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A pet-tacular new space

Rochester Veterinary Practice is now open. Photo by Ryan Bellingham

Rochester Veterinary Practice is eager to welcome the local community into its newly renovated clinic, which finished works last month.

In 2020, its owners purchased the other half of the block the business was originally located on and set out to expand the space.

Construction on the new clinic began in May. Photo by Aidan Briggs

The renovations officially began on Wednesday, May 15 and were finished before the clinic officially opened on Tuesday, October 15.

The new space has meant a bigger treatment area and also includes a grieving room, additional consultation rooms, two sterile surgeries, two treatment tables, an orthopaedics surgery, an X-ray room and a dental room.

There are plenty of new treatment areas for animals. Photo by Ryan Bellingham

Pets can also enjoy separate wards, with dedicated areas for cats, small dogs and large dogs.

Cats will now have a separate ward to dogs. Photo by Ryan Bellingham
Small dogs and big dogs will have their own spaces. Photo by Ryan Bellingham

Veterinarian Keith Fletcher said staff members were satisfied with the result and would be opening their doors for the wider community to take a look.

“We’re grateful to everyone involved, especially the local guys, and most people seem to be very pleased with it,” he said.

“We’re more than happy with the way things have turned out.

“We will be having an open day for people who want to come along and have a look through the facility, everyone is welcome.”

The new office has a lab area for tests to be run. Photo by Ryan Bellingham

The Open Day will be hosted on Sunday, November 24, from 11am to 2pm.

There will be giveaways and lucky door prizes on the day followed by a barbecue lunch put on by Rochester Lions Club.

Among the many new spaces in the clinic is a designated dental treatment room. Photo by Ryan Bellingham
The bereavement room, with a private exit, is a new addition that will give families a dedicated space to receive hard news. Photo by Ryan Bellingham
Cats have their own waiting area to minimise contact with dogs and other animals. Photo by Ryan Bellingham