Geelong veterinarians FAQ

We offer professional dog grooming at our clinics in Grovedale 03 5244 1300 and Newcomb 03 5248 2009. Appointments fill quickly, particularly in the spring and summer months so advance booking is strongly advised.

Cat grooming can be performed by our nurses at our Grovedale, Newcomb, Drysdale and Ocean Grove clinics – this procedure is usually done under sedation.

Cat and dog grooming is about more than cleaning your pet. Our professional pet groomers also check your pet’s teeth, eyes, skin and more to make sure there are no potential health issues. They can also trim or shave hair around faces, bottoms and feet to ensure good hygiene and improve mobility. If any concerns are noted then referral to one of our veterinarians can be arranged for prompt attention.

The best age for desexing your dog depends on several factors, including your dog’s breed, size, age, and overall health. Recent research and veterinary guidelines suggest a tailored approach to making this decision, so discussion with your vet is vital.

In general, smaller dog breeds mature faster and are less prone to joint issues so may be desexed younger than larger breeds who may benefit from waiting until 12-18 months of age to allow full skeletal development.

Find out more about desexing.

It is not recommended to desex or spey a female dog while she is coming into season (pro-oestrous) or in season (oestrous) because the surgery is more complicated and carries a higher risk of complications like excessive bleeding due to increased blood supply to the reproductive organs or blood clots due to the hormone levels. There is also an increased risk of pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy) in dogs speyed too soon after oestrus which may result in long term issues.

Female dogs cycle (come into season) approximately every 6 months. In most cases we advise waiting until 12 weeks after vaginal bleeding ceases before undertaking desexing. However, individual discussion with your veterinarian is strongly recommended to receive tailored advice for your pet and your circumstances.

Desexing your female cat before sexual maturity (around 4 months) is crucial for preventing unwanted pregnancies, however, it is important to discuss individual factors and recommendations with your vet. Male cats are commonly desexed between 4-6 months.

Desexing is a day procedure performed at our Newcomb, Grovedale, Ocean Grove and Drysdale clinics. Your fasted pet will be admitted first thing in the morning and will be discharged home in the afternoon. Desexing involves surgery performed under general anaesthesia in both male and female animals. All pets are closely monitored during their time with us, and pain management is prioritised both in the hospital and in the recovery period at home.

The desexing process

All pets undergoing desexing will be admitted to the hospital (fasted) first thing in the morning. Once consent forms are signed and paperwork is completed, your pet will be examined by a veterinarian and vital signs recorded.

A blood sample is collected for pre-anaesthetic blood testing (where elected) and analysed. Your pet will then be given a sedative for relaxation, and an intravenous catheter will be placed for administration of anaesthesia and fluids.

Once anaesthesia has been induced, your pet will be intubated (have a breathing tube placed into their trachea) and given oxygen, whilst being kept asleep with anaesthetic gas.

Hair will be clipped from the appropriate body area and the surgery site will be aseptically cleaned.

Female dogs and cats will have a small incision on their midline near their umbilicus (belly button) and will have both ovaries and their uterus surgically removed (unless an alternative procedure has been arranged) which is known as an ovariohysterectomy (or being speyed).

Male dogs will have a small incision just in front of their scrotum and both their testicles will be removed, which is known as castration.

Male dogs can have a hormone implant to medically sterilise (temporary) them as an alternative to castration or if you wish to breed from them later.

We also occasionally perform vasectomies on male dogs to enable them to remain entire but not fertile. There are pros and cons to these procedures and our vets are more than happy to discuss your options on an individualised basis.

Sutures in both males and females may be externally visible in the skin or alternatively may be dissolvable and hidden (buried) depending on the patient.

Male cats will have two small incisions over the scrotum and the testicles will be removed. The incisions usually heal very quickly without sutures being placed.

All patients are closely monitored throughout anaesthesia and pain management is prioritised during every step of the procedure, as well as in the post operative period. Your pet will spend a few hours recovering with us under supervision after their surgery and when stable and comfortable, they will be discharged home to rest.  They will often go home wearing an Elizabethan collar (or equivalent) to prevent licking of the sutures or wounds during the healing process. Medications are prescribed for home use – for pain relief and for calming or nausea if needed.

Your pet should rest for 7 days and cannot get wet or swim for at least 14 days after surgery. Post-operative phone calls and clinic visits will take place during this time.

Pets should be strictly rested for 2-3 days after their desexing procedure, which includes no walking, playing or jumping. We understand this can be challenging in active and excitable animals, and our veterinarians are able to prescribe post-operative medications where required to assist with keeping your pet calm. Restricted exercise (on lead, no running or jumping) can be commenced in a controlled manner between day 4-10. No swimming or bathing should occur until 14 days after surgery or until cleared by the vet. We offer complimentary post operative checks to ensure your peace of mind during your pet’s recovery.

What to expect after desexing

Most pets are discharged in the afternoon on the day of their desexing procedure and will be quite alert when you arrive at the clinic to collect them. However, they may become sleepy once they are settled and relaxed at home. They may not feel like eating or interacting much initially and should be set up in a quiet, warm, comfortable place to rest.

By the next morning, most pets are up and about and behaving normally. Your pet needs to rest and be kept as still as possible for the first 7 days after surgery. Your vet may prescribe medications to help with this if your pet is particularly active, jumpy or anxious (in addition to their pain relief medication). If you feel that your pet is more painful than they should be, we can also provide additional medications.

Your pet may need to wear an Elizabethan collar (or equivalent) to prevent licking of the sutures or wounds during the healing process.  Your pet cannot get wet or swim for at least 14 days after surgery. Post-operative phone calls and clinic visits will take place during this time. A gradual return to gentle exercise can commence after the 10 day post operative appointment once your pet’s wound has been checked.

We understand that euthanasia is a difficult decision and we are here to support you through the process. You can contact any of our clinics to discuss your wishes and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Euthanasia can be performed either in clinic or at home by our empathetic veterinarians.  You may elect to be present for euthanasia or alternatively entrust your beloved pet to the care of our compassionate vets and nurses.

Aftercare options include individual cremation (your pet’s ashes are returned to you), communal cremation (no ashes returned) or home burial (where appropriate). Edenhills offer a range of vessels and mementos to help create lasting memories of your pet.

As pets age or experience terminal illness, euthanasia may become the kindest option to prevent further suffering. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult and emotionally challenging decisions a family can face.

Discussing your pet’s quality of life with one of our experienced veterinarians can help you make informed decisions that respect your pet’s comfort and dignity.  To help offer clarity during uncertain times, we can use quality of life checklists to evaluate key indicators such as mobility, appetite, hydration, pain levels, and engagement with family.

For pets approaching the end of their life, our understanding vets can tailor individualised palliative care and pain management plans to improve your pet’s comfort during their final days or months.

Bellarine Veterinary Practice offers home visit appointments across the Bellarine Peninsula and Geelong. Situations when house calls can be considered include:

• Mobility or accessibility issues (for pets or owners)
• Inability to travel (for pets or owners)
• Convenience
• End of Life and Palliative Care
• Euthanasia
• Pet anxiety or reactivity
• Multiple animals

Additional charges and travel costs apply for this service. Please contact your local Bellarine Veterinary Practice clinic for further information.

Telemedicine (either by video call or phone) can also be considered as an alternative to a home visit in some situations.

In certain cases, telemedicine veterinary appointments allow clients to conveniently consult with their vet remotely, using video calls or phone consultations to discuss concerns, receive advice, and even manage ongoing treatment plans.

For some pets and owners, travelling to a clinic can be challenging due to mobility issues or lack of transport, and some pets suffer severe anxiety or behavioural issues exacerbated by clinic visits. Telemedicine is also useful as a prelude to an in clinic visit or a house call if the situation is complex.

Please note that consultation via telehealth may not be appropriate or possible in certain situations and can only be undertaken after a veterinary practitioner-owner-animal (VOA) relationship is established once a vet has examined the animal during an in-person consultation.

Physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and emergency care also require in-person visits.

Unless your pet is under the regular care of Bellarine Veterinary Practice’s veterinarians, we are unfortunately unable to supply prescription medications without an in-person veterinary consultation.

Veterinarians are highly skilled professionals who are qualified to examine animals, assess their medical history and current health status, order appropriate tests, and establish a therapeutic need for treatment before supplying or prescribing medications.

Even if your regular veterinarian sends a prescription or your pet’s medical history, legally only a pharmacist (not a veterinarian) may supply medicine on a prescription that has been issued by a veterinarian. The regulations are designed to ensure public health and safety, prevent misuse, and make sure medicines are used safely and appropriately in the best interests of the animal’s welfare.

Under sections 19 and 38 of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017, a veterinary practitioner must not issue a prescription, sell or supply Schedule 4, 8 or 9 poisons (“medicine”) unless: the prescription, sale or supply is for treatment of an animal under the veterinary practitioner’s care (and the animal is described in any prescription) the vet has taken all reasonable steps to ensure a therapeutic need exists for the medicine the animal is owned by, or is in the custody or care of, the person to whom the medicine is sold or supplied before prescribing.

Yes, all six of our clinics are able to access your pet’s full medical records because the computer systems are linked.

If you are new to Bellarine Veterinary Practice, we ask that you arrange to have your pet’s medical records emailed through to us from your previous vet, prior to your appointment. Our reception staff can assist you with this process.

Many of our staff work across multiple locations so you may also see a familiar face.

A microchip is a tiny device, about the size of a grain of rice, implanted beneath your pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number that links to your contact details in a national pet registry. Unlike collars or tags, a microchip cannot fall off or be removed, making it a permanent form of identification. Most cats and dogs are microchipped at a young age, prior to adoption or sale.

Each state and territory has its own regulations regarding pet microchipping. For example, in Victoria, dogs and cats must be microchipped before they can be registered with the local council. Failure to comply can result in fines. It’s crucial to check your local laws to ensure your pet meets all legal requirements.

If you are worried your pet has not been microchipped, the microchip is not working, or your contact details are not current – please make an appointment and our veterinary nurses can check.

A source number is required when implanting a microchip into a dog or cat born after 1 July 2020. The Pet Exchange Register promotes responsible pet breeding and improves the traceability of dogs and cats being sold in Victoria.

To advertise or give away a puppy, kitten, dog or cat in Victoria, you will need a source number which must be displayed on all your advertisements along with each animal’s microchip number.

A source number is valid for one year and can be renewed annually for as long as you need it. Fees apply to registration and renewal of source numbers. Apply for a source number prior to microchipping.

Microchipping offers peace of mind. If your pet goes missing, shelters and veterinary clinics can scan the microchip and contact you quickly. It also helps resolve ownership disputes and is essential for travel, insurance and council registration. For veterinarians, microchip identification supports public safety and animal welfare by ensuring pets are traceable and accountable.

If you are worried your pet has not been microchipped, the microchip is not working or your contact details are not current – please make an appointment and our veterinary nurses can check. You will need a source number to arrange microchipping of your pet.

Recently, more pet owners have been placing Airtags or similar GPS tracking devices on their pets. This does not replace the need for microchips, as many lost pets are found without their collars and the GPS devices are not permanent identification devices. They are helpful though in you being able to detect your pet is lost earlier and some devices can be set up to alert your phone.

Pet microchips are tiny – about the size of a grain of rice – so they can be hard to feel. They are unlikely to fall out but sometimes can migrate under the skin from the original site of implantation between the shoulder blades. Animals are scanned all over their body with a microchip scanner when searching for a microchip.

If you are worried your pet has not been microchipped, the microchip is not working or your contact details are not current – please make an appointment and our veterinary nurses can check.

Natalie from Mojema Canine Relationship Coaching runs structured, positive and fun learning sessions at our dedicated facility in Newcomb to give your new pup the best possible start in life.  Natalie’s supportive, informative classes fill quickly, so early booking is recommended. Enrol here.

Sometimes our pets display many puzzling or confusing behaviours such as barking, foot licking, toileting inside, biting, eating grass, digging holes or chewing furniture to name a few.

While many of these things may be behavioural issues, some may be caused by an underlying medical problem. Arrange an appointment with your vet to discuss behaviour that is concerning you or your pet, as it is vital to rule out any health issues before considering behaviourial therapy.

The F3 vaccine is the core vaccination combination which protects against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus (cat flu) and panleukopaenia (enteritis). Adult cats who have received a primary kitten vaccination course need an F3 booster one year after their last kitten vaccination,

At Bellarine Veterinary Practice we administer a triennial F3 vaccine, meaning the panleukopaenia component has a duration of 3 years. Boosting of the feline rhinotracheitis and calicivirus components every 12 months with an F2 vaccine is required in the intervening years.

Due to an ambiguous interpretation of guidelines and a lack of legal clarification by the Victorian Bureau of Animal Welfare regarding triennial F3 vaccines, most catteries (check with who you are boarding with as some local catteries accept the triennial vaccines) require cats to have received an F3 vaccine within the last 12 months before being accepted for boarding.

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria

Adult cats who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination history/status is unknown require two doses of the F3 vaccination 2-4 weeks apart. After this, annual boosters are recommended (depending on the vaccine duration of immunity). Generally an F3 is given the first year and then an F2 the subsequent two years and then the cycle repeats.

Non-core vaccinations such as FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus), and Chlamydia felis are given to cats in certain risk categories based on their lifestyle and exposure. Speak with your veterinarian for the most appropriate recommendation for your cat.

Feline core and non-core vaccinations

Core vaccines are those that all cats should receive unless there is a medical reason why they cannot be vaccinated. Core vaccines protect against potentially fatal and widespread diseases in Australia such as:

• Feline rhinotracheitis – highly contagious upper respiratory infection caused by the feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1). Signs include sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, conjunctivitis, and lethargy. While most cats recover, the infection is often lifelong, with the virus remaining dormant and reactivating during times of stress. Transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat’s saliva or nasal, eye, and oral secretions, and indirectly through contaminated objects like bowls or via airborne particles.
• Calicivirus – highly contagious virus that causes a mild to severe respiratory infection and oral disease. Transmitted through direct contact with an infected cat’s saliva, nasal secretions, or eye discharge. It also spreads indirectly via contaminated objects (fomites) like food bowls, litter boxes, and bedding, and through airborne droplets from sneezing.
• Panleukopaenia – highly contagious, severe, and often fatal viral disease in cats, especially kittens. It attacks rapidly dividing cells in the bone marrow, lymphoid tissues, and the lining of the intestines. Transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids (faeces, urine, saliva, vomit) or indirectly through contaminated objects like bowls, bedding, and clothing.

Non-core vaccines are recommended by veterinarians based on your pet’s medical history, risk, environment and lifestyle. For example:

• Chlamydia felis – type of bacterium that is a primary cause of conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane around the eye) and, less commonly, upper respiratory tract infections. Mainly transmitted through direct, close cat-to-cat contact, most frequently observed in kittens and cats in multi-cat environments like shelters or catteries.
• FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) – is a viral infection that affects a cat’s immune system. Once a cat is infected, it carries the virus for life, though it may not show symptoms for several years. The main mode of transmission is via saliva through aggressive encounters (fighting and biting).
• FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus) – is a contagious retrovirus more commonly seen in cats in high-risk situations like outdoor access, dense populations, or shelters. Spread through close, prolonged contact between cats, most commonly via saliva from sharing food and water bowls, grooming, and maternal-to-kitten transmission.

Kittens need F3 vaccination every 4 weeks from the age of 6-8 weeks, until 16 weeks of age. The F3 vaccine is the core vaccination combination which protects against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus (cat flu) and panleukopaenia (enteritis).

Kittens have temporary protective antibodies from their mother’s colostrum called maternal immunity which helps protect newborns from disease until their own immune systems mature. The timing of maternal antibody decline varies for each individual kitten (usually between 14 –20 weeks of age) and high levels of maternal antibodies can neutralise vaccines preventing the kitten from developing long-term immunity. The aim is to vaccinate when maternal antibodies are low enough for the vaccine to work but before the kitten becomes vulnerable – which is why a series of vaccinations is required.

C3 vaccination is the core vaccine combination that protects against protects against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus. At Bellarine Veterinary Practice, we use a triennial C3 vaccine which is administered every 3 years.

C5 vaccination comprises a C3 vaccine in addition to two non-core “kennel/canine cough” components (canine parainfluenza virus and Bordatella bronchiseptica). C5 vaccination is recommended for dogs who regularly come into contact with other dogs (eg. on walks, at the park, day-care, puppy pre-school or boarding). Most kennel facilities require dogs to have a current C5 vaccination prior to boarding.

Adult dogs receive their first C3 or C5 booster vaccine 1 year after finishing their course of puppy vaccinations (link to puppy vacc). Annual kennel/canine cough vaccination is recommended every 12 months (depending on lifestyle).

Adult dogs who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination history/status is unknown require an initial triennial C3 vaccination (+/- the kennel/canine cough component to make a C5 vaccination, if appropriate). After this, C3 boosters are recommended every 3 years. The kennel/canine cough component requires boosting every 12 months.

Other non-core vaccines such as canine coronavirus and leptospirosis are administered depending on an individual dog’s risk of exposure, location and lifestyle. Speak with your veterinarian for the most appropriate recommendation for your dog.

Leptospirosis is becoming an emerging disease, especially in dogs that travel. It can cause a wide range and varied illness that can be difficult to both identify and then to treat. It is transmitted through water where rodents have been. Cases have been reported to have been contracted in regions as diverse as dairy farms, national parks, outer urban and even in inner city Sydney in recent years. There is now a vaccine available that prevents all known strains occurring in Australia.

Canine core and non-core vaccinations

Core vaccines are those that all dogs should receive unless there is a medical reason why they cannot be vaccinated. Core vaccines (C3) protect against potentially fatal and widespread diseases in Australia such as:

• Canine distemper virus – highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Spread through airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing, and via direct or indirect contact with bodily fluids like saliva, urine, or faeces.
• Canine adenovirus – causes infectious canine hepatitis, a serious viral disease that affects the liver, kidneys, and eyes. Oronasal exposure to urine, faeces, or saliva from infected dogs is the main route of infection.
• Canine parvovirus – highly contagious and often fatal viral disease that causes severe gastrointestinal issues. It is transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog or via indirect contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, or the environment, primarily through the faeces of infected animals.

Non-core vaccines are recommended by veterinarians based on your pet’s medical history, risk, environment and lifestyle. For example:

• Canine parainfluenza virus – highly contagious virus that causes respiratory illness. It is a component of the complex of diseases that cause kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis (dry, hacking cough, nasal discharge, and lethargy). The virus primarily spreads between dogs through respiratory secretions.
• Bordatella bronchiseptica – a bacterium that primarily causes respiratory infections and it is another component of the complex of diseases that cause kennel cough or infectious tracheobronchitis (dry, hacking cough, nasal discharge, and lethargy).

Can progress to more severe conditions like pneumonia, especially in puppies and other high-risk animals. It is transmitted primarily through airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing, or via direct contact with infected animals. It can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces and objects.

• Canine coronavirus – highly infectious intestinal infection in dogs, especially puppies, causing gastrointestinal problems. Contracted by oral contact with infected faecal matter.
• Leptospirosis – serious bacterial infection that can result in severe illness, including liver and kidney failure, and fatality. It is spread through the urine of infected animals and transmission occurs when a dog drinks contaminated water, or comes into contact with contaminated soil, food, or bedding. Leptospirosis is considered a ZOONOTIC disease which means it can be spread from animals to humans, although humans most commonly contract it from the environment, the same as dogs.

Puppies should receive their first core C3 vaccination at 6-8 weeks of age to protect them against canine distemper virus, canine adenovirus and canine parvovirus.

A C3 booster vaccine is given every 4 weeks until 16-20 weeks of age to ensure protection as maternal antibodies decrease.

Non-core canine / kennel cough protection is administered as either a single intranasal dose at 10-12 weeks of age or as two injectable doses 4 weeks apart at 12 weeks of age and 16 weeks of age.

Puppies have temporary protective antibodies from their mother’s colostrum called maternal immunity which helps protect newborns from disease until their own immune systems mature. The timing of maternal antibody decline varies for each individual puppy (usually between 14-20 weeks of age) and high levels of maternal antibodies can neutralise vaccines preventing the puppy from developing long-term immunity. The aim is to vaccinate when maternal antibodies are low enough for the vaccine to work but before the puppy becomes vulnerable – which is why a series of vaccinations is required.

We advise waiting until 7 days after your puppy’s second vaccination (given at 10-12 weeks) before taking your puppy out in public or socialising with other dogs. Your puppy still has a very fragile and immature immune system when young, so we recommend you only associate with other dogs that are healthy and fully vaccinated.  Aim to walk on concrete areas and avoid dog parks or busy dog beaches where exposure to disease is much more likely.

Your puppy can attend puppy school before being fully vaccinated provided they have received their initial puppy vaccination and remain current for their age, and the class is run in a clean, well-managed facility. When enrolling, check the specific requirements with the puppy school. It is crucial that puppies are appropriately and safely socialised through puppy classes during the critical development period of 8-16 weeks of age.

We have six clinics fully staffed with veterinarians, vet nurses and support staff located at Barwon Heads, Drysdale, Grovedale, Newcomb, Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale.

Book an appointment online today or call our friendly receptionists.

We have six clinics within the Bellarine Veterinary Practice group and appointments are necessary at all our locations. Our opening hours are:

Barwon Heads

Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 12:30pm

Drysdale

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 6:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 12:30pm

Grovedale

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 6:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 12:30pm

Newcomb

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 6:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 4.00pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Ocean Grove

Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 6:30pm
Saturday: 8:30am – 12.30pm

Point Lonsdale

Monday – Thursday: 9.00am – 1.00pm
Friday: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 12:30pm

For urgent or emergency veterinary care outside of these hours, please call Geelong Animal Emergency on 03 5222 2139 or proceed directly to their clinic at 102 Fyans St, South Geelong.

Please contact one of our six Bellarine Veterinary Practice clinics during business hours and our caring staff will direct you and your pet to the appropriate location for either triage or immediate attention. We have appointments reserved daily for unexpectedly ill pets, and we prioritise patients needing urgent care.

For urgent or emergency veterinary care outside of our business hours, please call Geelong Animal Emergency on 03 5222 2139 or proceed directly to their clinic at 102 Fyans St, South Geelong.

All our clinics are closed on public holidays (including Geelong Cup Day).

For urgent or emergency veterinary care, please call Geelong Animal Emergency on 03 5222 2139 or proceed directly to their clinic at 102 Fyans St, South Geelong.

If our clinics are closed, please contact Geelong Animal Emergency on 03 5222 2139 or proceed directly to their clinic at 102 Fyans St, South Geelong.

This specially designed veterinary hospital has 24 hour emergency veterinary care 7 days a week. On arrival, patients are triaged and then attended to in order of priority.

We do not have veterinary or nursing staff on site at any of our hospitals outside of our usual clinic operating hours, so we recommend pets needing ongoing overnight or weekend care are transferred to Geelong Animal Emergency at 102 Fyans St, South Geelong.

Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s specific needs and advised treatment plan with you prior to transfer, as well as any suitable alternative options.

At Bellarine Veterinary Practice, we pride ourselves on providing individualised and tailored veterinary care which is unique to each patient and their situation. There are many variables involved in veterinary care and we aim to provide the most cost effective solution for your pet’s needs and your circumstances. After a veterinary examination and assessment, we will discuss the options available and provide a detailed estimate of costs for anticipated services.

We require full payment on the day of treatment for all services and do not offer accounts. We accept credit card, EFTPOS, direct bank transfer and cash at all our clinics.

We also accept Afterpay and VetPay which can help you spread out the cost of your pet’s treatment over time. Please note, terms and conditions apply to these services and advance approval is required – not all customers may be eligible.

If you are concerned about the estimated cost of your pet’s treatment, please discuss this prior to consultation or hospital admission.

We strongly recommend pet insurance to help cover the cost of veterinary services and our clinics offer GapOnly^® for eligible on-the-spot insurance claims – where you only pay the gap, resulting in less out-of-pocket expenses.

With a pensioner concession card, you will receive a 10% discount on professional services with us – including consultations, surgery and anaesthesic fees, imaging and grooming.

With a health care card, you will receive a 10% discount when you get your pet desexed with us.

Please note that staff will need to see your card for the discount to be applied.

A fee is charged for issuing a prescription for an online or human pharmacy because it covers the time, expertise, and professional responsibility involved in legally and safely writing the prescription.  Your veterinarian must review your pet’s medical history and assess their current health and weight to determine the appropriate medication and dosage. Clinical judgement is required to ensure the medication is suitable and won’t cause adverse effects or interactions. Accurate record keeping and other administrative processes are also associated with producing the prescription, it is not simply the cost of the paper.

The fee charged is based on the complexity or number of prescriptions required, and it does not include the cost of the actual medication.  The number of repeats supplied on the presciption is at the discretion of the vet, and patients usually require 6 monthly vet visits to review medications and health.

All our clinics accept sick, injured, orphaned or abandoned wildlife and our vets will provide initial assessment and treatment free of charge. A licensed wildlife carer will then be contacted to continue with rehabilitation.

It is illegal to keep native animals taken from the wild, they must be passed on to a veterinarian or an authorised and licensed wildlife carer as soon as possible.

If you find injured wildlife, only handle it if it is safe to do so (using a towel). Keep the animal warm, dark and quiet in a ventilated box and do not give it any food or drink unless advised by a professional. Transport the animal to the nearest vet or licensed wildlife carer and if you cannot do so, contact Wildlife Victoria for advice or assistance on 03 8400 7300 or by filling out the online reporting form. Note the specific location where the animal was found as this information is critical for the wildlife carer.

As soon as possible after finding a lost or stray cat or dog, you must take the animal to the local council (or allow a council authorised officer to collect the pet from you), a registered animal shelter, or your local vet.  Bellarine Veterinary Practice accepts lost pets and provides a pet reunification service where possible.

The council or veterinary staff will check the animal for identification – either a collar and registration tag, or a microchip. If the owner can be identified then they can be reunited with their animal. However, if the council cannot identify the owner, it keeps the animal for a period of time to give the owner a chance to reclaim it.

Please note if you reunite a dog or cat directly with its owner rather than following the legislative requirements, you may be fined.

There is currently a large range of food available on the market for pets but not all diets are nutritionally complete. Generally we recommend feeding a complete and balanced, premium food that meets regulatory nutritional guidelines appropriate for the age of your pet (eg. Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet or Delicate Care).  Feeding guides suggesting daily quantity requirements are usually found on the packaging and are specific to the individual diet.

Food trends come and go and social media is full of advertising and misinformation amongst the evidenced based information.

Raw food diets should never be fed to young animals or those with illness or compromised immune systems due to the high risk of bacterial contamination, nutritional imbalance, and physical injury from bones. Consideration should also be given to the health conditions of the human members of the family as well, as pets fed raw food can shed pathogenic bacteria into the environment which can make people ill, especially if they are immunocompromised.

For animals with certain medical conditions (including food allergy), your vet may recommend a prescription diet to meet their specific nutritional needs.

Talk to our helpful staff for further dietary guidance and advice. There are many different ways that pets can be fed and tailoring to their and your specific needs is part of our approach to individualised care.