First Vets providing Whanganui pet lovers with choice

Owners Nicola King and Tanya Smith with their four employers Cheryl King, Zoe Williams, Tyler Baxter and Brierly Corney outside soon to open First Vets. Photo/ Stuart Munro

From kitty litter to new radiography equipment, the construction site at 172 Glasgow St in Whanganui is all go.

Four months ago Nicola King and Tanya Smith started the renovations for their new business called First Vets.

Now, they are only weeks away from opening.

For the past 30 years there has been only one vet service available to Whanganui pet lovers.

Now, Ms King says pet owners will have choice.

"We have many points of difference, one being separate dog and cat wards and waiting areas.

"So, we are working towards zero waste as far as animals being put to sleep, we use biodegradable wraps and we cremate and scatter our animals ... that's if the owner doesn't want to bury it at home," Ms King said.

The pair said their business motto was: "we wouldn't do anything to an animal that we wouldn't want done to our own animals".

Ms King, who grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Invercargill, studied a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) at Massey University in Palmerston North.

After graduating she worked in mixed animal practices and established Whanganui's first ever vet nurse training programme which still runs today under new management.

Ms Smith, who moved to Whanganui when she was eight, also graduated from Massey University in Palmerston North with Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc).

After graduating in 2012, she also worked in a mixed animal practice in Whanganui.

The pair said initially First Vets will just been taking small animals but they will be looking to expand to farm animals as the business grows.

The two veterinarians have employed three vet nurses and one vet technician.

But support doesn't end there.

Ms King said First Vets will be working with Kotuku, a local foundation for dog assistance; Cremate a Mate, a Whanganui pet cremation service; and the Felted Room selling Sandra Grieve's cat beds.

"We will also have an online booking service and a 0800 number," said Ms King.

The Wanganui Chronicle will be keeping in contact with First Vets for an official opening date.

"We are really excited for our dream to finally become a reality," Ms Smith said.