horse, and everything in between. That’s special enough but what’s also interesting is that the 29-strong staff are all women and all work flexible hours based on their life commitments.

Nicola Haglund is Manager of the Masterton practice and says the flexibility works well and means everyone enjoys their roles and are very productive. There are ten veterinarians, seven vet nurses, eight in admin, a stock manager, rural animal technician and a retail manager. Vet Services is a Group Practice with five independent clinics in Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay. Nicola is one of the three shareholders along with Vet, Sarah Wolland and Hawkes Bay Vet Services. Continuing education for all the staff is vital and welcomed to help keep everyone abreast of veterinary trends. Companion animals make up around 65 per cent of the Masterton clinic’s patients, the rest being on farm treatments. There are two spacious waiting areas so cats and dogs can be comfortably separate. Four consultation rooms mean minimum waiting times with 15 or 30 minute appointments times available. Vets give their undivided attention and can order laboratory and blood samples for prompt diagnoses. The consultation rooms vary in size, and one has an additional entry direct into the carpark. This helps owners bring in nervous or aggressive pets without having to pass through reception. It is also a special room dedicated for euthanasia when the animal can then be taken appropriately home afterwards. Did you know – a pet can improve your health? The value of having a pet.  Pets offer companionship. This is especially beneficial to people who live alone.  Pets reduce the stress of life.

Research has shown that the simple act of petting an animal reduces stress. As you stroke the fur or hair of a pet, both your body and your pet release oxytocin. This hormone is linked to emotional bonding.

Playing with a pet also raises your levels of dopamine and serotonin – hormones which make you feel good!  Pets can help improve mental health. One of the greatest benefits of pets is how they can improve mental health. People who say their pets help them, point to reasons like comfort, companionship, and the need for a consistent schedule.

Caring for your pet in winter

In the colder months ahead, please think about your pet’s comfort levels.  Provide comfortable bedding  Provide your dog with a comfortable warm dog jacket (Many working dogs wear these in kennels overnight, it takes a huge amount of energy to keep themselves warm)  Keep your animals out of draughts  Provide Kennels and shelters away from wind and rain

 Elderly pets may benefit from an annual health check visit with a vet

This can give a snapshot of tell tail signs of disease or illness when an animal is starting to slow down.

Arthritis can be painful and affect your pet’s quality of life. By having this assessed and diagnosed our vets can create a treatment or management plan to alleviate pain and inflammation.

The Large Animal and Equine team.

Part of the Small Animal team