Category Archives: Today’s News

Leptospirosis Update – Cases Identified in NSW South Coast

A very serious infection of dogs, Leptospirosis, has been detected across NSW with detections on the Central Coast, Central and Northern beaches areas of  Sydney and more recently NSW South Coast. 

Seven dogs are reported to have been affected in this latest cluster, with four affected in the Newcastle area and three from the South Coast region. This is a wider area than the previous outbreak which occurred predominantly in metropolitan Sydney. Unfortunately, the current outbreak has a case mortality rate of 71% for unvaccinated dogs.

Risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs include a history of hunting or exposure to rodents, access to a stagnant water source, and living in or travelling to an affected area (especially within the preceding 30 days).

Areas which have had reported cases of canine leptospirosis include Annandale, Ashfield, Balmain, Cheltenham, Cooks Hill, Crows Nest, Darlinghurst, Elanora Heights, Erskineville, Figtree, Firefly, Glebe, Horsley Park, Ingleside, Lurnea, Marrickville, Medowie, Newcastle, Newtown, Old Erowal Bay, Paddington, Redfern, Sanctuary Point, Speers Point, South Coast, St Georges Basin, Surry Hills, Trunkey Creek and Waterloo.

WHAT IS LEPTOSPIROSIS?

Leptospirosis (often referred to as lepto for short) is a bacterial infection that travels throughout the entire body via the blood stream, causing organ dysfunction/failure and internal bleeding. It can be fatal in as little as 48 hours.

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

The bacteria favours warm, moist environments, ponds and stagnant water and areas exposed to flooding. The infection is often contracted when the dog is exposed to infected rodent urine in ponds or wet soil in poorly drained areas.

WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SIGNS?

Clinical symptoms of leptospirosis vary and are non-specific, but can include;

  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever (high body temperature)
  • Lethargy
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Red urine
  • Yellow gums or eyes

HOW CAN I MINIMISE THE RISK TO MY DOG?

We have access to a vaccine that covers for one strain of leptospirosis. This does mean that there are strains that aren’t covered in this vaccine, however due to the often fatal nature of this disease, any level of protection may be beneficial. This vaccine is not included in our usual vaccine protocols, so even if your dog is up to date with their yearly vaccinations, they likely haven’t received a leptospirosis vaccination.

Vaccination is recommended for dogs who;

  • Are living in, or travelling to, the known areas affected in Sydney, Newcastle, South Coast, and the surrounding areas
  • Have contact with rats or other rodents

    For dogs who have never been vaccinated against leptospirosis, two doses of the vaccine given 2-4 weeks apart are required, followed by annual boosters to maintain protection. The second dose is to be given at least two weeks prior before traveling to known exposure areas & surrounds. Puppies can receive the vaccination from 6 weeks of age. The vaccination may be given with other yearly vaccines as part of a yearly check up appointment or on its own in a seperate appointment.

    In addition to vaccination, we recommend avoiding any stagnant water or places where there has been flooding. Keep your dog on lead when walking and do not allow them to swim in or drink stagnant water.

For more information or to book your pet in for vaccination, please call our friendly reception team on (02) 6230 2223.

We’re Hiring – Full Time Veterinary Receptionist

Are you an experienced veterinary receptionist who’s looking for a change of scenery or a newbie who’s eager to start their career in the veterinary industry?

Hall Vet Surgery and Vets at Amaroo are looking for a loud and proud ‘People Person’ to join our crew! Our customer care team are passionate about providing customer service excellence at every opportunity and making a difference in the moments that matter.

ABOUT US

Located in the picturesque Hall Village, Hall Veterinary Surgery has spent the last 30+ years embedding itself as a practice of choice for many Canberrans and their furry friends. In 2018, we brought our celebrated ‘friendly country care’ to a second convenient location via our new branch practice, Vets at Amaroo. Together, we are a team of diverse minds that are united by the same common goal and passion, delivering gold standard care to pets and their people.

ABOUT THE ROLE

  • Shared role across both the Hall and Amaroo branches
  • 38 hours per week with additional 1 in 4 Saturday mornings
  • Fast paced, challenging and rewarding role
  • Supportive team environment that embraces continued learning
  • Starting wage $20-$26/hour dependent on age and relevant experience

ABOUT THE PERKS

  • Enjoy a great work life balance with a standard 4 day working week
  • Saturday morning shifts on a rotating roster of 1 in 4
  • Free parking available at both clinic locations
  • Above award pay rates & paid parental leave
  • Take advantage of our staff discount scheme for your own animals
  • Go home feeling fulfilled knowing that you made a real difference to someones day in helping to keep their pets healthy and well!
  • Need we mention the puppy and kitten cuddles!?

ABOUT YOU

Our ideal candidate;

  • Has prior experience in a customer service role
  • Finds satisfaction in helping clients when they need it most
  • Is excited by the opportunity to push themselves, learn and grow
  • Is resilient, enjoys a challenge and shows initiative
  • Possesses a high level of emotional intelligence & self awareness
  • Is a team player, dedicated to working together to succeed
  • Is passionate about animals and is excited to pave out a career in a veterinary profession

APPLICATIONS

If this sounds like the job for you we’d love to hear from you! Email a one page cover letter outlining why you’re the best person for the role and your up to date CV to April Maney – april@hallvet.com.au

Trainee veterinary nurses will be considered for this position, however cannot be guaranteed a nursing placement in the near future.

Applications for this role close at 11:59pm Sunday 15th May. Interviews will be held Saturday 21st of May.

We’re Hiring – Full Time or Part Time Qualified Vet Nurse

ABOUT US:

Hall Veterinary Surgery has been part of the Hall community for 30 years. We are located on the outskirts of Canberra in a village atmosphere surrounded by nature with a great coffee shop just down the road. We recently opened our second clinic in Amaroo, approximately a 10-minute drive from Hall. Opening our Amaroo practice has given us the scope to do more of what we all love doing, providing exceptional veterinary care to our patients and clients.

All of our staff take pride in maintaining a high standard of care for every pet (and their people!). Both of our hospitals are well equipped with up-to-date monitoring technology (BP, ETCO2, ECG, SPO2) and our nurses have exceptional knowledge in these areas.

Keen to expand your knowledge and hands on experience? We believe in excelling our nurses and utilising them to their full potential!
Our nurses are trained and trusted in performing:

  • Blood collection and catheterisation
  • Intubation and induction of anaesthesia
  • Dental scale & polishes
  • Scrubbing in to major abdominal surgeries and orthopaedics
  • Assisting in administering chemotherapy
  • Capturing radiographs and assisting in ultrasonography
  • Performing specific nurse consultations

Want to know more? Let some of our current nurses tell you in their own words!

THE PERKS:

  • Family-like culture and atmosphere
  • 4 day working week
  • Rotating Saturday roster – only one Saturday morning a month!
  • Free and close proximity parking at both clinics
  • Paid parental leave
  • Staff discounts for your own fur babies

ABOUT YOU:

  • Cert IV qualified
  • Experience working with companion animals
  • Full time or part time
  • Someone who works well within a diverse team
  • Also able to show initiative and work well individually

If this sounds like you and you are ready for a change of scenery we’d love to hear from you! Please send a one page cover letter telling us about yourself and why you’re the best person for the role, and your resume including availability to:
Keely Scotland – keely@hallvet.com.au

COVID-19 Updates March 2022

MASKS

In accordance with the ACT Government, masks are no longer required for entry to our premises. However, if it helps you to feel more comfortable you are more than welcome to wear one.

THE CONSULTATION AND ADMISSION PROCESS

If your pet is friendly (with humans & other animals) and happy to wait in the waiting room you are no longer required to call before entering.

If you pet is more comfortable waiting outside or in the car, please call to let us know you’ve arrives and we’ll go from there.

Please limit those attending your appointment to just those that MUST be there.

THE FOOD AND MEDICATION COLLECTION PROCESS

You are no longer required to call before entering the practice so long as there if sufficient space in the waiting room for you to socially distance. During peak periods you may be required to wait outside briefly until someone exits the waiting room.

From all of us at Hall Vet Surgery,
Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support.

Christmas & New Years Opening Hours

We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Years.
Hall Vet Surgery’s opening hours over the Christmas period are as follows:

  • Friday 24th December: 8:00am – 3:30pm
  • Saturday 25th December: CLOSED
  • Sunday 26th December: CLOSED
  • Monday 27th December: CLOSED
  • Tuesday 28th December: CLOSED
  • Wednesday 29th December: 8:00am – 6:30pm
  • Thursday 30th December: 8:00am – 6:30pm
  • Friday 31st December: 8:00am – 3:30pm
  • Saturday 1st January: CLOSED
  • Sunday 2nd January: CLOSED
  • Monday 3rd January: CLOSED
  • Tuesday 4th January: 8:00am – 6:30pm

For urgent veterinary attention whilst we are closed, please phone Canberra Veterinary Emergency Services in Gungahlin on 6225 7257, or Animal Referral Hospital Canberra in Pialligo on 6280 6344.

Veterinarians Wanted!

Veterinarians, we want you!

Hall Vet Surgery & Vets at Amaroo provide a workplace where you can truly develop your passions and explore new pathways. 

For experienced vets, we can provide a clinic with clients that say ‘yes’, a large and varied caseload with close proximity to specialists and after hours emergency services. Would you like to learn how to do TTA’s, Echo’s or Ultrasounds? Would you like to pursue your memberships? All of this can be fully supported by us.

If you are a new or recent graduate veterinarian looking for a workplace that is fun and has experienced vets that can mentor and support your development, then you have found it. Our culture is our strength, where there is no fear of failure – just opportunities to learn. We are proud of our truly collaborative environment where we all work together to provide the best outcome for the pets and their owners. Our nurses are skilled, confident and supportive. Our dedicated receptionists provide excellent customer service whilst being mindful of scheduling and our management team works hard to make these the friendliest and funnest clinics to work at in Canberra.

Our two clinics in Northern Canberra combine the best of both worlds- country charm and city chic with all new and purpose built facilities and equipment.

This is an opportunity for you and your family to enjoy a great quality of life. This position can be tailored to suit your lifestyle and passions, in and outside of work.

Our extra benefits set us apart from other surrounding vets! These include:
  • Above award salary and commensurate with experience
  • ACT Veterinary surgeons board registration, ACT radiation licence and VIN membership paid for
  • Work-life balance with flexible rosters including rostered days off
  • Joining a friendly, supportive and knowledgeable team
  • Generous continued education packages

Come and see for yourself, apply now!
janet@hallvet.com.au
6230 2223 (Mon – Fri, 8:00 – 6:00)  

Here’s what your veterinarian peers have to say about working with us:

We’re Hiring – Casual Kennel Hand Position Available Now

Hall Vet Surgery and Vets at Amaroo have an exciting opportunity for a Kennel Hand to join our team.

We are two well-equipped small animal practices located in North Canberra, who strive to deliver the best care to each and every patient and have lots of fun along the way.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, shows great initiative and understands the importance of prioritising tasks. Whilst experience in the veterinary industry isn’t necessary for this role, we are ideally looking for someone who has a keen interest in animals. Although this is not a trainee nurse position, it is a great pathway into furthering your career in the industry down the track. A great sense of humour and a love for snacks are also essential for this role!

Kennel Hand responsibilities include;
  • Feed and bathe animals as directed by senior nurses
  • Cleaning cages, runs and wards
  • General cleaning duties around the hospital
  • Re stocking hospital consumables
  • Assist nurses in restraining animals

Current hours available are Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3pm – 7pm with the potential to pick up more hours during the busier summer days, as well as some Saturdays (7:30am – 1pm).

If you think you are the amazing person we are looking for please send your resume and cover letter to:
Mikaela Mercuri
mikaela@hallvet.com.au

Updated COVID-19 Protocol 21st December 2021

The Consultation/Admission Process

  1. When you arrive at the clinic for consultation or admission, please remain in your vehicle and call us on 62302223 to notify us of your arrival.
  2. We will send you a text message once we are ready for your pets consultation/admission. One healthy adult may accompany your animal (unless otherwise arranged with a member of our team), please sanitise your hands at the door and check in with the QR code displayed. Masks are currently mandatory indoors in the ACT.
  3. At the end of the consultation, we would appreciate contactless payment where possible.

Food/Medication Collection Process

  1. Please order food and medication in advance.
  2. When you arrive at the clinic for collection, please sanitise your hands at the door and check in with the QR code displayed. Masks are currently mandatory indoors in the ACT.
  3. Ensure there is adequate space for you to socially distance before entering the waiting room.
  4. In some cases you may be asked to wait outside for a short period of time until there is adequate space for you to safely enter.

Thank you again for your understanding, we look forward to seeing you and your pet soon. For more information, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on (02) 6230 2223.

We’re Still Here For You – Contactless Consultations

During the ACT lockdown we will remain open to assist you and your animals, however, there will be changes to our services and protocols. We will be now be moving to contactless consultations, admissions and food/medication collections.

You Will Need:

You will require access to a mobile phone and a credit/debit card for payment (we will not be accepting cash).
All dogs must please be on lead, all cats and rabbits must arrive in a pet carrier.

The Contactless Consultation Process:

  1. When you arrive at the clinic for consultation or admission, please remain in your vehicle and call us on 62302223 to notify us of your arrival. Please let us know the details of the vehicle you are located in and confirm your best contact number for the consultation. Please also use the QR codes displayed in the carpark to ‘Check In’.
  2. When safe to do so, a nurse will come to your car to collect your pet and bring them into the clinic. The vet will examine your animal and phone you on your preferred contact number. During the consultation you will still be able to tell us your concerns and ask us questions, and we’ll still be able to give your pet a physical examination, explain diagnoses and treatment options.
  3. At the conclusion of your consultation you will either be placed on hold for a receptionist to process payment over the phone, or the nurse will bring an EFTPOS machine to your vehicle when returning your animal to you.

Food/Medication Collections:

  1. When you arrive to the clinic, please remain in your vehicle and call us on 62302223.
  2. A receptionist will process payment for your food or medication over the phone.
  3. The item will then be either placed at the front door for your collection or brought to your vehicle.

We thank you again for your understanding and patience during this turbulent time. We’ll be sad not to see people’s smiling faces in our consultation rooms, but we are very serious about maintaining health and safety for you and for our staff, so that we can be here to maintain the well-being of your pet.

Stay safe and look out for each other.
Hall Vet Surgery
(02) 6230 2223

UPDATE – We’re Upgrading Our Practice Management Software & Online Booking Has Been Temporarily Disabled

Hall Vet Surgery & Vets at Amaroo look forward to launching our new software system on Monday the 28th of June.

Over the past 3 months we have been preparing for both Hall Veterinary Surgery & Vets at Amaroo to make to switch to a brand new software system. This change will give us access to more advanced, robust and future focused technology and ensure that we can spend more time doing what we do best – helping you care for your fur babies!

So what does this change mean for you?
We expect this upgrade will improve your experience with us by reducing the technical ‘drop outs’ of our phone and computer systems, especially at our Amaroo branch. The new system will also allow you access to a new and improved online pet portal, a place where you can view your pet’s vaccination status, book appointments and access documents like invoices from previous visits. All of your pets existing medical history will remain active and accessible in the new system and we will continue to be sharing records between Hall and Amaroo for your convenience.

We hope that the transition will cause minimal disruption to our clients but do ask for your patience with us whilst we navigate and get comfortable with our new system over the coming weeks.

Key dates/notes:

• Our existing online booking portal has now been closed. We look forward to providing you with a link for the new and improved portal soon.
• Team training is taking place this week (Monday 21st June – Saturday 26th June), with closure of business during lunch hours daily. We apologise for any inconvenience.
• The new software system will be launched next week (Monday 28th June), please be patient with our team whilst we navigate the new system. We will endeavour to keep disruptions to a minimum but as with any major change some technical niggles are to be expected.