Companion Animal Vet

Illness & Injury Care

We offer diagnostics, advice and treatments for conditions such as gastrointestinal stasis, dental complications, respiratory signs, trauma or heat stress — all with rabbit‑safe protocols.

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Rabbit Care Service

Illness & Injury Care

When your rabbit isn’t quite right, timely treatment can make all the difference. We offer diagnostics, advice and treatments for conditions such as gastrointestinal stasis, dental complications, respiratory signs, trauma or heat stress — all with rabbit‑safe protocols. We also carry out referrals to specialist clinics if needed.

Rabbit Care Service Details

Rabbit Care Service Practices

Fear-free care starts before your pet even arrives. From the moment you book an appointment, we provide advice on travel and arrival, and our team is trained to recognise signs of fear and respond with kindness, patience and calm.

Clear communication

We use species-specific pheromone diffusers in our clinic to help pets feel more at ease. These natural, scentless signals mimic what animals use to feel safe in their environment, helping create a more settled space.

Vet-led support

Our team is trained in low-stress, gentle handling that respects your pet’s boundaries. We avoid force or restraint wherever possible and work at your pet’s pace to make each interaction feel safe and positive.

Friendly service

We’ve created a calm, quiet environment with separate waiting areas for cats and dogs to minimise noise and smells that can cause anxiety. Soft lighting, soothing sounds and slow, mindful movement are all part of our clinic.

Our Process

Our Process

Rabbit Care Service Benefits

Benefits for pets

Fear-free care helps pets feel safer and more confident during visits. It leads to better cooperation, easier exams, and stronger long-term health outcomes, because pets aren’t as frightened or resistant to regular care.

Expanded care options

By lowering fear levels, pets experience less physical stress—like raised heart rates or shaking—which can otherwise impact their health. This means quicker recovery, more accurate diagnostics and better overall wellbeing.

Continuity of care

When pets aren’t anxious, they’re more receptive to treatment and routine care. This improves their quality of life and allows us to monitor their health more closely and effectively.

Better health outcomes

Creating a positive experience means your pet is less likely to associate vet visits with fear. Over time, they become more relaxed and cooperative—making future visits smoother and less traumatic for everyone involved.

Rabbit Care Service Benefits

Benefits for owners

Fear-free practices don’t just help pets—they make the whole experience better for you too. We know how hard it is to see your pet anxious, and we’re here to help reduce that worry.

Familiar faces, new services

Knowing your pet is being handled with care, compassion and respect gives you confidence in every visit. We treat them as if they were our own and always communicate openly with you throughout.

Up-to-date veterinary care

With less resistance and stress, visits are quicker, calmer and often require fewer medications or interventions. Many of our clients notice a big difference in how their pets behave when they return.

Complete pet care experience

When you choose fear-free care, you’re strengthening the trust between you and your pet. By reducing fear and making the vet feel like a safe space, your relationship grows with even more comfort and understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions?
We Have Answers.

Our FAQs cover some of the most common queries we receive from pet owners, so you can feel informed and confident before your visit. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just give us a call, we’re always happy to chat.

What are the most common illnesses and emergencies seen in rabbits in the Illawarra?
The most frequent rabbit emergencies we see at our Dapto clinic include GI stasis (a life-threatening slow-down or stop of the digestive system), dental abscesses, respiratory infections, uterine cancer (in undesexed females), heatstroke, and traumatic injuries. RHDV (calicivirus) is also a real risk in the Wollongong and Illawarra region. If your rabbit stops eating, stops producing droppings, appears hunched or lethargic, or is breathing with difficulty — contact us immediately.
GI stasis occurs when the normal movement of food through the digestive tract slows dramatically or stops entirely. Without prompt treatment, gas builds up painfully and can lead to death within 24-48 hours. It is a genuine emergency. Early signs include a reduction in droppings, reduced appetite, a hunched posture and reluctance to move. If you suspect GI stasis in your rabbit, call us immediately on (02) 4261 9838.
Yes. We provide emergency assessment, pain management, stabilisation and treatment for rabbit injuries including fractures, soft tissue wounds and trauma. Rabbit bones are delicate and fractures need careful handling and rabbit-appropriate anaesthesia and analgesia. For complex orthopaedic cases, we can refer to specialist clinics when needed and will coordinate that process for you.
Absolutely. Rabbit anaesthesia and pain management requires different protocols to those used in cats and dogs — this is a critical safety consideration. Our team uses rabbit-appropriate anaesthetic agents, monitors body temperature carefully (rabbits lose heat quickly under anaesthesia), and has experience managing the particular risks involved in rabbit procedures. You can feel confident your rabbit is in experienced hands.

Testimonials

Testimonials

Book An Appointment

Ready to book your pet’s visit?

Our friendly team is here to make the process easy and stress-free.
Simply click below or give us a call—we’ll find a time that works
for you and your companion.

Our Services

More General Services

Be it a Cat, Dog or Rabbit, your pet is an important part of your family and you want to keep them happy, healthy and safe. In sickness, and in health, we’ll be there with the latest information and best practices: Helping you to care for your family pet.

Our clinic follows fear-free principles to help make visits less stressful for pets and their people.

Companion Seniors

We offer tailored senior pet care, including arthritis management, diagnostics, nutrition advice and regular wellness checks.