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Monday 8am - 6pm Tuesday 8am - 6pm Wednesday 8am - 6pm Thursday 8am - 6pm Friday 8am - 6pm

Geelong Animal Referral Services

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Australia
Newtown, VIC
Geelong Animal Referral Services

We believe close communication with your local vet is key to the best care.
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Leading specialists | Compassionate care | Clinical excellence

A center of clinical excellence committed to achieving the best outcomes for every pet and pet owner.

31/10/2024

We just love to hear about your experience with us!

Your pet's health is our top priority and feedback like this reaffirms our commitment to excellence.

Thank you for trusting us with your furry friend's care!

30/10/2024

Does your pet normally have a weekly/monthly bath and/or grooming appointment?

If they are booked in at GARS for a surgical procedure, we recommend bathing/grooming them BEFORE their scheduled procedure.

It is important to keep surgical sites dry until the skin has completely healed. In many cases, following a procedure, it is recommended that you delay bathing your pet until three weeks post surgery. Also note that as a default, leash walking is always advised until they have been given the all-clear to return to unrestricted activity. We want to minimise any risk of slipping, jumping, or falling during bath time.

If your pet does make a mess of themselves following their procedure (for example they get food all over their face and/or ears, or they get a dirty bottom from loose stools) a damp/wet towel or cloth and gentle wiping of the area should be enough to get them through (as long as it is not directly on the surgical site)!

If you’re ever unsure, give GARS a call to check!

Fun fact: Also note, as a default, leash walking is always advised until they have been given the all-clear to return to unrestricted activity. This typically ranges from 2-8weeks (pending what has been performed).

28/10/2024

Hunter is one of our brave blood donors!

Not only is Hunter saving lives, he’s also making our team smile! That nose is screaming out for a *boop* and those little teefers are a real treat!

Thanks for your brave donation Hunter and for providing some comical relief.

25/10/2024

Did you happen to catch Dr. Ricky Cashmore on Bondi Vet’s latest episode?

Here's some behind-the-scenes action where Dr. Cashmore performs specialist spinal surgery on Barry, a beloved French Bulldog.

Shattered you missed it? Don’t worry—you can watch the full episode in the post pinned to the top of our newsfeed.

24/10/2024

Just like humans can tear their ACL, dogs can rupture their Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CrCL), which serves a similar purpose in their knees! The CrCL helps prevent forward movement, overextension, and limits internal rotation of the knee joint—essential for stability when walking, running, and jumping.

A CrCL injury can lead to limping, pain, and difficulty using the affected leg.

It is important to understand that with this condition the ligament is abnormal, progressive fraying then rupturing (this is not a trauma related problem). If intervention occurs early in the process the ligament can be saved (which equals long term protection of the joint cushion and less arthritis). However if the ligament ruptures, an excellent outcome is still achievable with surgery in 95% of dogs.

If you notice your dog limping or having trouble with their hind legs, don't wait—schedule a consult with your vet today! Early treatment results in the least amount of arthritis and best long term outcome.

If your pup shows any signs of discomfort, our GARS team is here to help with expert diagnosis and treatment to get them back on all fours!

Fun Fact: Cruciate ligaments are only in the back legs (thankfully)!

22/10/2024

Superstar Chewie completed his chemo treatment in September!

Chewie has been visiting our internal medicine team each Friday since mid-April.
His enthusiasm for each visit has waxed and waned over this time, but he’s always been a wonderful patient (especially for his favourite, Dr Jack!)

Completing chemotherapy is a significant commitment for the families of our patients, as it requires regular visits and check-ins with our internal med and/or oncology team. Chewie’s family have been an absolute delight from start to finish and it was a pleasure to share the celebrations with them last month.

Congratulations to lovely Chewie! You get your Fridays back now little man!

18/10/2024

Debbie Verras shared her experience with us, saying: “I was so impressed with GARS when my Gracie was under their care and treatment. The fact that Dr Barry was always prepared to put a worried dog mum's mind at rest right through the whole process."

We’re grateful for your kind words, Debbie! At GARS, we’re committed to providing compassionate care and keeping you informed every step of the way.

16/10/2024

Do referring vets need to book appointments on behalf of referred patients?

No! If you are referring a patient to GARS for a specialist appointment, you can simply email your referral to [email protected] and advise your client to contact GARS directly to arrange an appointment at a time that best suits them.

This saves time for all of the busy referring vets out there! You don’t have time to go between your client and GARS to confirm a suitable time. Leave that to us!

14/10/2024

Happy National Pug Day! 🐾

Today is all about celebrating pugs' squishy faces, curly tails, and loving personalities! These little charmers have big hearts and bring endless joy to many families.

Thinking of adding a pug to your pack? Consider adopting from ! Every pug deserves a loving home, and your next best friend might just be waiting for you there.

Show some love to your pug today—extra belly rubs and treats are a must!

14/10/2024

Watch Dr Ricky and the team in the latest Bondi Vet episode and learn more about Barry the French Bulldog’s quality of life improve after specialist surgery for his Spina Bifida condition.

11/10/2024

Today, we celebrate the incredible dedication, compassion, and expertise of our GARS & MARS vet nurses. From the long hours to the comforting cuddles and everything in between, you’re the heart and soul of our team, always going the extra mile for every pet and their family.

Your tireless efforts behind the scenes, the gentle care during recovery, and the reassurance you provide to both pets and owners do not go unnoticed. We simply couldn’t do it without you.

To our amazing nurses: Thank you for your unwavering commitment and the love you pour into every moment. Today, we celebrate YOU and all that you do.

11/10/2024

Meet Dr. Marjorie, our Specialist Radiologist!

With a wealth of experience from her roots in Western Victoria and a distinguished career at the University of Melbourne, Marjorie brings expertise in advanced imaging and a passion for teaching. She’s trained future radiologists, contributed to groundbreaking research on canine epilepsy, and led the ANZCVS Radiology Chapter.

Now part of the GARS team, Marjorie’s excited to offer top-notch care to our Geelong and Western Victoria communities. When she’s not at work, you might find her relaxing with her Labrador, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and three chickens.

We’re thrilled to have Marjorie on board, enhancing our care with her vast knowledge and dedication!

Get to know more of our team on the website www.garsvets.com.au/about-us/meet-the-team/.

09/10/2024

This World Mental Health Day, October 10th, let’s shed light on the incredible impact our furry friends have on our well-being. For many facing PTSD and other mental health challenges, support dogs offer more than just companionship; they provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and help improve mood with their unconditional love and presence.

But it's important to remember that dogs can feel down too! Depression isn't just a human experience, and our pets can need support just as much as we do. Adopting a pet means giving love and finding it in return. It’s a partnership that brings purpose, connection, and an exercise buddy who will never cancel!

Let’s celebrate the benefits of adopting a local pet and the healing power of human-animal bonds.

03/10/2024

Spring weather means every season in one day, and sometimes we get thunderstorms and wild weather.

Did you know that thunderstorm anxiety is one of the most common phobias in both cats and dogs? The loud booms, flashes of lightning, and even changes in barometric pressure (yep, they can sense it coming!) can cause serious stress for our furry friends—even the bravest of them.

Common signs of storm anxiety include:

▪▪ Hiding
▪▪ Pacing
▪▪ Panting
▪▪ Making uncharacteristic sounds (barking, whining)

To help ease your pet's thunderstorm anxiety, plan ahead by creating a safe, quiet space where they can feel secure. Stay calm to reassure them, as pets often pick up on our emotions. If possible, try to be home during the storm to provide comfort.

Offer distractions like toys or treats to keep their mind occupied, and consider using pheromones or calming aids. Please make sure your pet is microchipped and your details are up to date, ensure your yard is secure, and remember—never punish your pet for exhibiting stressed behaviours.

GARS understands how tough it can be to see your pet in distress, so if your dog or cat struggles during storms, we advise you to speak with your vet for extra support.

30/09/2024

GARS is committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for every patient, all while maintaining exceptional communication and fostering supportive, collegial relationships with our referring vets.

By registering as a referring vet online, you'll gain access to many resources including:

- Webinars/Case Studies
- Forms & Instructions: Client handouts, admission & discharge sheets, anaesthesia & medication information
- Imaging Positioning & Info

Think of it as having your very own specialist as part of your practice team.

Visit our website www.garsvets.com.au to learn how GARS can enhance your practice.

29/09/2024

Meet Buddha, one of our brave patients who was diagnosed with a nasty Grade 3, Stage 1 Mast Cell Tumour (MCT - cancer) on his carpus (wrist) back in August 2023.
Buddha had the tumour surgically resected and thankfully there was no evidence that the cancer had spread to other parts of the body. Despite this good news, it was recommended that Buddha undergo chemotherapy due to the high risk nature of the tumour.

In spite of all these challenges, Buddha remains a bundle of love and positivity. Our team is honoured to be part of his care journey, and so happy that his family has had so much extra time with him!

Keep fighting, Buddha, we’re all cheering for you!

27/09/2024

We’re overwhelmed with gratitude for all the wonderful messages and thank-you cards from our pet owners. Your kind words remind us why we do what we do.
Each card, note, and message brightens our day—thank you for trusting us with your pets’ care!

24/09/2024

Cats & dogs can have a single litter sired by different mates!

Superfecundation happens when during the same heat cycle, 2 or more eggs become fertilised by different mates.

22/09/2024

Meet Maisie and Patch, two brave pups currently recovering from spinal surgery to relieve pressure caused by Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This condition can range from mild back or neck pain to more severe issues like loss of balance and even the inability to walk.
The severity depends on how much and how quickly the spinal cord is compressed.

To help Maisie and Patch, our specialist team performed a decompressive surgery called a Hemilaminectomy, which removes the disc material pressing on the spinal cord while leaving the healthy parts intact.

Think of it like stepping on a garden hose—no water can flow until you take your foot off. By relieving the pressure, we’re allowing nerve signals to resume their normal path. Maisie and Patch will stay with us for a few days to rest and recover while our dedicated team keeps a close eye on their progress.

We’re all cheering for their speedy recovery!

19/09/2024

Referring vets, we've got you covered!

When your patient undergoes surgery at GARS, here’s what you receive:
- Detailed clinical records (including surgical reports)
- Client discharge instructions with follow-up plans, exercise guidelines, and medications
- Access to our specialists and interns for ongoing advice

Want to join over 300 clinics already partnering with GARS?
Register your clinic on our website www.garsvets.com.au/resources/new-vet-registration/

17/09/2024

Are the postoperative visits included in the cost of the surgery?

Many procedures require a 2 week postoperative revisit. If this is performed at GARS it is free of charge, unless any medication is dispensed or further diagnostics are required. Although uncommon, those that require revisits beyond the 2 week routine revisit will incur a revisit consultation fee.

Post operative imaging (e.g. radiographs, CT) other diagnostic tests or any further
procedures or treatments are not included in the cost of the procedure.

If you’d like to learn more, visit our website FAQ’s or speak to the team on 03 4219 2169 during business hours.

15/09/2024

When Willow and Winston come in, it’s all smiles (even if they’re hiding them)!

12/09/2024

My pet has been referred for diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, Rads, Ultrasound).
Do I stay at the hospital and wait for them?

Unlike human diagnostic imaging where patients are conscious for the procedure, our pets require a general anaesthetic for CTs, MRIs and most radiographs and ultrasounds.
This is for the safety of our patients and staff, to reduce pain for our patients and to ensure our patients remain still for the duration of their imaging (CTs and MRIs can take as long as 90 mins from start to finish).

👉 Swipe for all the details!

11/09/2024

Today is R U OK? Day—and at GARS, we understand that navigating pet care health challenges can be emotionally draining. It’s perfectly okay to feel overwhelmed and to seek support when you need it.

Whether you’re dealing with a challenging diagnosis, a stressful day at the clinic, or just feeling swamped, remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. Our pets are intuitive and often sense our emotions, offering their own special brand of comfort and companionship.

Let’s use this day to check in with our loved ones—both human and furry. A simple question can make a big difference, so let’s create a supportive network where no one feels alone.

If you’re feeling the weight of pet care or need a chat, we’re here for you. Reach out, and let’s lift each other up.

10/09/2024

Meet Dr Nicole Trigg, one of our ECC specialists! With a passion for emergency and critical care, Nicole brings years of expertise to GARS. From earning her veterinary degree at the University of Melbourne to becoming a registered specialist, Nicole’s journey spans across top hospitals and research in Australia. Whether it’s sepsis, mechanical ventilation, or trauma care, she’s dedicated to helping pets in their most critical moments. When she’s not saving lives, Nicole enjoys gardening, art, and time with her furry family.

Get to know more of our team on our website - www.garsvets.com.au.

Address

Units 9/10 7-21 Newcastle Street
Newtown, VIC
3220

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 6pm
Tuesday	8am - 6pm
Wednesday	8am - 6pm
Thursday	8am - 6pm
Friday	8am - 6pm

Website

https://garsvets.com.au/

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