When Graham Carthew started his small veterinary practice on Mill Road in 1974, little would he have thought those small beginnings would evolve into the multidisciplinary Vets on Riverbank.

With Graham having retired in 2017, a new breed of vets is fulfilling the needs of equestrians, farmers, lifestyle blockers and pet lovers. Under the catch-phrase “All creatures great and small, we treat them all”, the vets on Riverbank Road find themselves caring for all kinds of animals.

The team now consists of nine veterinary surgeons, 13 veterinary nurses and an assistant, two equine and large animal assistants, and six administration and support staff. The numbers not only reflect the diversity of care required, but also the changing expectations of clients and the public at large.Modern technology and advancing knowledge means that where animals might have suffered in the past, there are now more options to give them a happier life and if necessary a more humane ending.

Much of the lifestyle block works includes production animals such as sheep or cattle.

 “Most of the [lifestyle block] animals we see have names,” says vet Erin Simpson.  “That says something about how attached people are to their animals.”

Technology has much to do with the modern veterinary care now offered to animals. Vets on Riverbank makes a substantial investment in keeping up with the latest diagnostic tools and training to ensure everyone on the team is abreast of the best veterinary methods and practices.

“We love our toys,” Erin says of the technology.

“They just help us to provide accurate diagnoses and give the best service we can for clients.”

In past years the veterinary practice concentrated mostly on servicing large animals, but as Ōtaki has changed, so too has the emphasis. The changing demand means most of the vets practise exclusively with companion animals. The animals include not just the traditional pets such as cats and dogs, but also smaller grazing animals on the lifestyle blocks around Ōtaki that have become more prolific in recent years.

That said, the business still has a strong clientele with equine and farm services, servicing the needs of farmers and horse owners throughout the Kāpiti and Horowhenua districts.

One of the services Vets on Riverbank offers is an after-hours service for registered clients. At any time at weekends or at night, one of the vets is on hand to attend to emergency situations.

“We’re the only vets between Palmerston North and Wellington who provide their own on-site after-hours service for clients,” says practice coordinator Jill Mendham.

Vets on Riverbank, 78 Riverbank Road, Ōtaki.  06 364 6942. See vetsonriverbank.nz