See inside: New vet clinic doors open with unique, heartfelt concept

With more than decades of operating in the region, there’s more than meets the eye to this new vet clinic and its staff are full of heart.

Highfields Veterinary Surgery vet Ashleigh Moon examines Chevy as Andrew Brown looks on, Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Trust is a big thing, especially when it comes to the people we choose to take care of our pets.

After operating in the region for almost four decades, the Highfields Veterinary Surgery team has moved into their new home.

Owners Andrew and Kim Brown purchased the vet clinic three years ago and always had the vision to develop the surgery.

Highfields Veterinary Surgery owner and manager Andrew Brown as vet Ashleigh Moon examines Chevy, Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Moving from their former clinic on Kuhls Rd and after years of searching for the perfect site, the pair finally came across the new premises on 22 Highfields Rd.

Opening the doors to the new surgery less than a week ago, Mr Brown said the response had been very positive.

“The driving culture here is really about caring and helping people with their animals,” Mr Brown said.

“For our industry, trust is a really big thing – we understand people are bringing their pets to us so we can care for them.

“So having a high standard, clean clinic and the staff who make such a positive impact irrespective of the outcome, is something we are really passionate about here.”

The new clinic features a spacious waiting room, three consultation and two surgery rooms and specialised areas for reproduction, radiation and sonography treatments.

Providing ample onsite parking for customers, the facility was also carefully designed to accommodate everyone, through accessibility for all abilities.

Highfields Veterinary Surgery, Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Additionally, the new clinic has a boardroom where Mr Brown intends to host future pet information sessions for clients to learn and ask vets questions about topics including ticks and nutrition.

But the most heartfelt aspect of the new vet facility is without a doubt its Rainbow Room – a unique and considerate gesture for pet owners who are saying goodbye to their furbabies for the last time.

Filled with soft furnishings, fresh flowers and a kitchen to make tea and coffee, the wall features a thoughtful Winnie the Pooh artwork with a quote which reads “how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”.

The rainbow room in Highfields Veterinary Surgery, Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“We wanted to provide people with a place where they can say goodbye to their pets and take the time to grieve privately,” Mr Brown said.

“In a situation as difficult as that, it was important to us to make the Rainbow Room feel homely and take away that clinical feel.”

Highfields Veterinary Surgery is hosting a free community open day for the public to help celebrate the new building on Saturday, March 26.

Running from 10am to 1pm at the new site on Highfields Rd, there will be balloon animals, free goodie bags, clinic tours, lucky door prizes and a puppy and kitty photo booth.

An adoption drive with Belle Vie Animal Rescue will also be onsite on the day.

The clinic is open Mondays to Fridays, from 7am to 6pm and Saturdays, from 8.30am to 1pm.

For more information, visit highfieldsvetsurgery.com.au.