Katanning Vet Clinic reveals 12-month renovation to provide instant and ongoing pet care locally

Katanning Vet Clinic has revealed its new equipment and renovated building to guarantee all patients’ needs are met locally, including X-rays, overnight hospitalisation and staff resources. First opened in 2014, owner Dr Kate Clayton officially showcased the renovated Katanning Vet Clinic on August 2 to ensure her patients received instant and ongoing care. The vet service remained open throughout the 12 months of construction starting July 2023 and the three years of preparation. The vet surgeon said it was essential to update services because its patients often had to travel to her Kojonup Vet Hospital due to a lack of equipment and resources in Katanning. “If your dog’s in a car accident they’d be triaged to Katanning and then be referred to Kojunup for X-rays, and patients to be hospitalised overnight,” she said. “Our patients now get access to high-class services locally which is important, especially for pets like cats that don’t travel, and there’s no one else that does after-hours.” Dr Clayton said the renovations also elevated her employee’s experience, offering the opportunity to train nursing staff and TAFE students to complete their qualifications using the clinic’s new equipment. “Attracting professional staff is hard for a standard practice, but if you’ve got somewhere that’s exciting to work you’re going to get people that want to work and stay regionally,” she said. Originally self-funded by Dr Clayton, former Shire of Katanning project manager Heidie Cowcher wrote the successful Regional Economic Development grant application to finance the project. Member for the Agricultural Region Shelley Payne and Great Southern Development Commission board member Liz Guidera were present throughout the renovations. Both said the clinic was significant because it offers high-quality services to the regional area. Dr Clayton said her favourite new equipment is the X-ray because it considerably expanded her services and the adjustable wet table prevents excessive bending for herself and the staff. The new extension includes cat, dog and isolation units specialised for individual patient needs, new consult tables and rooms, a space dedicated to supporting grieving owners, a garden area, a hydrobath for grooming and a shed for the work vehicle.