PETS KEEPING US SANE AND BUSINESS BUOYANT

MANNING VETERINARY HOSPITAL, COMMERCE STREET, TAREE.

Amid the challenges of social isolation there’s some unofficial family members that have come out ahead – our pets.

Suddenly many pets are being indulged with extra time and attention as owners work from home or get outdoors for exercise. Other pets have become the centre of owners’ lives following job layoffs and social isolation requirements, filling a very important social need.

Geert Lampen, of Manning Veterinary Hospital, in Commerce Street Taree, has seen an unexpected upturn in business. Having relocated to a purpose-built state-of-the-art new $1.5 million vet surgery last July, Dr Lampen was fearful of the effect on staff and business turnover when social isolation rules became mandatory in March.

But after an adjustment period, adhering to requirements of the Australian Veterinary Association, he’s pleased to report that business is better than ever – between 10% and 20% up. That’s great news for a practice that has 14 staff, including 3 vets.

Dr Lampen is quick to emphasise the social and mental health positives of pet ownership. “The animal-human bond is tremendous, particularly in difficult times like we are experiencing at the moment,” Dr Lampen said. “For older people having a pet you can care for and rely on for company has a big impact on quality of life. This is become more apparent in my day-to-day work.”

“We are currently doing more immunisations than ever as owners are reminded of the importance of regular immunisation. Surgeries are also steady and adoptions of both cats and dogs continue to be buoyant,” Dr Lampen said.
The old adage “every dog has it’s day” is now truer than ever.