‘Bred into me’: Inside the extraordinary life of an emergency vet nurse

Animals have always been the biggest passion for this emergency vet nurse and now she’s opened up her own side hustle, bringing with her a world of knowledge.

Cait and Co Pet Minding owner Caitlyn Hamilton with her mastiff Reaper. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Working as an emergency veterinary nurse, Caitlyn Hamilton has seen just about everything over her seven years in the industry.

Covering overnight shifts at the REDVets Emergency Department, the 26-year-old has helped save the lives of hundreds of animals as a result of a snake bite, dogfight, paralysis tick or other life threatening injury.

“When our patients walk out because we’ve nursed them back to health, it’s the great feeling,” Ms Hamilton said.

“Especially in those cases where the pet has been in hospital for a long period of time and almost don’t survive – seeing them walk out with their owners really drives me to keep going.”

Cait and Co Pet Minding owner Caitlyn Hamilton with her mastiff Reaper. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Now the 26-year-old senior vet nurse has started her own business Cait and Co Pet Minding, bringing her skills and knowledge of animals with her.

Designed to give owners a peace of mind when on holiday, Ms Hamilton said the pet minding business would be offered to dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds and reptiles.

Offering house visits, feeding and water changes, general hygiene and dog walking, Ms Hamilton’s background has allowed her to offer a unique and handy additional service too.

“I’m also offering post hospital and ICU care for owners who may need a hand with their pet’s long-term recovery, which is pretty rare for a pet sitting business,” she said.

“Keeping a pet in their own environment is a loss less stressful than putting them in a kennel.”

Cait and Co Pet Minding owner Caitlyn Hamilton with her mastiff Reaper. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Since opening her side hustle at the start of the year, Ms Hamilton has already had repeat client bookings.

She said in addition to her expertise in the field, she also understands from personal experience how crucial it is to leave a fur baby in someone else’s care.

“Reaper (her eight-year-old pet mastiff) is like my child so if I ever went away I know how much I would want someone I trusted to look after him,” Ms Hamilton said.

“I’ve had him since he was just 10 weeks old so we have a pretty special bond … he’s a loveable, gentle and big teddy bear until he needs to protect his mum.”

Cait and Co Pet Minding owner Caitlyn Hamilton with her mastiff Reaper. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Originally from Dalby, Ms Hamilton said she always knew she wanted to work with animals with some of her favourite childhood memories spent with her grandparents who hand-raised birds and helped kangaroos on their property.

“It really has been bred into me,” she said.

For more information visit the Cait and Co Pet Minding business Facebook page.