OUR APPROACH

We get the tails wagging.

West Coast Vets are well equipped to look after the needs of many different dogs. From stitching up pig dogs and other emergency procedures to desexing a tiny Chihuahua, we offer your pet or working dog a high standard of love and care.

  • We have modern facilities with advanced diagnostic equipment, including a blood analysis machine for both haematology and biochemistry, digital radiography, x-ray, ultrasound machines and microscope review equipment. This allows us to prepare conclusive pregnancy, abdominal scans and quickly perform diagnostic tests in house for your pet.

  • We also boast fantastic dental services to prevent plaque and tartar build up which can lead to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). We have modern dental equipment in our clinics allowing us to perform everything from a routine scale and polish to full mouth extractions.  We also carry a large range of dental food and prophylactic products that our knowledgeable staff can advise you on.

  • Puppy preschool classes are offered at our Hokitika clinic, you can email hokitikaoffice@westcoastvets.co.nz for more details.  What better way to get them started on the right track!

  • Preventative health is important to us and we are passionate about providing the best start for your canine friend.  At every consult your dog is given a full examination to make sure they are fit, healthy and ready to enjoy each day. And of course we have a microchipping service, this helps to identify your dog should they go for a wander.

  • well balanced diet is so important.  There are several factors to consider when choosing the right nutrition for your dog. Breed, life stage, activeness and care for their teeth. Talk to our knowledgeable staff who will help you choose the correct food for your dog. 

We have an experienced small animal team, comprising of not only vets but also diploma and trainee nurses.  Between the team we have special interests in dermatology, exotics, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine and animal care.  All working together to provide the best care and service to your pets.

PUPPY PRE-SCHOOL

Get your puppy off with the right paw with Puppy Pre-School.

Puppy preschool is the beginning of an exciting relationship with your new puppy. This course is to lay down a good foundation for learning; both for your puppy and yourself.

THE BENEFITS

Why West Coast Vets is a great choice

We're locals

We’ve been located throughout the West Coast area for decades. It’s where we’re from and where we raise our families.

Wide network

We’re plugged into the Veterinary world and our team can call on expertise from all over the world, then deliver it locally.

Handy clinics

We’re close to you for consults, supplements, supplies...whatever you need. Pop on in or organise a delivery.

FURTHER READING

Latest news

Caring for pets over the holidays

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching. If you are heading away, now is a good time to start thinking about what plans you need to make for your pets.   Will you leave them at home and getRead more

Lepto vaccine update

There has been a lot of communication from Westland lately regarding supply of the lepto vaccine. In the end, we were never approached for a 5-year tender for the vaccine and we turned down theRead more

Caring for cows' hooves

Hoof care in dairy cattle is a critical aspect of herd management, particularly in regions with challenging environmental conditions. The high rainfall and rugged terrain in our area presents uniqueRead more

Keep an eye out for coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease that can occur in calves from as young as 4 weeks of age, but normally between 3-8 months. Infection is by ingestion of coccidia oocysts, from contaminated pasture,Read more

Quick in-clinic FEC testing available

We are pleased to announce that we have invested in a Parasight faecal egg count (FEC) machine, which will enable us to quickly test samples in-clinic.   Created and developed in Australia, thisRead more

Mastitis testing: Mastatest vs Jupiter

We now have two machines in-clinic that we can use for milk sample testing. The Mastatest machine, which has been around a few years, can run up to four cartridges for clinical mastitis and eightRead more

Taking mastitis milk samples

We know that this season to date has been particularly challenging with mastitis levels and SCC higher than usual.  For clinical and subclinical mastitis (diagnosed either via paddle or herdRead more

This season's passive transfer results

This season, we had a few farms do passive transfer (PT) testing on their calves to check for absorption of immunoglobulin from colostrum. Below is a quick comparison of the results: Read more

Choosing the right pet

Pets bring so much joy to a family. They give affection and love, make us laugh, and have a positive effect on our mental health. However, before choosing a new furry addition, it is important to putRead more

Itchy dogs

Is your dog scratching, biting, licking, rubbing his skin, or rolling on the ground?  Allergic skin disease can cause significant discomfort to companion animals and is a common reason for dogRead more

Giving 90% this mating

Did your calving period seem to drag on this season? One way to try and compact your calving for next year is to have a good 3-week submission rate.   To be on track for a successful mating, theRead more

Anxiety in dogs

Anxiety is a normal emotion experienced by all dogs from time to time. Some dogs, however, are more prone to experiencing it than others. If they display disproportionate levels of stress, there is aRead more