JCU Vet

JCU Vet GP Clinic (Local Vet Practice)
Referral Centre (Medicine and Surgery)
Dedicated 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care Centre
University Teaching Hospital

JCU Vet is your partner in pet care, providing the Townsville and North Queensland community with a comprehensive range of veterinary health care services and medical treatments. Our state-of-the-art veterinary hospital provides general practice services and a referral centre for complex medicine, surgery, anaesthesia, imaging, dermatology, and cardiology cases. JCU Vet is also a teaching hospital

– dedicated to excellence in education, training and research. We are located at the James Cook University campus and have an important role in training Australia’s next generation of leaders in veterinary medicine.

29/03/2025

CHARLIE’S HOME!

After 12 months missing, Charlie the cat has been miraculously reunited with her family — almost exactly one year to the day she disappeared!

Charlie went missing from River Park Drive, Annandale on March 25th, 2024. Her heartbroken family searched tirelessly, never giving up hope.

On March 26th, 2025, a member of the public brought in a stray cat who was extremely underweight, with her front leg caught through her collar. It had been rubbing under her arm, causing a painful laceration. Under it all… was Charlie.

Thanks to her microchip, we were able to contact her very surprised (and very emotional!) owners, who were overjoyed to be reunited with their brave little girl after a whole year apart.

Charlie is now safe, receiving care, and back where she belongs.

Welcome home, Charlie. You’re one tough little cat.

19/03/2025

We’re Open !

JCUVet remains open for all veterinary services. If you’re on the roads, please drive safely!

If you need to reschedule your appointment, just give us a call, and our team will be happy to assist.

📞 07 4781 3600

Stay safe and take care! 🐾

15/03/2025

Meet Dr. Max Ling!

Dr. Max Ling recently joined our team after graduating from James Cook University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. With a strong interest in surgery and emergency medicine, he’s passionate about delivering high-quality patient care and educating both clients and students. Dedicated to continuous learning, Max is always looking for ways to grow and improve in his field.

Not only is JCUVet a teaching hospital for veterinary students, but we are also leaders in education and training for qualified vets. Our team supports veterinarians in achieving memberships in their chosen fields and provides CPD events for our referring vets, helping them stay ahead of the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.

By choosing JCUVet, you’re ensuring the highest standard of care for your pet while supporting the future of veterinary medicine like Max through education, specialist training, and continuous innovation.

Outside of work, Max is a gym enthusiast and a golf lover, balancing his time between lifting weights and perfecting his swing. 🏋️‍♂️⛳

We’re thrilled to have him on board! 🐾

06/03/2025

Meet Our New Animal Nursing Assistants!

We’re excited to introduce our newest team members at JCUVet—our Animal Nursing Assistants (ANAs)!

Emily, Sevasti, Bre, Alexandria, and Brigitte have just started their journey in the veterinary industry and will be with us for the next 12 months, rotating through surgery, reception, general practice, and inpatient care. During this time, they’ll also be completing their Certificate II in Animal Care, gaining hands-on experience while working alongside our skilled vets, nurses, and students.

JCUVet isn’t just a teaching hospital for veterinary students and qualified veterinarians —it’s also a place where passionate individuals can begin their careers in veterinary nursing through our ANA traineeship program. We’re committed to training the next generation of veterinary professionals, and we can’t wait to watch our ANAs grow!

Be sure to say hi and give them a warm welcome!

04/03/2025

A Heartfelt Thank You!

Craig & Jessica rushed their pup, Steve, to us in a critical state. Thanks to our team’s quick action and care, he’s now recovering at home!

We're here 24/7 for your pets, with gap-only payments and 10% discounts for JCU Staff & Students, Townsville University Hospital Staff, Defence, DVA & Seniors.

🏥

01/03/2025

Injured Stray Cat Found – Help Us Find the Owner

This stray cat was brought into JCUVet with injuries and has received emergency care. The cat is currently in a stable condition. However, it is important that we locate the owner as soon as possible. The cat was found In aitkenvale.

Unfortunately, the microchip contact details are disconnected. If this is your cat or you recognize them, please contact us at 07 4781 6300.

Thank you for your help in reuniting this cat with its owner!

24/02/2025

Raisin’ Trouble: This Poodle’s Sneaky Snack Was a No-Go!

This stylish poodle’s day took a turn for the worse after sneaking some raisin scones—unfortunately, raisins are highly toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure. Thankfully, their owners acted fast, and we were able to step in with urgent care.

Even the best kept pets can have “uh-oh” moments—if your pet snacks on something they shouldn’t, don’t wait, seek help immediately!

19/02/2025

Melioidosis & Your Pets: What You Need to Know

Melioidosis is a serious bacterial infection found in soil and water, especially during the wet season. It can be life-threatening for both humans and animals, with pets at risk if they come into contact with contaminated environments.

Early detection is crucial! Watch for these signs:

⚠️ Signs & Symptoms:

- Fever
- Lethargy & weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
- Skin sores or abscesses
- Neurological symptoms (in severe cases)

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, contact your regular vet immediately. Melioidosis can progress rapidly, so early treatment is essential.

💡 Prevention Tips:

✔️ Keep pets away from muddy or stagnant water.
✔️ Wash their paws after outdoor play.
✔️ Avoid letting them dig in wet soil.

JCU Vet Emergency & Critical Care is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

19/02/2025

Zuri, one of our beloved referral regulars, soaking up all the love from nurse Meg!

13/02/2025

Valentine’s Day Pet Safety Alert!

Love is in the air, and so are chocolates and beautiful flower bouquets! While they make the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts, they can be dangerous for our little paw-lentines.

🚫 Chocolate – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts. Keep those sweet treats out of reach!

🚫 Lilies – Highly toxic to cats! Even a small nibble or contact with pollen can cause severe kidney failure.

This Valentine’s Day, show your pets love by keeping harmful gifts out of their paws’ reach.

12/02/2025

A huge THANK YOU!

We would like to take a moment to thank our incredible JCUVet team! Over the past few weeks during recent weather events, through long hours and unexpected challenges, you have all stepped up to ensure the highest level of care for our patients. Whether it was treating critical cases, supporting each other through the extra workload, or showing compassion to pet owners, your dedication has been truly inspiring.

To those who stayed back late, covered extra shifts, or navigated difficult conditions just to get here—your hard work has not gone unnoticed.

We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our patients' families for trusting us with your beloved pets during this time. Your patience and support mean the world to us.

To the entire Townsville community—thank you for your understanding and support as we not only cared for our patients but also helped manage strays and wildlife, reaching capacity while continuing to assist wherever we could. The safety of our staff and patients is always our top priority, and your patience during times like this allows us to keep providing the best possible care.

We appreciate you all! ❤️🐾

11/02/2025

A Happy ‘Tail’ for Wick! 🐶❤️

Meet Wick Harrison, a brave 9-month-old pup who had quite the unexpected journey at our JCUVet Emergency and Critical Care.

Wick came to us on Friday night showing signs of severe abdominal pain, lethargy, and fever. An X-ray revealed a mass in his small intestine, and his family braced for the possibility of removing something he had swallowed—maybe a plug, a piece of an irrigation system, or a small rock (as Wick loves to explore the world with his mouth!).

But what Dr May found was unexpected—a rare benign tumor in his small intestinal wall, about the size of a matchbox. After a delicate surgery to remove 8cm of intestine and two nights under our care, Wick made a fantastic recovery.

We’re thrilled to share that Wick is now home, eating, playing, and back to being his happy puppy self! His family is beyond grateful for the care he received, and we’re so glad we could help give him the best chance at a long and happy life.

A huge thank you to Wick’s wonderful family for allowing us to share his story. We love seeing our furry patients thrive!

If you ever find yourself in need of expert emergency care, JCUVet is open 24/7 365 Days a week . 💙🐾

04/02/2025

We’d like to extend a Big congratulations to Erin and Jess on becoming qualified Cert IV Veterinary Nurses, as well as Ani and Taylah for completing their Cert II in Animal Care 🎉

Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we’re so proud of you.

Great excuse for some cake and a team celebration. Well done, everyone!

31/01/2025

⚠️ Weather Alert – Emergency & Critical Care ⚠️

Due to the severe weather and flash flooding, we have cancelled all routine appointments for this afternoon and tomorrow. However, our team remains available 24/7 for emergency and critical care extreme cases.

Please note that due to staff shortages caused by the weather, we are no longer able to take in strays and can only accept extreme emergency cases. Please call us on (07) 4781 3600 before coming in so we can assess how best to assist you.

Stay safe, and take extra care on the roads. 💙🐾

27/01/2025

Did your kids get a bearded dragon for Christmas?
Or are you thinking of welcoming one into your family?

Bearded dragons make wonderful pets, but they require proper care to stay happy and healthy. Sadly, poor husbandry is a common issue, leading to serious health problems like Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) - as seen in this little dragon’s X-ray. MBD is caused by inadequate UVB lighting, improper diet, and lack of calcium, leading to weak, brittle bones.

Key care tips:
✅ UVB Lighting – Essential for calcium absorption; replace bulbs every 6-12 months.
✅ Balanced Diet – Leafy greens, veggies, and calcium-dusted insects.
✅ Proper Temps – Basking ~38-42°C, cool side ~24-29°C.
✅ Vet Checks – Watch for soft jawbones, weakness, or difficulty moving.

A little knowledge goes a long way in keeping your dragon happy and healthy!

22/01/2025

Nothing brightens our day like a handful of fluffy ducklings! 🐥

20/01/2025

Mickey is lending a paw to Nurse Eddie in GP today!

Reviewing X-rays and providing cuddles and moral support.

11/01/2025

Say hello to this blue-tongue beauty! 🦎

"

Address

1 Solander Drive, Douglas
Townsville, QLD
4814

Telephone

+61747813600

Website

http://www.jcuvet.com.au/

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Videos

Introducing our GP Pet of the Week: Ally 💜🪻 Ally came in for her final (16wk) puppy vaccination. Congrats, Ally! She is considered fully vaccinated and after waiting a further 10-14 days from her final puppy vaccination, she can safely go outside and socialise with other friendly dogs. Before a puppy is fully immunised; ❌ DON’T taken take them to public places where adult dogs of unknown vaccination status may be, such as dog parks, grooming salons, kennels etc. ✅ DO encourage socialisation of your puppy in controlled non-public places such as puppy preschool.

JCUVet Services Update - Cyclone Kirrily 📢 Our Referral and GP Services will be closed as of tomorrow, Thursday 25th January, reopening on Monday 29th January. Our Emergency and Critical Care team will be available and staffed by a small team of wonderful Vets and Nurses to attend to emergencies. If you need to see a Vet urgently during the impending Cyclone, please PHONE US FIRST and ensure it is safe to travel on the road before coming into the clinic so that we are prepared for your arrival - 4781 3600. 📢STRAYS📢 - Due to limited capacity to house patients we will only be accepting severely injured strays during the impending Cyclone.

Dr Dhash is here to talk about weight loss 🐾 Did you know that JCU Vet offer General Practice services? Don't know what that means? Here's some of the services we provide: ✅ 30 minute consultations ✅ Health and wellness examinations ✅ Preventative healthcare like vaccinations and parasite control ✅ Desexing and other soft tissue procedures ✅ Dental procedures; extractions, scale and polish ✅ Diagnostic imaging like x-rays, ultrasounds and CT's ✅ In-house pathology ✅ Nutritional and behavioural advice ✅ Acute and chronic disease management ✅ As well as the option of in-clinic transfers to our advanced referral surgery or medicine for more involved cases Could your pet benefit from any of these? Give us a call today on 1300 JCU VET to make an appointment with one of our amazing General Practice vets! We're always here for your pet at JCU Vet! 🐾 #jcuvet #vet #animals #cat #dog #fleasandticks #Bravecto #townsvilleshines

Dr Hannah is here to chat about all things dentals! 🐾 Did you know that JCU Vet offer General Practice services? Don't know what that means? Here's some of the services we provide: ✅ 30 minute consultations ✅ Health and wellness examinations ✅ Preventative healthcare like vaccinations and parasite control ✅ Desexing and other soft tissue procedures ✅ Dental procedures; extractions, scale and polish ✅ Diagnostic imaging like x-rays, ultrasounds and CT's ✅ In-house pathology ✅ Nutritional and behavioural advice ✅ Acute and chronic disease management ✅ As well as the option of in-clinic transfers to our advanced referral surgery or medicine for more involved cases Could your pet benefit from any of these? Give us a call today on 1300 JCU VET to make an appointment with one of our amazing General Practice vets! We're always here for your pet at JCU Vet! 🐾 #jcuvet #vet #animals #cat #dog #fleasandticks #Bravecto #townsvilleshines

Dr Mel checks in to chat 'what to expect when desexing'! 🐾 Did you know that JCU Vet offer General Practice services? Don't know what that means? Here's some of the services we provide: ✅ 30 minute consultations ✅ Health and wellness examinations ✅ Preventative healthcare like vaccinations and parasite control ✅ Desexing and other soft tissue procedures ✅ Dental procedures; extractions, scale and polish ✅ Diagnostic imaging like x-rays, ultrasounds and CT's ✅ In-house pathology ✅ Nutritional and behavioural advice ✅ Acute and chronic disease management ✅ As well as the option of in-clinic transfers to our advanced referral surgery or medicine for more involved cases Could your pet benefit from any of these? Give us a call today on 1300 JCU VET to make an appointment with one of our amazing General Practice vets! We're always here for your pet at JCU Vet! 🐾 #jcuvet #vet #animals #cat #dog #fleasandticks #Bravecto #townsvilleshines

Dr Dhash checks in to chat all things Fleas! 🐾 Did you know that JCU Vet offer General Practice services? Don't know what that means? Here's some of the services we provide: ✅ 30 minute consultations ✅ Health and wellness examinations ✅ Preventative healthcare like vaccinations and parasite control ✅ Desexing and other soft tissue procedures ✅ Dental procedures; extractions, scale and polish ✅ Diagnostic imaging like x-rays, ultrasounds and CT's ✅ In-house pathology ✅ Nutritional and behavioural advice ✅ Acute and chronic disease management ✅ As well as the option of in-clinic transfers to our advanced referral surgery or medicine for more involved cases Could your pet benefit from any of these? Give us a call today on 1300 JCU VET to make an appointment with one of our amazing General Practice vets! We're always here for your pet at JCU Vet! 🐾 #jcuvet #vet #animals #cat #dog #fleasandticks #Bravecto #townsvilleshines

Valentines Day

Wishing you and your pets a very Happy Valentines Day! 😻 #Valentinesday #jcuvet #jcutownsville #townsvillevets #vet #vetnurse #vetschool #vetlife #jcustudents #townsvillelocal #townsville #townsvilleshines #townsvillebusiness #townsvillelocalbusiness #Veterinaryscience

Dr Brenton Gosztyla

Meet Dr Brenton Gosztyla ✨ Small Animal Surgeon and JCU Veterinary Science Alumni From a very young age Dr Brenton Goszytla knew that he wanted to be a Veterinarian! The path to his dream career was not a straight forward one however, his passion for animals and drive to achieve his goal was what got him to where he is today! In 2012 after many twists and turns Dr Brenton Gosztyla graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Since graduating from JCU Dr Brenton Gosztyla has worked in general practice, found a passion for orthopaedic surgery, become a small animal surgeon and most recently qualified as a member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists! The sky is the limit in the Veterinary industry and it is that passion and drive that keeps our team of Veterinarians and Nurses coming back each day to do what they love ! JCUVet currently have some wonderful opportunities to join our friendly, supportive and highly rewarding team environment! Find out more! Visit our JCUVet careers page - https://jcuvet.com.au/careers/ #whyJCUVet #whytownsville #meetourvets #meettheteam #joinourteam #veterinarycareers #veterinaryjobs #worklifebalance #jcuvet #jcutownsville #townsvillevets #vet #vetnurse #vetschool #vetlife #jcuvetstudents #veterinaryscience #reachyourgoals #JCUalumni #townsvillelocal #townsville #townsvilleshines #townsvillebusiness #townsvillelocalbusiness #tropicalparadise

Meet Dr Gretel Fowler

Meet Dr Gretel Fowler ✨ Anaesthesia Clinician and JCU Veterinary Science Alumni 👩‍⚕️ After completing a Bachelor Degree in Animal Science in 2007, Dr Fowler went on to pursue her Veterinary Science degree at James Cook University, Townsville. Dr Fowler graduated from JCU Townsville in 2012, receiving the Small Animal Medicine Award, and the Animal Behavior, Ethics and Welfare Prize 👩‍🎓 Once in general practice, she developed a keen interest in all aspects of Anaesthesia and Analgesia, and thus when the opportunity arose, she accepted a position at JCU Vet in 2018 as the Clinical Veterinary Anaesthetist. Gretel enjoys all aspects of anaesthesia, but is particularly interested in advanced monitoring techniques, complex anaesthesia for the critically unwell patient and ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia. Gretel shares her home with her husband and their most recent addition to the family, being their beautiful baby boy, as well as their three fur children; a Devon Rex named Rudy, a Greyhound named Winifred and Bull Terrier named Bundy 👨‍👩‍👦 🐱🐶🐶 JCUVet currently have some wonderful opportunities to join our friendly, supportive and highly rewarding team environment! Find out more! Visit our JCUVet careers page - https://jcuvet.com.au/careers/ #whyJCUVet #whytownsville #meetourvets #meettheteam #joinourteam #veterinarycareers #veterinaryjobs #worklifebalance #jcuvet #jcutownsville #townsvillevets #vet #vetnurse #vetschool #vetlife #jcuvetstudents #veterinaryscience #JCUalumni #townsvillelocal #townsville #townsvilleshines #townsvillebusiness #townsvillelocalbusiness #tropicalparadise

Meet Dr Chakira Tosoni

Meet Dr Chakira Tosoni ! ✨ General Practice Clinician and JCU Veterinary Science Alumni! Dr Tosoni was born and raised in FNQ and graduated from JCU in 2011 before moving to South Australia to work in rural mixed practice. She returned to the north at the end of 2015 to be closer to her family and to pursue her interest in clinical teaching 👩‍⚕️ Dr Tosoni enjoys all aspects of small animal veterinary medicine, with a particular interest in preventative health and working in canine health and care. She shares her home with her trusty sidekick Luxie, a German Wirehaired Pointer 🐶 JCUVet currently have some wonderful opportunities to join our friendly, supportive and highly rewarding team environment! Find out more! Visit our JCUVet careers page - https://jcuvet.com.au/careers/ #whyJCUVet #whytownsville #meetourvets #meettheteam #joinourteam #veterinarycareers #veterinaryjobs #tropicalparadise #worklifebalance #jcuvet #jcutownsville #townsvillevets #vet #vetnurse #vetschool #vetlife #townsvillelocal #townsville #townsvilleshines #jcuvetstudents #townsvillebusiness #townsvillelocalbusiness #veterinaryscience

Why Townsville ?

Welcome to Townsville ! ☀️ Let us tell you a little bit about our Home 🌴 Based in a Beautiful tropical climate, Townsville has more than enough to offer! 🌴 Visit Magnetic Island for a day or weekend trip, ✨ Cultural activities and events, 🥰 Family fun, pools and water parks, 🏈 An array of sporting events, with a newly built sport stadium, 🥳 Plenty of entertainment opportunities, 🥂 Great restaurants in a bustling city centre! Go from waking up to sunshine and beach swims to working in the career you love with an incredible team! In the words of our Small Animal Surgeon, Dr Brenton Gosztyla. "We do have winter, it's usually on a Wednesday, once a year" If this sounds like home to you, we currently have some wonderful opportunities to join our friendly, supportive and highly rewarding team environment! Find out more! Visit our the JCUVet careers page - https://jcuvet.com.au/careers/ #jcuvet #jcutownsville #townsvillevets #vet #vetnurse #vetschool #vetlife #jcustudents #townsvillelocal #townsville #townsvilleshines #jcuvetstudents #townsvillebusiness #townsvillelocalbusiness #Veterinaryscience #WhyJCUVet #WhyTownsville #OurVetsPerspective #Joinourteam #Veterinarycareers #Veterinaryjobs

Why JCUVet ? A tropical paradise mixed with the career that you love!

Tropical paradise 🌴 mixed with the career that you love 🐶🥰🐱 JCUVet currently have some wonderful opportunities to join our friendly, supportive and highly rewarding team environment! Tell your family, tell your friends, tell your neighbours - even tell your pets! 📣 Join the JCUVet team today! 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ Find out more ✨ Visit our the JCUVet careers page - https://jcuvet.com.au/careers/ #whyJCUVet #whytownsville #joinourteam #veterinarycareers #veterinaryjobs #tropicalparadise #worklifebalance #jcuvet #jcutownsville #townsvillevets #vet #vetnurse #vetschool #vetlife #townsvillelocal #townsville #townsvilleshines #jcuvetstudents #townsvillebusiness #townsvillelocalbusiness #veterinaryscience

JCU Vet

29/03/2025

19/03/2025

15/03/2025

06/03/2025

04/03/2025

01/03/2025

24/02/2025

19/02/2025

19/02/2025

13/02/2025

12/02/2025

11/02/2025

04/02/2025

31/01/2025

27/01/2025

22/01/2025

20/01/2025

11/01/2025

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Videos

Valentines Day

Dr Brenton Gosztyla

Meet Dr Gretel Fowler

Meet Dr Chakira Tosoni

Why Townsville ?

Why JCUVet ? A tropical paradise mixed with the career that you love!

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