Manly Vet Hospital

Published in Hibiscus Matters December 2, 2020
Looking after a family pet comes with the same care and responsibility that human members of a family would expect.
That’s the philosophy behind the Orewa, Millwater and now Manly Vet Hospitals.
Owner Brett Finlayson says for many clients, their pet is like their child.

“We’re very respectful of this bond because we understand the important role pets play in a family unit. It’s also one of the reasons we offer a 24-hour, seven day a week service because we know illness and accidents don’t just happen Monday to Friday.”
Brett bought the Orewa vet clinic from Ivan Fuyala in 2004 and set-up the Millwater clinic in 2015. He says the decision to open a third clinic in Manly was not a difficult one.

“We already have a number of clients at this end of the peninsula so Manly will be a lot more convenient for them. Plus, the area is growing.”

The primary vet at the new clinic is Michelle Ross, assisted by veterinary nurses Jess Ashley and Anita Durno. Brett will also be available in a support role. Michelle is a NZ-qualified vet who worked in the United Kingdom for 15 years, including eight years running her own practice treating dogs and cats, as well as birds, hedgehogs and the odd squirrel.

She says she is excited to be part of the new clinic. “There’s a great atmosphere and it is good to be working with such supportive colleagues with wide experience,” she says.

Michelle is one of six vets across the three clinics. “They are a very experienced and talented team,” Brett says.
With more than 40 years veterinary experience himself, there isn’t much in the animal kingdom – at least as far as pets go – that he hasn’t treated.
While dogs and cats make up the bulk of any vet’s workload, rabbits and guinea pigs are also not uncommon. During many years working in the United Kingdom, Brett was also once called on to treat a tarantula with a broken leg. Asked how he did that, his reply was, “very carefully”.
The Vet Hospitals also support Gutter Kitties and Saving Hope, and Brett says the clinic looks forward to serving the community.