About Us

Nestled in Dapto, NSW, the Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital is your go-to spot for dedicated pet care, serving both pets and their families with genuine warmth and expertise. Established in October 2009 by Dr. Matt Young, a local who's as much a part of Dapto as the community itself, this hospital is more than just a veterinary practice; it's a place where every pet is treated like a member of our family.

Our Journey

The journey of Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital began over a decade ago, born out of a vision by Matt Young. After graduating from Sydney University in 1997, Matt felt a deep calling.

"I wanted to establish a veterinary hospital that truly resonated with the people of Dapto. A place where pets are treated with the same love and care that a family member would receive."

Recognizing the unique bond between Dapto's residents and their pets, Matt created a space that combines top-notch veterinary care with a heartwarming, empathetic understanding of the needs of pets and their families.

Our Philosophy

We believe in a personalized approach to pet care. Our team, comprising skilled veterinarians, veterinary nurses, animal attendants, and customer service representatives, is dedicated to providing friendly, caring, and compassionate service. We’re not just professionals; we're passionate pet parents and avid animal lovers.

A Word from Matt

"Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital was born out of love — love for animals and our community. Every day, we're reminded of why we do what we do. It's not just about treating animals; it's about enriching the incredible bond they share with their families. Here, every pet that walks through our doors is more than a patient; they're a part of our family."

Join Our Family

Experience the care and expertise that define Companion Animal Veterinary Hospital. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, your pets are part of our family here in Dapto. Let's work together to keep them healthy, happy, and part of our lives for as long as possible.

Our Services

At Companion Animal Vet, we offer a comprehensive range of veterinary services to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout their life. These services include:

• Preventative care, including vaccinations, parasite prevention, and wellness examinations
• Diagnostics, including digital X-rays, ultrasound, and in-house laboratory services
• Surgical services, from routine spay/neuter procedures to complex orthopaedic and soft tissue surgeries
• Dental care, including professional cleanings, dental radiography, and extractions
• Emergency and critical care services
• Behavioural consultations and training recommendations
• Nutritional counselling and weight management programs
• End-of-life care and support

Fear Free Certification

At Companion Animal Vet, we are proud to share that our team is Fear Free Certified®. This certification means that our staff has undergone extensive training to ensure that your pets experience reduced stress and anxiety during their visits to our clinic. By implementing Fear Free techniques, such as gentle handling, calming environments, and appropriate use of treats, we create a positive experience for both you and your pets.

Gold-Level Cat Friendly Certification

We are honoured to have earned a Gold-Level Cat Friendly Certification from the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). This prestigious designation reflects our commitment to providing the highest standard of care specifically tailored to the unique needs of our feline patients. As a Gold-Level Cat Friendly Clinic, we adhere to the following practices:

1. Dedicated cat-only examination rooms, minimising stress and anxiety from contact with other animals.
2. Feline-friendly waiting areas, separate from canine patients, to reduce stress during your cat's visit.
3. Specialised handling techniques to create a gentle, calming environment for your cat during examinations and procedures.
4. Staff training in feline behaviour and communication to ensure your cat's comfort and wellbeing.
5. Access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options designed specifically for feline patients.

What does fear free and cat-friendly mean for you and your pet?

Our Fear Free and Gold-Level Cat Friendly certifications demonstrate our commitment to making every visit as enjoyable and stress-free as possible for you and your pets. By understanding and addressing the unique needs of each pet, we create a more positive experience for both pets and their families. This approach not only fosters a stronger bond between you and your pets but also promotes better long-term healthcare outcomes.

At Companion Animal Vet, we understand the importance of providing a nurturing, fear-free environment for your pets, and we continually strive to create the best possible experience for every member of your family. With our Fear Free Certified® team and Gold-Level Cat Friendly certification, you can trust that your pets are receiving the exceptional care they deserve.

Contact Us

Your pet's health is our top priority, and we are always here to help. Feel free to reach out to our friendly team with any questions, concerns, or appointment requests by calling us at 02 42 619 838 or emailing us at [email protected]. You can also visit us at our clinic, located at 61 Princes Hwy Dapto NSW 2530.

Join us on our journey to make a positive impact on the lives of companion animals and the people who love them. We look forward to welcoming you and your pets to the Companion Animal Vet family.

Opening Hours

To accommodate the needs of our clients and their beloved pets, we are pleased to offer the following operating hours:

Regular Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
• Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed

Appointments

To ensure prompt and efficient service, we kindly ask that you schedule an appointment for your pet's visit. You can book an appointment by calling us at 02 42 619 838 or book online anytime. Our friendly team will be more than happy to help you find a suitable time for your visit.

We also understand that emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and we will do our best to accommodate walk-ins for urgent cases during our regular operating hours. However, we encourage you to call ahead if possible, so we can be prepared for your arrival and minimise waiting times.

At Companion Animal Vets, we are committed to providing flexible and accessible care for your pets, ensuring they receive the attention they need when they need it most.

After-Hours Assistance: Vetcheck 24/7 Service

We understand that pet emergencies can occur outside of our regular operating hours, and we want to ensure that you have access to professional advice and support at all times. For after-hours assistance, we encourage you to call 4261 9838 to speak with a veterinary nurse from the Vetcheck 24/7 service.

Vetcheck 24/7 is a dedicated after-hours triage service staffed by experienced veterinary nurses who can assess your pet's condition and provide recommendations based on their needs. Depending on the situation, the Vetcheck nurse may suggest:

1. An online telehealth consultation with a veterinarian, allowing you to discuss your pet's condition and receive professional advice from the comfort of your home.
2. Referral to the nearest emergency veterinary centre, ensuring your pet receives prompt and appropriate care when it's needed most.
3. In some cases, if the nurse determines that your pet's condition can safely wait, they may recommend waiting until our clinic is open during regular operating hours.

By partnering with Vetcheck 24/7, we are able to extend our commitment to the wellbeing of your pets beyond our regular operating hours. This service provides you with peace of mind, knowing that expert advice and care are just a phone call away, no matter the time of day or night.