Deja vu
Admin Team
Nothing like a eye full of spit and grass to help your enjoy your Saturday afternoon. Pat loved his high school work placement with YVV so much he came back and got a job! We are lucky to have you!
My Journey with the Yass Valley Veterinary began back in 2012 when I approached the clinic for a high school placement. After much discussion and promising that I’d be on my best behaviour I was given a chance to come for 2 weeks placement during the winter school holidays.
I was quickly immersed in the life of clinic, holding anxious dogs, being thrown into the air by a horse during a dental and assisting with a difficult calving. What I appreciated most about the placement was that despite my obvious lack of coordination and knowledge I was accepted as part of the team and thrown into the fray.
One specific case comes to mind when I think about my school placement time with YVV. It was a busy afternoon and Stuart had just received a call that an alpaca was struggling to give birth. (Known as an unpacking I soon learnt). We jumped into the car and sped out straight away. While I had seen calvings and lambings before this was a different matter entirely. When Alpacas are unpacking, they tend to imitate a person in excruciating pain, and this one was performing like something out of a horror film.
Unphased Stuart dived in and extricated one leg, then another and that is when we hit our first hurdle. The Cria’s extremely long neck was bent around over its back and there seemed to no hope in hades that the little fella’s head was going to come out. Stuart however knew better and was able with significant effort to twist the cria out of the womb. The little monster of a Cria appeared quite dazed in the winter sun but was soon sitting up and looking for mum.
8 years later I was starting one of my first weekends on call with great trepidation. As the Saturday morning shift came to a close, I was informed by reception that there was an alpaca unpacking! I packed the car and hit the road with a vague idea of the address, heading into an area with no reception. After an hour of bush-bashing and several attempted phone calls with the owner, I arrived at the destination to find a herd of 200 alpacas in the sheep yards. We found our struggling hembra (female alpaca) and set to work extracting the cria.
The little macho (male alpaca) was well and truly stuck with his head bent around over his back and only the left leg showing. I reached in and carefully pulled the right leg up and before I knew it the little fella whipped the left leg back in! With memories of 8 years of ago fresh in my mind I knew I had a trick up my sleeve. I quickly returned the right leg into the womb creating the space to swing his head around and up into the summer air. It wasn’t long after that the little fella was out and trying to stand.
As I stooped to assist him a clod of spit and grass landed a direct hit between my eyes! I looked up to see that the culprit was the cria’s mother who wasn’t taking to kindly to my interference and on that bomb shell it was time to leave.
Trips to the vet are essential for your pet’s health, but for many dogs and cats, they can also be stressful. Anxiety at the vet is common, from strange smells and new people to past experiences; it’s no surprise pets sometimes feel nervous. At Yass Valley Veterinary , we’re dedicated to making vet visits calmer, safer, and more positive for both pets and their owners. Book a Low-Stress Appointment Why Pets Get Anxious at the Vet If your dog is scared of the vet or your cat gets stressed in their carrier, you’re not alone. Common reasons pets feel anxious at the vet include: New sights, smells, and sounds Previous negative or painful experiences Separation from their owner during treatment Other animals in the waiting room Understanding these triggers is the first step to helping your pet feel safe. Signs of Pet Anxiety at the Vet Both dogs and cats show stress in different ways. Keep an eye out for these behaviours: Dogs: panting, pacing, whining, shaking, excessive drooling, tucked tail Cats: hiding, vocalising, flattened ears, refusing to leave the carrier, excessive grooming If your pet shows these signs, mention it to your vet so we can adjust our approach. Tips to Calm Your Pet Before a Vet Visit There are simple steps you can take at home to reduce your pet’s anxiety before coming to the vet: Get the carrier ready early: leave it out at home with blankets, toys, and treats. Practice car trips: short rides help dogs and cats feel more comfortable on the way. Stay calm yourself: pets pick up on their owner’s stress. Use calming products: pheromone sprays, treats, or supplements may help (ask us for recommendations). Reward positive behaviour: treats and praise go a long way in reinforcing calmness. Tip: Ask us about adding a wellness check during your appointment so your pet gets used to positive visits, not just when they’re unwell. How We Make Vet Visits Stress-Free At Yass Valley Veterinary , we use gentle, pet-friendly approaches to create a low-stress vet experience: · Calm, reassuring handling techniques · Treats and positive reinforcement during exams · Time to let your pet settle before starting procedures · Cat-friendly spaces and quiet waiting areas where possible For pets with severe anxiety, we may recommend pre-visit medication to make the trip less stressful. FAQs About Pet Anxiety at the Vet 1. How can I calm my dog before a vet visit? Take your dog for a walk, bring favourite treats or toys, and stay calm yourself. Ask us about safe calming supplements or medication if needed. 2. What’s the best way to transport a nervous cat? Use a sturdy carrier lined with familiar bedding. Covering the carrier with a light towel can help reduce visual stress. Leave the carrier out at home so it feels familiar, not just a “vet box. 3. Should I give my pet medication before a vet visit? Only under vet advice. We may prescribe safe, short-term anxiety medication if your pet struggles with extreme stress. 4. Can I stay with my pet during their exam? In most cases, yes. Many pets are more relaxed when their owner stays nearby. 5. What if my pet is too stressed for the appointment? We can reschedule, adjust handling, or recommend calming aids. Our team’s priority is always your pet’s comfort and safety. Book a Stress-Free Vet Visit in Yass & Murrumbateman At Yass Valley Veterinary , we know that every pet is different. That’s why we tailor our approach to your pet’s needs, whether it’s an anxious dog or a nervous cat. Our goal is to make vet visits as calm and positive as possible. 📞 Call us on 02 6226 4444 or Book Now online to schedule a gentle, stress-free appointment.
At Yass Valley Veterinary, we see every day how strong the connection is between pets and their families. This human–animal bond goes far beyond companionship, it plays a powerful role in mental health, wellbeing, and daily life. This World Animal Day, we’re celebrating the unique ways our pets bring us joy and comfort while highlighting how regular veterinary care helps keep those bonds strong. How Pets Improve Mental Health It’s well documented that spending time with animals reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. But for pet owners, the proof is simple: a dog’s excitement when you walk in the door or a cat’s soothing purr at the end of a long day can instantly brighten your mood. Pets also encourage healthier routines, from daily walks to playtime, which benefit both mental and physical health. Companionship at Every Life Stage The benefits of pet ownership extend across all stages of life: Children learn responsibility, empathy, and kindness when caring for pets. Adults find comfort and consistency in their pets through life’s challenges. Seniors enjoy companionship, reduced loneliness, and motivation to stay active. By supporting pet health with regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care, our clinic helps ensure that families can continue enjoying this companionship for years to come. Pets as Calming Companions Animals often sense human emotions and respond with comfort and care. Many owners notice their dog lying quietly beside them during stressful times, or their cat settling into their lap when they’re feeling low. This unconditional support is a reminder of the unique role pets play in mental wellbeing. Why We Celebrate World Animal Day World Animal Day is about raising awareness of animal welfare and recognising the vital role animals play in our lives. At Yass Valley Veterinary, our veterinary team is passionate about supporting pets with compassionate, expert care so families can continue to enjoy the many benefits of the human–animal bond. Celebrate Your Pet Today This World Animal Day, celebrate your pet with a long walk, an extra cuddle, or a special treat. These simple gestures strengthen the connection you already share. For ongoing support with your pet’s health and happiness, our clinic is here to help with everything from routine check-ups to advanced care. FAQs: The Human–Animal Bond 1. Do pets really improve mental health? Yes. Research shows that pets can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and boost mood through companionship, activity, and emotional support.  2. Why is the human–animal bond important? The bond between humans and animals provides emotional, social, and physical benefits while fostering responsibility and empathy. 3. How do pets help with stress and anxiety? Pets provide a calming presence, distract from worries, and respond to human emotions with comfort and reassurance. 4. Can pets benefit children and seniors equally? Yes. Children develop empathy and responsibility, while seniors enjoy companionship, routine, and reduced loneliness. 5. How can I celebrate World Animal Day with my pet? Take your dog for an extra walk, enjoy more cuddle time, offer an enrichment toy, or simply spend quiet time together to strengthen your bond. Support Your Pet’s Wellbeing at Yass Valley Veterinary At Yass Valley Veterinary, we believe celebrating the human–animal bond starts with giving pets the best possible care. From preventative health checks to dental care and senior pet support, our veterinary team is here to help pets thrive at every stage of life. 📞 Call us today on 02 6226 4444 or book an appointment online to support your pet’s health and celebrate World Animal Day with us.
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