Tuggeranong Veterinary Hospital was started by Malcolm McKnown, and had its small beginnings as a branch practice at Canberra South Veterinary Hospital. After operating the practice at its original location in Whiteman St Wanniassa for about one year, Malcolm made the decision to buy the branch practice and relocate it to his new home in Fadden in 1983.

At this location the practice operated out of three rooms attached to his house. In 1987 two additional rooms were added but as time went on it had become increasingly obvious that the practice had outgrown the location. In 1996 it moved to a purpose built Veterinary Hospital at its current location in the Fadden shops.

From the original staff of one vet, Malcolm McKnown, one nurse, Vicki Douglas, and Malcolms wife, Kym, dealing with the management side and reception, the practice has grown to its current size with a staff of approximately thirty. In 2007 Karen Van Roy and Benjamin Black became partners in the practice. In 2012, Malcolm retired as a partner in the practice and in 2016 he completely retired.

We like to think that the practice has grown as a result of the level of care we provide to pets and their owners. We have always regarded it an honor that owners choose us to look after their pets and we hope to always live up to the expectations of our clients.

Upon arrival please check in with the 'Check in CBR' app or sign the book.
Entry in to the clinic is restricted to 20 clients at any one time.
Please follow the dots on the floor and seats in the waiting room to follow physical distancing recommendations.
Please download the COVID Safe Phone App, have it on your person during your visit with bluetooth switched on.
We are allowing 2 people in consult rooms with their pet.

We thank you for your cooperation, patience and understanding during what is a difficult time for us all. The staff at Tuggeranong Veterinary Hospital continue to work hard to provide a high standard of veterinary care and service to our community for which we are all proud to serve.

Staff have been undertaking a rigid hand washing and santisation practice to maintain high standards of cleanliness.

Our team have been wiping down at regular intervals with sanitised solution all parts of the veterinary hospital including all high traffic surfaces, including but not limited to door handles, surfaces, waiting room seats, bathrooms, and all consultation rooms after each client visit, treatment and surgery theatres, wards pharmacy and office.

To Our Valued Clients
12/03/2021

An update on the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, Tuggeranong Veterinary Hospital will continue to implement measures to support the Health and Safety of both our staff and clients.  Currently only 20 clients will be allowed into the clinic at any one time according to ACT Health Guidelines

Until advised otherwise, we are open. However, Tuggeranong Veterinary Hospital advises the following COVID19 precautionary measures are now in place:

If your Pet needs veterinary attention and:
You’re experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms
Need to be self-isolated or quarantined
Are a health care worker
Phone us for advice on 6291 7711 and we can make a plan for your pet’s care.


Upon arrival please check in with the 'Check in CBR' app on your phone, if you are unable to do this we have book at reception for you to sign in.
Entry in to the clinic is restricted to 20 clients at one time
We are allowing up to 2 people in the consult room with their pet.
Please download the COVID Safe phone app, have your phone with you with bluetooth switched on.

Staff have been undertaking a rigid hand washing and santisation practice to maintain high standards of cleanliness.

Sanitiser stations have been placed around the hospital. Please use hand sanitiser provided upon entry.

Our team have been wiping down at regular intervals with sanitised solution all parts of the veterinary hospital including all high traffic surfaces, including but not limited to door handles, surfaces, waiting room seats, bathrooms, and all consultation rooms after each client visit, treatment and surgery theatres, wards pharmacy and office.

Tuggeranong Veterinary Hospital will continue to provide services within the recommended advice from the health experts and government organisations to continue a safe environment for both staff and clients.

By working together to undertake these measures, we aim to limit the impact of this virus for our clients, patients and staff. We appeal to your understanding and patience during what is a difficult time for all, as we continue to work hard to provide a high standard of veterinary care and service to our community for which we are proud to serve.

 

Can COVID-19 virus make pets sick?

No.  There have been reports from Hong Kong that a dog owned by a patient with COVID-19 has tested positive to the presence of the virus in its nose and mouth. This may be a case of human to animal transmission, however the dog’s first blood tests were negative. At this stage there is still no evidence that pet dogs or cats are a source of infection to other animals or humans or that they become sick. We are continuing to monitor this situation and will provide updated information as it becomes available.

What do I do if I am in quarantine or self-isolation and my pet is unwell?

If you are in quarantine, do not break quarantine to take your pet to the veterinarian even if your pet is unwell. By doing this you will put your veterinarian and staff at risk of infection. Ring us and ask for advice. If your pet needs to be seen, your veterinarian will be able to work with you to ensure your pet will receive the care they need, while keeping themselves and their staff safety from COVID-19 infection.

Coronavirus and Pets

The primary source of SARS-COV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 infection) transmission remains human-to human contact. At this stage there is no evidence that dogs can play a role in the spread of this human disease, or that they become sick.
There has been some concern from clients about canine enteric coronavirus and the coronavirus which causes FIP in cats. These are distinctly different viruses to the one causing the human disease of COVID-19. They do not cause infections in humans.

Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick with COVID-19?

As the outbreak continues, a number of pet owners will be placed in quarantine, either with confirmed COVID-19 infection or due to exposure. We know that your pet is part of your family and you will want them to have the same level of protection and care as any other family members. Current information suggests there is no apparent risk to you or your pet from being in quarantine with you. However, we do advise all pet owners continue to practice appropriate hand hygiene before and after handling their pet, their food and washing food/water bowls. At no stage should pet owners do anything that may compromise the welfare of their pets. We suggest minimising close contact with your pet during this time, such as hugging, face to face contact or sleeping on your bed. The CDC has recommended that ‘when possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face mask’.  Appropriate hand hygiene practices should be practiced after handling your pets, as well as their food. This includes always washing hands if organic material is present, and dry hands with a disposable paper towel. Use of an alcohol based hand rub in the absence of organic matter. Soap and water hand washing over a 20 second period is sufficient.