Growing up on a beef cattle farm at Cumnock near Orange, a highlight of Amy Munro’s childhood was when the vet had to visit the farm.
She also took a keen interest in the animal husbandry side of running the property.
So when it came time to choose her career, Amy said her path was clear.
Now with a double degree in veterinary biology and veterinary science under her belt, and based in Wakool, Amy tends to domestic and farm animals of all sizes as a mobile vet.
Initially only providing the service a few days a week, demand has led her to expand to a full time service.
“After school I went straight to uni - I had always wanted to go to Charles Sturt University in Wagga,” she said.
“My first job after graduation was in a mixed vet practice in Cohuna, and I was there for 18 months before I decided I wanted to start my own business.
“I started only two days week, and worked at the Swan Hill clinic for the other three.
“During the floods last year though, I was unable to get to Swan Hill. I put it out there that I would be available five days a week, and the demand has grown from there.”
Amy said animal owners are grateful to have access to a vet who can come to them, saying a national shortage of vets has made it difficult for most veterinary businesses to meet that demand.
The mobile service is particularly handy for farmers with a larger number of animals requiring treatment, but it’s also less of a hassle for your domestic pet owners too.
“Animals likes cats and dogs can get quite anxious and nervous about getting in cars, let alone being in a vet’s office.
“Treating them in their home is a nicer experience for the pet, the owner and for me.
“They are always calmer and more relaxed in their own environment, and it gives me a greater insight into their behaviours at home too.
“Veterinary services are important to rural communities, and with a massive vet shortage it can be difficult for some to have the resources to get someone out to a farm.
“The retention rate is seven years for vets after they graduate uni.”
Amy has a consultation room in Wakool, but more often she’s on the road with regular clients in Barham and Deniliquin already.
And she is willing to travel to other district communities as demand requires.
“What I offer is home visits, although I do have the consultation room as well.
“I offer pet health checks, microchipping, vaccinations, geriatric care and medicine, and even at home euthanasia.
“On farms I can conduct horse lameness exams, stitch ups and treat colic.
“When it comes to livestock I have an ovine brucellosis accreditation for sheep, can assist with calving and other general large animal treatments.
“I can also do geldings larger animals.
“I am willing to travel within the region, and I can be flexible with my working hours.
“I head over to Barham on Tuesdays, and I have been in Deniliquin one day a week for the last few months but it may become two based on demand.
“I am very thankful for the support that has been shown so far, and I am open to enquiries and expressions of interest to travel to other towns.”
When she is not tending to your animals, Amy assists her fiance Mitchell Jukes in his family’s share farming/farm contracting business.
It allows her to continue following that passion for farming instilled in her at an early age.
Amy was involved in youth beef committees and the beef showing circuit.
She was also an AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, through which she received a wealth of invaluable professional development and networking opportunities while completing university.
“Being able to support farmers in caring for their livestock allows me to contribute to Australian agriculture, and support rural communities, as a rural veterinarian.”
For more information about the services Amy provides, call 0439 986 173, email wakoolvet@gmail.com or visit the Wakool Veterinary Services Facebook page.