Mount Barker Veterinary Clinic

14/11/2024

Meet the Team!
Clodagh Riley: Vet Nurse and Vet Student
1. How long have you been a Veterinary Nurse and what made you decide to become a Veterinary Nurse?
I have been working as a Veterinary Nurse for just over three years, having started shortly after completing my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at the University of Adelaide. My decision to pursue this career was driven by my profound passion for both animals and medicine. The opportunity to combine these interests in a meaningful way has been incredibly rewarding, and I continue to find joy in my work every day.
2. When did you start at Mount Barker Vet clinic and what is your current role at the clinic?
I joined the Mount Barker Veterinary Clinic team in 2021, while I was finishing my first degree, and went on to complete my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at TAFE. Since then, I’ve been so fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team of professionals, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a dynamic and supportive environment.
3. What are your future plans in the Veterinary industry?
I am desperately excited about it, so you may have heard - I am studying to be a vet! The support I’ve received from the veterinarians I work with has been invaluable, and I am continuously learning through my practical experience at the clinic, as well as my studies at Uni (I am midway through degree 2/3, so plenty to learn still!). I’m deeply excited about the future and the opportunity to further my career in veterinary medicine.
4. What do you love about working at the clinic?
One of the aspects I most enjoy about working at the clinic is the fast-paced and collaborative environment. The driving nature of each day allows me to work closely with a skilled team, and no two days or cases are ever the same. Most of all I love the families (furred and otherwise) that I get to meet each day! Supporting them through their journeys is such an incredibly rewarding part of my role.
5. What do you do when not working at the clinic?
When I’m not at the clinic I am often found on the couch with my partner Mitch, our two cats Ricecake and Errol, and a terrible British crime show! Usually when I really should be studying. I also love to cook, read and when time permits, I will often go in to the clinic afterhours to assist in surgeries for some extra experience (nerd!).

13/11/2024

Warning to all our clients if you receive one of these emails please don't clink on any links and please report it. Microchips don't expire. Apparently it is an Australia wide scam currently happening.
The following message has come from the Dog and Cat Management Board.
PLEASE BE AWARE! We have become aware of an email scam where pet owners are told their animal’s microchip record has expired and displays ‘unregistered animal’ in all linked affiliated websites. An associated website which is requesting payment ($28), Please warn enquiring owners who enquire that you’re aware and to not click links.

The email contains some personal information (names, email address, phone and microchip numbers). We have investigated and assure you this information has not come from Dogs and Cats Online. Data security and confidentiality is an absolute priority of the Board’s, and we ensure strict measures are in place, governed by stringent protective frameworks.
If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]
Thank you
Dog and Cat Management Unit
GPO Box 1047, Adelaide SA 5001
dogandcatboard.com.au

08/11/2024

Meet the Team
Yazmin Kane: Vet Nurse Assistant
1. When did you start at Mount Barker Vet clinic and what was your role then?
I began in 2020, the year after graduating high school and completing a certificate 3 in rural operations (animal care and husbandry). I was hired as a kennel hand.

2. What is your current role at the clinic and what are all the different things you do as part of that role ?
I am now a Veterinary Nurse Assistant and am so grateful to have had so much on job training and experience. I do an assortment of jobs in that role from reception duties to assisting vets in consult and non surgical procedures, running varied diagnostic and pathology tests, making up surgical kits, preparing cages, unpacking orders and restocking all areas of the clinic, walking dogs, endless cleaning and looking after our Spiny Leaf Insects, basically anything the Vets/nurses need a hand with, the list goes on.

3. What do you love about working at the clinic?
The people! I am so lucky to be part of this team and I love everyone wholeheartedly. They are all such good people and would do absolutely anything to help animals in need. Which is really the reason we are all there. The animals are what bring us all together and bond us into an unstoppable team of intelligence and copious care.

4. What do you do when not working at the clinic?
I love spending time with animals on my farm as we are all one big happy family. I am also a big arts and crafts girl as I went to art school and learnt to work with lots of mediums. When I’m not at work you’ll either catch me crocheting, painting, making jewellery, working on my kombi van, taking cool photos with my friends, at a concert or annoying my pets haha.

01/11/2024

Meet the Team
Meg Wright: Senior Vet Nurse

1. How long have you been a veterinary nurse and what made you decide to be a veterinary nurse? I have been vet nursing for 15 years, starting out as a kennel hand when I finished school in 2009. I have always grown up with pets and knew I wanted to do something with animals. I was always the one giving the histories to the Vets, when I would help my parents with our animal’s annual vet visits. I made this possible with VET courses during school and various certificates during and post schooling. I have completed Certificate VI in Veterinary nursing.

2. When did you start at Mount Barker Vet clinic and what is your current role at the clinic? After working as a veterinary nurse in various veterinary clinics for 9 years, I started working at Mount Barker Vet Clinic in March 2020, right before the madness of COVID hit the world. It started off as a challenge, new workplace, new lifestyle but with my knowledge and flexibility from working at different clinics, I was able to battle through it and love every moment at this clinic. I do a number of different roles in the clinic, which include reception, consult nurse, surgery nurse and consult assistant.

3. What do you love about working at the clinic? The variety of different animals that comes through the door. When I starting nursing in other clinics, it was dogs and cats with a handful of pocket pets. Now living in the hills, you can add some large animals that clients bring into the clinic and the number of different wildlife. I also really enjoy being a part of a bigger team, where Vets and nurses work together as a team.

4. What are you doing when not working at the clinic? When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and relaxing with diamond dot painting. Baking is a big passion of mine and I love to get in the kitchen, when I’m not in the clinic to make yummy goodies for my work family. My biggest joy in life is spending one on one mother-daughter time with my beautiful little girl.

31/10/2024

Today is Halloween and many children will be going Trick or Treating. It is a good idea to think about our pets too, as Halloween can be scary or stressful time for them. If your dog is nervous of new people or people in costume, it may be better to shut them away or put them in the backyard so they don’t get stressed. Also while some pets don’t mind being dressed up, others find it stressful or scary, so only dress up your pet if they are comfortable with it. While we all love treats many of them are unsuitable for our pets to eat and can make them very ill so just stick to pet treats for your pets. If you have concerns or your pets eats something they shouldn’t please give our helpful nurses a call on 8391 1404. Big thanks to Remkyn Poodles for the lovely Halloween photos.

28/10/2024

We have had a pet Long Billed Corella that was found at Keith Stephenson park bought into us. He talks and has a ring on his leg. If you are missing your pet Corella, please contact us on 8391 1404 so we can reunite you both. You will need to show proof of ownership.🪽🤞

28/10/2024

Well it has been a time of dogs swallowing silly things. We have had to do several exploratory Laparotomies the last couple of weeks to remove socks amongst other things that dogs have swallowed and got stuck. Dr Lucie saw Benji a 10 month old Cobber dog who presented in the evening, he had started vomiting that morning and is known to be a bit of a sock thief. Dr Lucie could feel a suspicious mass in his abdomen plus a suspicious outline of a fabric item on x-ray. She operated and once inside the abdomen it was pretty easy to find as it was sooo long. Benji has made a full recovery, Unfortunately this is the second time he has had to have surgery to remove a sock in the last couple weeks. His family are trying very hard to make sure he doesn’t get to any more socks!🧦🧦

25/10/2024

Meet the Team
Tiarna Sharrad: Vet Nurse

How long have you been a Veterinary Nurse and what made you decide to become a Veterinary Nurse?
I’ve been working in the clinic for almost 6 years (in Feb). I started as a junior then became a trainee nurse and slowly worked my way up to where I am now a fully fledged Vet Nurse after completing the Certificate 4 in Vet Nursing at TAFE in September 2022. Prior to this, throughout high school I worked through my Certificate 1,2,3 in Animal Studies. I’ve always been around animals and always wanted to work in the animal industry so when I got the job here I was beyond excited! I love the patients that come through the door and also love when we get more unusual pets and wildlife into the clinic too.

2. When did you start at Mount Barker Vet clinic and what is your current role at the clinic?
I started at the clinic in 2019 right after I finished year 12 in 2018. I had an instant love for the clinic and the amazing people I work with! My current role at the clinic is as a Vet nurse. I can be monitoring surgeries and hospital patients or doing reception, it’s a very nice variety, though I do love my hospital shifts!

3. What do you love about working at the clinic?
I love the connection we make with the pets and owners. Being able to help a patient through a procedure, and being there with them when they are scared or anxious, and treating them with the same love as one of my own pets, is one of the many things I enjoy doing. Being able to help owners through the stressful times and be there for them when needed is one thing I am always happy to do, I just really enjoy making both pets and owners feel comfortable and cared for. I also have a BIG love of the wildlife we get through such as lizards, birds and koalas and especially the kangaroos, wombats and possums that we see often! I love the people I work with, we are a big amazing team!

4. What do you do when not working at the clinic?
When I’m not at work I am often found hanging out with my pets at home on my family’s property. Normally playing with my rescue sheep and cows and cuddling my ginger cat Ollie or riding my horse Dancer. I enjoy watching and maintaining my 4 aquariums at home with many different tropical fish. I enjoy the outdoors and daily chores with the chickens and rest of the animals as it brings me peace. Other than that I also enjoy playing footy for Nairne Bremer United or going to the beach in the warmer weather to snorkel or kayak!

17/10/2024

Meet the Team
Hannah Jewell: Senior Vet Nurse

1. How long have you been a Veterinary Nurse and what made you decide to become a Veterinary Nurse?
I've been a Veterinary Nurse for 20 years after a growing up at Strathalbyn on a hobby farm. I have always felt an affinity with animals and Vet Nursing was my dream from as early as I can remember. I gained my Vet Nursing qualifications in Melbourne before returning to the Adelaide Hills where I've worked at the Mt Barker Vet Clinic for nearly 14 years!

2. What has changed in the job role and expectations of a Veterinary Nurse, since you started all those years ago?
So much has changed in the last two decades in the Veterinary industry! I remember the dark room and dip tanks for processing actual film xrays! There was no such thing as blood tests done in the clinic they were all sent away to the Lab, and the idea of doing in-house ultrasounds was years away! I have seen the Vet Nursing profession modernising too, with our skills utilised fully and our level of training increasing. It's great to be valued as vital members of the team, and given the opportunity to use our skills to provide the best possible care for our patients.

3. When did you start at Mount Barker Vet clinic and what is your current role at the clinic?
I've worked all roles within the clinic over the years, but my favourite is definitely reception. You guys, our clients, are my passion. We share our highs and lows over the years, I see your families expand and shrink as kids arrive, grow up and leave home, returning with their own pets! There's not much better than seeing children growing up alongside pets, learning to love and care for them. I love to talk about animal care, sharing information about the newest medications, parasite control products and foods to protect, heal and grow your pets. Sometimes, I find the words to explain "vet speak" in ways that are easier for the layperson to understand. Other times, I'm your friend when something bad has happened, sharing hugs and memories and reassuring you when you are afraid. I have a real soft spot for cats and guinea pigs and might have pulled my phone out to swap photos on more than a few occasions! I will be there for you when you need us. That's my promise.

4. What do you do when not working at the clinic?
I have a pretty busy life when I'm not at work! My partner Ben and I have two daughters (who also adore animals - of course!) plus my Assistance Dog Nessie, two cats and two guinea pigs. I run the Macclesfield Community Pantry on Mondays because I want to help my community and know what it's like to need food relief myself. Over the years, I've helped rescue and rehome quite a few cats. Maybe a few stayed too... 😃

11/10/2024

A big shout out to our wonderful Vet nursing team on this International Vet Nurse day. This day we celebrate the incredible contributions our Vet Nurses and Technicians make to the world of animal care! We could not do all the wonderful things we do to help animals unless we had you to carry a lot of the work load, keeping the Vet clinic running and giving your support to the Vets. From holding wriggly animals to taking blood to assisting surgery to making up surgical kits to cleaning cages and mopping the floors many times a day. Keeping on top of the constant phone calls and the never ending washing but still having time to give plenty of pets cuddles when they need them and all with a smile. 🩺❤️‍🩹

10/10/2024

10/10 a perfect date for World Mental Health Day. An important day to acknowledge we all need to support each other as all of us have our own struggles, especially those who work in the Veterinary profession. Unfortunately our industry has the highest Su***de rate of any profession and I think every Vet at our clinic knows of someone personally who has committed su***de.

All our team are here because they care and they do their best to support and help you with the wellbeing of your pets. We understand your animals are quite often the family you choose, and they might be the only positive thing in your lives. But it needs to go both ways, we also need your understanding and support as we are also under a lot of pressure and are only human. You do not know how many euthanasias or times today we have had to break hard or unwelcome news to our clients before we got to your appointment. We are here to make a difference, we are not in it for the money. Unfortunately there is no Medicare, no PBS, no governmental relief. If you want an appropriate standard of vet care, it is expensive.
For those of you wishing to understand how Veterinary Practice actually works and the costs, pressures and issues that really exist, I strongly recommend you familiarise yourself with the following:
Sick As A Dog Podcast (Caroline Winter)
https://www.sickasadogpodcast.com.au/
Sophie’s Legacy
https://sophieslegacy.com/
Please don’t be another uneducated keyboard warrior on Facebook or Google perpetuating the problem. Be part of sustainable solutions for Veterinary professionals and animal owners alike. Thanks to Zoe Adams for inspiring this post.❤️‍🩹

Sophie’s Legacy is raising public awareness of the mental health crisis in the veterinary industry, advocating for change, and offering support. Join the community.

08/10/2024

Meet the Team!
Sonja Mindt: Senior Veterinary Nurse

How long have you been a Veterinary Nurse, and what made you decide to become a Veterinary nurse?
I have been a Vet nurse for nearly 15 years. In 2009 Geraldton TAFE offered its very first Certificate 4 - Veterinary Nursing course to 8 applicants. I was fortunate to be accepted so I left my secretarial job and completed the full time course within a year, successfully graduating in 2010.
As a child all I ever wanted to do was work with animals, but at the time there was no opportunity to do this, so I followed a different career path. Coming from a family who took in every stray cat, dog, bird, sheep, etc, it was a natural progression to want to work with animals. We were the crazy animal family of the neighbourhood.

What has changed in the job role and expectations of a Veterinary Nurse since you started all those years ago?
I was very fortunate that the first clinic I worked at in WA made full use of the nurses’ skills, and encouraged nurses to complete many of the tasks only Vets do at other clinics. Luckily Mt Barker Vet clinic prides itself on the same values which is why it is so wonderful to work here.

When did you start at Mount Barker Vet clinic and what is your current role at the clinic?
I started working here 4 years ago, following a move back to SA from Geraldton WA where I had lived for 17 years. Finally, I was doing the job I love and in the clinic I always wanted to work at! My childhood dream became reality, and I was so grateful that the stars aligned and there was a job vacancy at exactly the right time.
Having initially started as Reception nurse, I am now a Senior Veterinary nurse and part of the management team.

What do you love about working at the clinic?
I love the team environment which makes it feel less like a work place and more like a work family. We support each other and work together in our common goal to help animals, educate their owners and provide first rate services.

What do you do when not working at the clinic?
Too much! I bought a little farm with an old stone house which is in need of lots of TLC. When I am not renovating I love to ride and see the beautiful Adelaide hills from between the ears of my horse. I love spending time with my family and relaxing in nature.

04/10/2024

Just a reminder this long weekend, we are open as usual on Saturday Morning for consults and will be on call for emergencies only from 6.30am - 10.30pm over the whole weekend including the Monday public holiday. Enjoy your mini break like Penny, Dr Digby's dog is doing down the beach.

02/10/2024

Meet the Team
Mandy Hissey: Senior Vet Nurse

How long have you been a Veterinary Nurse, what Veterinary Nurse qualifications do you have and what made you decide to become a Veterinary Nurse?
I first started nursing in 2006, supplementing my summer and spring role as a Polo horse groom, the 2 jobs complemented each other very well. Animal cuddles and science all rolled into one. I loved discovering the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind it all.
I studied at TAFE SA, gaining my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2008, and my Diploma in 2019.

What has changed in the job role and expectations of a Veterinary Nurse, since you started all those years ago?
Our nursing skills are utilised so much more now than ever before…. keeps the job fulfilling and rewarding. There is always something new to do or learn or teach.

When did you start at Mount Barker Vet clinic and what is your current role at the clinic? I started at the clinic 10 years ago…. wow times flies!
I’m an all-round senior nurse. In any week you might find me on reception, training our junior nurses, keeping the shelves stocked, providing care in the hospital, feeding treats while in nurse consults, or out in surgery - which is my passion.

What do you love about working at the clinic? I love our big passionate and dynamic team. We are there to support each other every day. We have a large client base and see an interesting menagerie of animals. On a daily basis I’m helping our pet parents with new additions or their long time companions, giving our furry friends cuddles and reassurance.

What do you do when not working at the clinic?
Outside of work I have a lot to keep me busy with my family and my own pets. I love photography and am much more comfortable behind the camera than in front of it. With the lovely weather at the moment you’ll find me in the garden until I run out of light in the evenings.

24/09/2024

Meet the Team
Katie Thorpe: Practice Manager

When did you start at Mount barker Vet clinic and what has been your roles at the clinic?
I began my career with the clinic in 1999 as a dog groomer, with the hope that it would lead to a Vet nursing role and thankfully for me, this dream soon came to fruition. I continued to work at the Vet clinic whilst completing my nursing qualifications, graduating in 2002 as the top internal nursing student. I’ve been lucky enough to transition through every nursing role at the clinic from Trainee to Junior nurse to general nurse to surgical Nurse to senior Nurse and have now settled into the Practice Manager role, which I have enjoyed for the last 5 years.

What has changed at the clinic since you started?
The clinic has changed immensely during my 25 years. It has tripled in physical size after a rebuild and multiple renovations. The number of staff has grown from 6 to 29. The number of Clients has increased significantly but it is wonderful to see clients who are still coming to us all these years later. The technology in equipment we now have on hand has meant that we can offer far better diagnostics and care for our furry family.

What do you love about working at the clinic?
The growth of the clinic has afforded me the opportunity for personal growth and advancement, something I thrive on. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t still be here if we hadn’t grown to this level! I love my work family, it’s a truly special thing to work with a team for so long that are so passionate about our furred friends.

What are challenges and things you enjoy with your current role?
Practice Management is not without its challenges, the HR component (in particular rostering) would have to be the biggest. The size of the clinic certainly has me on my toes with so many things behind the curtain to attend to but I do love a challenge. It is so rewarding to have everything come together and flow smoothly.

What do you do when not working at the clinic?
When not working at the clinic, I enjoy gardening and spending time with my family (human and furred) on our Meadows property. I love camping and try to get away at least twice a year. The Flinders Ranges is one of my favourite destinations to unwind and disconnect.

12/09/2024

Please support the wonderful tireless Adelaide Hills Kangaroo Rescue in their bid to have greater protection for Kangaroos especially in the Hills. With more land in the hills being developed and greater impacts of humans and the ease that landowners can get permits to shoot them, and the modest declining numbers left in the Adelaide hills, kangaroos and wallabies really need our help.

WE DID IT! 🎉🎉

South Australia is now officially the second state in Australia to hold a Parliamentary Inquiry into the welfare of Kangaroos and Wallabies.

We are beside ourself with excitement, disbelief and pure joy. We will update you more in the next few days! For now, we need to bathe in this win ❤️

A huge, huge thank you to Tammy Franks Greens MLC for taking this fight on. We never thought we would see this day and you’ve made all of our hopes and dreams come true.

Thank you to Kangaroos Alive - Dennis, who set up our first meeting to start this battle with us after my very long email to him, which started with “Am I crazy?” - Your belief and strength made this happen.

SA Kangaroo Alliance, Robyn for all your hard work and research!

Thank you to Animals Australia for your support in this huge fight.

Thank you to every single one of you that signed the petitions, shared the posts and were vocal.

Thank you to our friends who listened to our midnight cries in desperation.

You were all pivotal in this win.

Every face of suffering we see, will be remembered. They will not die in vain. We did this for them, we will keep doing this for them.

09/09/2024

Monday Meet the Team
Dr Nina James: Vet

1. When did you become a Vet and when did you join Mount Barker Vet Clinic?
Seeing how much Dr Ashley (my dad) loves being a Vet definitely influenced my decision to become a Vet too. I studied and graduated from Adelaide Uni in 2017 and have been working in the Fleurieu until I started at Mount Barker Vet Clinic alongside my dad beginning of 2024.

2. What do you love about being a Vet?
I love the animals! From cuddling with lovely puppies and kittens, to helping our geriatric pets feel comfortable, pleasure at seeing my sick patients get better, happiness at making a worried pet feel less anxious when visiting the vet clinic, amusement at seeing and hearing about all of their different quirks. I love that every day here is a new and different challenge. I get to solve puzzles every day to help animals and their owners live their best life.

3. As you are a young Vet, what is different to what you expected, working as a Vet? Although I knew I would be working with clients, it has been amazing to learn how much of being a vet is working, listening and communicating with the pet parents. How important it is to work together as a team, to make the best decisions for their animals. I find it very rewarding being able to collaborate with pet owners to formulate a medical or management plan for a pet with the person that knows them best and will be doing the day to day care!

4. What is the main challenge being a Vet?
The main challenge about being a vet is the time commitment and mental space it takes up. We rarely leave on time and often don’t leave our work at work. I often wake up in the middle of the night thinking and worrying about patients. I saw my father working hard throughout my childhood as a Vet but he always made it seem much easier than it actually is!

5. What do you do when not working as a Vet?
When I’m not working I love spending time with my family. My partner and I are kept very busy with our toddler, exploring Gran and Pa’s farm, helping in the garden, having fun at the beach and going to many play groups. I also quite like sleeping and would never say no to a nap, who wouldn’t with a toddler!.

30/08/2024

‼️URGENT ‼️Our spiky echidnas friends 🦔 are on the move. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT 🙅‍♀️ under any circumstances relocate them!

We have received multiple reports this week 🤳 about attempts to relocate echidnas 🚘 and healthy echidnas being picked up and dropped into vet clinics 🏥.

Echidnas are on the move as it is breeding season 😍 and the females are also preparing to put their puggles 👶 into nursery burrows. Moving an echidna can literally be a death sentence for their baby 👼.

If you have any concerns, please call the Southern Koala And Echidna Rescue 24-hour hotline for advice on ☎️ 0435 056 252.