State-of-the-art ‘fear free’ vet clinic opens on Coast

Owners of a Sunshine Coast “fear free” vet clinic say their practice will be the first of its kind for the region.

Chancellor Park Veterinary Clinic owners Sebastian Olasek and Annabel Shepherd have revealed their innovative "fear free" veterinary clinic at Aura Business Park set to open in October 2020. Annabel pictured with her dogs, Greta and Kirri. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Leading Coast veterinarians are taking innovation to a new level with the introduction of what they say is the region’s first “fear free” clinic.

Chancellor Veterinary Clinic owners Sebastian Olasek and Annabel Shepherd say their innovative surgery will open next month.

They aim to reduce an animal’s fear and anxiety around veterinary visits through a variety of measures including separate cat and dog waiting areas, consulting rooms and hospital wards.

The building also has soundproofing throughout.

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Ms Shepherd said the Caloundra South practice would provide revolutionary animal care for the 5000 residents of Stockland’s Aura development and their furry friends.

“Being fear-free means all animals are handled in a gentle, force-free manner, with plenty of

treats to make the visit a more positive experience,” Ms Shepherd said.

The Aura Veterinary Hospital is based at the Aura Business Park. Picture: Supplied

“We use calming pheromones and special music, and for particularly fearful animals, we offer natural and pharmaceutical products to make the visit a much calmer and happier experience for both pet and owner.”

The two-storey veterinary clinic is situated off the Bells Creek Arterial Rd.

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It is part of the $215 million Aura Business Park that is already home to a variety of businesses from a range of industries including automotive, manufacturing, landscaping supplies, telecommunications and fitness.

Construction on the purpose-built vet clinic began mid last year.

The “fear free” veterinary health care concept originated in America.

“Our new clinic will complement our current practice in Chancellor Park and the adjacent emergency centre,” Ms Shepherd said.

Construction on the Aura Veterinary Hospital in June. Picture: MBE Services Group Facebook

“In time we plan to grow our Aura practice to offer preventive health care, medical, dentistry, imaging, surgical and after-hours services.”

Stockland’s senior economic development manager Matthew Byrne said it was a welcome initiative for the animal-loving Aura community.

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“With almost 70 per cent of residents in the community pet owners, Aura is fast becoming the pet capital of the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Byrne said.

“After the opening of our newest, fully-fenced dog park in Nirimba, and with another opening soon in Baringa, the new clinic is an exciting addition to the community and to our growing business precinct.”

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