Shirley Veterinary Centre

Small animal veterinary clinic in Shirley, Christchurch

Shirley Veterinary Centre is a small animal veterinary clinic located in Shirley, Christchurch. It presents itself as a purpose-built centre, with modern veterinary equipment, plenty of parking and separate waiting areas for dogs and cats. The clinic carries out blood tests in its own facilities, with results that can be ready in as little as an hour.

Its veterinary team describes itself as professional in the medical, surgical and nutritional fields, and works with pet owners from Shirley and nearby areas such as Burwood, Marshland, St Albans, Richmond and Dallington.

Veterinary services

The clinic offers consultations, veterinary dentistry, pathology and after-hours emergency care. The website allows you to book an appointment online and also offers the option of calling or emailing to arrange a visit.

• Veterinary consultations
• Pet dentistry
• Pathology and in-house blood tests
• After-hours emergencies

After-hours emergencies

For emergencies occurring outside standard consulting hours, the clinic provides a specific emergency telephone number. The site recommends not hesitating to call if your pet shows behaviours that suggest the need for emergency care, and offers a list of common veterinary emergency signs.

Puppy school

Shirley Veterinary Centre runs a puppy school course focused on dog psychology theory and practical skills. The site indicated a price of $160 per puppy, per course.

Team

The veterinary team consists of Catherine, lead veterinarian, along with Lesley, DB, May, Tracey —specialising in reproduction—, Alice, Liz and Laura. The support team includes Natasha as practice manager, Natalie as head nurse, veterinary nurses Natasha, Brittany, Esther, Kiera, Emma and Jordan, and receptionists Jess and Sarah.

Local community involvement

The clinic presents itself as an active member of its community. It takes part in the annual Bark in the Park event, organises free microchip clinics and works with local schools on activities to educate people about responsible pet ownership.

Informative content and cases treated

The site publishes advice and news about pet care, with articles on frequently asked questions, winter grooming and urinary blockages in cats. It also includes a pet of the month section; in one of the cases described, a dog called Marlie was treated for lily toxicity after contact with pollen from this plant, a condition that, without treatment, can be fatal.

Location and contact

15 Marshlands Road, Shirley, Christchurch · Phone: (03) 385 6156 · Email: reception@shirleyvet.co.nz · Hours: Monday to Friday: 08:00-19:00; Saturday: 08:00-15:00; Sunday and public holidays: closed