September 14th, 2024First community vet clinic in Castlemaine

The Regional Community Vet Clinic has secured a permanent home for its clinic.      

The Castlemaine clinic, which will be wholly owned by RCVC, is the first not for-profit community veterinary clinic in regional Victoria.

Co-founder and director Robyn Slattery said the site had been found after a long  search for a suitable and affordable property and lengthy negotiations with funders.

The property previously housed a retail nursery.

It is hoped to have the clinic open one day per week in the first quarter of 2025, providing preventative veterinary services to financially disadvantaged residents who are recipients of a government support payment.      

Since 2022 the clinic has held monthly pop-up clinics de-sexing cats, providing dental and general health checks and, in June for the first time, a de-sexing clinic for dogs.

It has also offered an outreach program, assisting older members of the  community to keep their companion animals at home and assisting with emergency care for pets whose older owners require unplanned emergency hospital stays.      

The clinic, a volunteer-run organisation, is now reaching out to community members, businesses and individuals who can offer in-kind or financial support towards the renovation and fit-out costs for the clinic.

Any donation over $2 is tax deductible.      

The clinic’s operator and supporters believe companion animals play a vital role in the welfare and overall well-being of residents in regional communities and aims to reduce isolation and build social cohesion, while improving the lives of companion animals.      

To help those interested can call 0493 447 394 or email info   rcvc.org.au