Tauranga Veterinary Services has invested more than $100,000 in opening a new Papamoa Village Vets clinic this month - its fourth in the Bay of Plenty.
Owner David McDonnell has also recently replaced the animal x-ray machine at its Cameron Rd clinic with a top-of-the-line digital version.
The moves reflected the practice's belief that business confidence was buoyant across the Bay, said Dr McDonnell.
"We think people are used to the paradigm of how the economy has been for the past three or four years and are more confident, and we're feeling that across the business," he said.
The new clinic, near Fashion Island, opposite Mitre 10, has created employment opportunities for two veterinary nurses who will be based in Papamoa, along with veterinarian Anne Shilston, who has been with the practice for 18 months. The business also has clinics in Katikati and Te Puna.