Mobile veterinarians are redefining animal care in rural Australia, providing essential services to farmers and pet owners alike. These dedicated professionals travel vast distances to treat a diverse range of animals, from prize bulls to backyard chickens, ensuring communities have access to veterinary care that might otherwise be unavailable.
Dr. Michelle Noga, a mobile vet based in Griffith, embodies this commitment to rural animal welfare. After moving to Griffith in 2022 and experiencing burnout at a mixed practice clinic, she decided to establish her own mobile service. “I haven’t looked back,” she shared. Dr. Noga covers a four-hour radius, performing everything from equine dentistry to emergency surgeries. Her focus on equine dental care stems from her childhood experiences with horses that received inadequate treatment.
No two days are alike for Dr. Noga. Recently, she performed a surgery on a horse in Canowindra, a procedure that would have typically required a lengthy wait and travel for the owner. “That horse got to stay on site,” she noted, showcasing the immediate benefits of mobile veterinary services.
The need for such services is echoed by Dr. Angus Blackwood and Dr. Grace Glynn, who opened the Western Plains Veterinary Service in December 2022. This duo, who met while studying veterinary medicine, recognized a gap in local veterinary care in Dubbo and surrounding areas. “We want to work hard wherever we go but we want to go somewhere where a community needs a vet,” Dr. Blackwood explained.
Their service is designed to address a wide array of veterinary needs, from pregnancy testing in cattle to small animal emergency care. Dr. Glynn noted the overwhelming demand for additional veterinary support in the region, stating, “There were many close to burnout, and I felt like there was a need for extra vets there.”
Dr. Stephanie Wyllie has also embraced the mobile vet lifestyle, having practiced veterinary work across various remote regions of Australia. Beginning her career in Dungog, she gained invaluable experience treating large animals. After a personal journey that included caring for her own dog with lymphoma, she and her partner embarked on a two-year road trip, during which they provided mobile veterinary services. “We started the business on the road, and it’s found its legs in Dungog now,” she said.
In Armidale, Dr. Eden Faulkner and Dr. James Doumtsis are also making significant strides in mobile veterinary care. After experiencing burnout in traditional practices, Dr. Faulkner found fulfillment managing a mobile clinic, which led her to establish Highlands Mobile Vets in 2023. Their practice covers a large area, offering everything from routine small animal services to artificial insemination in cattle. Dr. Doumtsis emphasized the economic impact of their work, stating, “Working with people on their health plan and preventative medicine strategies can greatly improve a family’s quality of life.”
The stories of these veterinarians highlight the transformative impact of mobile veterinary services in rural communities. Their commitment to animal health and well-being goes beyond just treatment; it fosters relationships within the community, creating a network of support for both animals and their owners.
As the demand for veterinary care continues to rise in rural areas, these mobile vets stand ready to meet the challenge, bridging the gap between animal health and accessibility. Their journeys not only reflect personal dedication but also a profound commitment to the communities they serve.
