Halifax Veterinary Centre is the first veterinary practice in New Zealand to be be accredited to the top level (Hospital Standards) of the New Zealand Veterinary Association's quality assurance program – BESTPRACTICE™. We have been accredited at this level since March 2000.
Everything at Halifax Veterinary Centre is centered on improving the the relationship you have with your pet. More than twenty years ago we set the scene for the Halifax Veterinary Centre of today when we made that relationship the heart of our mission.
Our mission: “to enrich our community by enhancing the relationship people enjoy with their pets, by helping them live happier, healthier and longer lives.”
That means we have to be much more than than an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. We need to be proactive and prevent problems or at least detect them early.
Our pets are very good at masking pain and illness. They don't complain like people would. Many pet owners don't look in their pet's mouth, or don't know the significance of what they are seeing
Many hundreds of pets in each veterinary practice in NZ suffer the consequences of poor oral health. Hundreds have unrecognised or untreated musculoskeletal pain. Scores are rehomed or killed because of behaviour issues. Scores have the gritty eyeball discomfort of early 'dry eye' (KCS). Hundreds have lives shortened by the effects of obesity. Scores succumb to chronic renal failure much earlier than if this disease had been detected early by screening tests. Scores have grumbling liver disease.
It doesn't have to be that way!
Starting out right is important. A foundation of good behaviour training. Sound nutritional advice. Keeping your pet healthy and 'nice to be near' with parasite control, skin care and good oral health. Maintaining a healthy weight and good mobility Growing old gracefully and without pain.
Regular checkups are important, more so as your pet moves into middle age at 6-8 years. We will recommend screening tests to detect unseen problems early.
We see our role as your partners in your pet's care, sharing our knowledge with you. A feature at Halifax is open-ness. All our open hours are visiting hours. Clear sightlines mean you can see through to our treatment areas from reception. Our policy is that all clients get a complete set of case notes after each visit, in hard copy or by email.