Phoenix Animal Wellness

14/04/2025

Phoenix Animal Wellness Presents First Aid Courses for your Pets! Be their hero! Learn pet first aid and feel more confident in an emergency. Paws, claws, and first aid laws - be ready for your furry friends 🐈 Because tails wag safer when you're trained 🐶
Contact Phoenix Vets for more information or to enrol; Tel 099 456 400

29/03/2025

We want to get our canine fur babies off to a great start and know how important early puppy socialisation is for their lifelong happiness and behaviour . So, one of our veterinary nurses, Darian, is about to begin offering puppy preschool!
These classes will provide information and basic training to get you started for your puppy’s first year of life. All participants will receive a puppy pack, samples and freebies with the support from the friendly team at Masterpet.

Some topics that will be covered are:
Preventative care
Nutrition
Socialisation
Positive reinforcement
Problem prevention

If you’re interested in enrolling, please contact us and Darian will be in touch! 🐶

Phoenix Animal Wellness Veterinary Centre is an independent companion animal vet clinic in the Bay of Islands. We are a dedicated group of veterinary professionals who want to help keep your pets healthy.

16/02/2025

Introducing Michelle! Amber has left us and Michelle has taken her place, we are all so excited to have an experienced, local veterinarian to fill Ambers big boots.

Michelle qualified from Massey University in 1999. For the next 9 years, she worked in mixed animal practice between Tauranga and Kaitaia, she then had a stint working for MPI for a few years, before returning to companion animal practice in Kaitaia.
Michelle and her husband breed Hereford cattle and Wiltshire sheep and have recently started a small Charolais beef stud. She loves farming, horse riding, boating and game fishing. They share their farm with 6 working dogs, 3 horses, 2 cats, 8 chickens, 10 golden pheasants and Lexie their very spoilt foxie/chihuahua cross dog.
Michelle grew up Kerikeri and went to Kerikeri high school, her mum and family are all still living in Kerikeri and she is feeling excited and privileged to return home to be part of the team at Phoenix Vets. Michelle is looking forward to meeting you and your animal family at the clinic.
Welcome to Team Phoenix Michelle!

13/02/2025

Goodbye Amber and Good Luck from Team Phoenix. Amber is off to the south island to live nearer her family and we wish her 'bon voyage' and all the best for the future. As many of you will know, Amber has been with us since DAY 1, and will be sorely missed for her gentle, knowledgeable and caring approach. She has been an invaluable part of developing Phoenix Animal Wellness to where we are today. Thankyou Amber for all your skillful hard work and dedication.

06/12/2024

We have 1 week left to go before the clinic closes. We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and gifts.

Please see below for some final updates and helpful information.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Natalie, Lesa, Tabatha and Kimberly

23/11/2024

From the 13th of December, Team Phoenix will be extending a warm welcome to the clients of The Village Vet Paihia Natalie is closing her clinic and we are delighted to be able to offer her clients our full range of first opinion and specialist skills. We have plenty of capacity to cope with our new clients but we are searching for another experienced vet to help us maintain our high standards of care. www.kookaburravets.com/NZ/new_zealand.htm #52370
Natalie will be sorely missed by her loyal clients from Paihia, Russell and surrounds and we wish her all the best as she moves onto the next stage in her successful career. We hope to see her in our clinic helping us with locum work when our vets need a well deserved holiday.

21/10/2024

Thanks to all our patient clients! We appreciate your understanding over the last couple of weeks, as we got to grips with our new practice management software, tablets, electronic white board and hospital system. Especially the poor client who received 5 appointment reminders all for different times! Our younger staff definitely have more neuroplasticity than the older ones and are helping us when we get lost! The changes are great for patient care, monitoring under anaesthesia and in our hospital. Our new system brings with it a much improved online client portal and booking platform, which you can access through our website. You will need to make an account but then you will be able to see all your pet's details, vaccinations and treatments.

04/10/2024

We are having an upgrade!!! We are changing our practice management software and we 'Go Live' on Monday. This new system will mean an even higher standard of care for your pet in our hospital and under anaesthesia, as all our monitoring and recording will be electronic. Our online booking system will have some changes and we will be using a lot less paper. The new system will give us better communication with each other and with you. Please bear with us while we adapt to our new technology and apologies in advance for the teething problems we may encounter along the way.

14/07/2024

We are devastated, but Lily is leaving us to pursue her avian interests further, so we have an opportunity for a vet nurse at Phoenix Animal Wellness. Lily’s position was 3 days a week, but we can be flexible with this, and over the next few months there is the opportunity for extra days due to other staff leave, if desired. The role includes being on call 1 weekend in 6.
Phoenix Animal Wellness is known throughout the Far North as the ‘go to’ clinic for the highest standards of first opinion and referral care. We offer our nurses superb career advancement, professional autonomy and generous remuneration.
Phoenix Animal Wellness is a companion animal clinic offering all the usual services of general practice and also offering referral orthopedics with our specialist Charles Barnard, advanced reproductive services, Penn hip scoring, endoscopy, BOAS and other referral soft tissues surgery. We like to be at the cutting edge of veterinary care and have lots of interesting equipment such as Phovia light therapy, Imagyst pathology, Full Idexx lab including Sedivue, Flexineb, ECG etc etc. Our nurses are trained to use most of this kit and perform these procedures.
We love nurses with special interests and encourage, support and pay for CPD to facilitate their professional development. We offer a generous salary, on call retainers and call out fees, along with paid private health insurance, CPD and NZVNA subscription.
The position would suit a qualified vet nurse (though a nurse in training will be considered), who is motivated and ambitious, who enjoys being part of an awesome, fun and talented nurse team. If this sounds like you, then give Paula a ring on 0210354361 or email [email protected] in confidence

07/07/2024

Stan The Man!! Meet Stan, he likes to eat stupid things, but he did himself proud a couple of weeks ago when he ate 2 full tubs of coconut oil and the tubs! Not only did this make him very sick but possibly caused a megaoesophagus (when the oesophagus enlarges which causes problems swallowing). This in turn caused an aspiration pneumonia. So Stan was not at his best when we first saw him. We were concerned he might have a bit of the oil tub stuck in his throat, however, luckily we now have an endoscope and were able to visualise his oesophagus down to his stomach and ensure there was nothing stuck. After lots of intensive treatment Stan has responded incredibly well, and when we checked him last week he is basically back to normal. Well done Stan, stick to the dog food now!

03/07/2024

Our new cat and dog nebuliser arrived today, and we even had a poor snotty cat to try it out on. It's hard to nebulise animals; they don't like steam held in their faces, they won't put theirs head over a bowl of steaming water, but it is really useful. When they are very snotty and congested like cats with bad cat flu or asthma, or when they are having difficulty breathing after surgery or with heat stroke. This cool bit of kit can attach onto the cage, into our oxygen cages, or into the anaesthetic circuit and silently delivers moisture and drugs into the patient's lungs. This cat doesn't look overly impressed but tolerated it well and her horrible snot calmed down and her breathing became easier after the treatment. Another great innovation at Phoenix Animal Wellness, providing the Far North with cutting edge veterinary care.

01/06/2024

Team Phoenix has grown again, we have recently welcomed a new vet and a new nurse to our amazing team. Here's a bit about them both:

Originally from Christchurch, Ju Young graduated Massey University in 2018 and worked for MPI for 4 years. This took her all over New Zealand from Invercargill to Dargaville, with the latest stint in Feilding. After seeing hundreds of thousands of cattle, she decided that cats and dogs and the occasional chicken might be a good shift. She worked in a busy clinic in Tauranga before moving up North to Kerikeri.

She thinks the best part of being a vet is being helpful. Whether that's for your new puppy's vaccination, a prickle in the foot or helping you say goodbye to your beloved pet, she thinks it's a privilege to make a difference.
Ju Young is new to Kerikeri and is keen to explore all that it has to offer. She's already found the baguettes at the Old Packhouse and chocolates at Makana, so it's off to a great start. She firmly believes in balance so she can also be found at Pilates and Yoga classes. You'll also find her walking her 9 year old Pug Honey - Honey loves humans but will bark at all other animals.
Ju Young strives to be a friendly approachable veterinarian and is looking forward to meeting everyone.

Toni is a Northland girl born and raised, having spent most of her life in Kaeo. Ever since she was young Toni knew she wanted to pursue a career in the veterinary industry, and so at the end of 2017 she graduated with a Diploma in Veterinary nursing. Toni is an enthusiastic nurse who is crazy about cats and has a special interest in orthopedic procedures. Outside of work Toni enjoys participating in running events with her mum and collecting indoor plants. Toni also loves fostering kittens and has a special place in her heart for any feline needing a loving temporary home (especially gingers), 3 out of 6 of her personal cats are ginger and white.

Welcome to Team Phoenix, we are excited to have you on board!

18/04/2024

DENTAL PROMO!!! From now until the end of May, Phoenix Animal Wellness are running an awesome dental promo. Get free nurse dental checks, dental goodie bags, and a fantastic 15% off any dental treatment. Brushing your pet's teeth is challenging and many pets suffer from dental issues, broken teeth, gum disease and of course bad breath. If you have any concerns or just want a check up, give the clinic a call to book your appointment; 099 456 400.

11/03/2024

Phoenix Animal Wellness Veterinary Centre in the Bay of Islands has a position available for a fully qualified, (Diploma or Bachelor level), full time veterinary nurse.
The role is varied; rotating between surgery nursing, hospital nursing, consulting nurse and reception.
The nurses at Phoenix are very motivated, and autonomous, responsible for all anaesthetic inductions and monitoring, minor procedures, Xrays, scale and polishing dentals, nurse consults etc. Most of our nurses have special interests eg avian and exotics, rehabilitation, imaging etc. Specialisation is encouraged and CPD paid for.

Our clinic offers first opinion companion animal, general practice but we also offer second opinion and consultant orthopaedics with specialist Charles Barnard, second opinion soft tissue surgery eg BOAS, corkscrew tails, TECA, we provide specialist reproductive services, Penn hip scoring and more.
We have all the usual equipment but also some interesting other gadgets such as Phovia light treatment, Imagyst cytology diagnostics, ECG and TCI equipment.

The position is full time, 8.30am-5pm Mon-Friday, with occasional Thursdays until 6pm and 1 in 5 or 6 weekends (Saturday morning 8.30am-12pm then on call).
We offer a generous salary, on call retainers and call out fees, along with paid private health insurance, CPD and NZVNA subscription.

We are a strong, innovative and fun team here at Phoenix and are looking for dedicated, ambitious nurse to join us, so we can continue to offer the highest standards of care to the Far North.
If you are interested in finding out more, please give the clinic a ring, and speak to Paula or Sam 099 456 400, or email us with your CV; [email protected]

03/03/2024

Kitten week at Phoenix! Looking for a new family member? Donna Doolittle's Animal Rescue Kaitaia has lots of kittens available to view in clinic.

21/01/2024

Who knew making ham sandwiches could be so dangerous? Talk about freak accident!
If your fur babies are around your feet when you are making your lunch, just don't drop the ham knife...this little poppit jumped in fright when the knife hit the floor and somehow the knife took one of her toes clean off!!! It was a very sharp knife. Luckily a bit of pad was left attached to her foot allowing us to reconstruct the toe, but there will be one less nail to clip on that foot from now on!

12/01/2024

It's 2024 and Phoenix Animal Wellness is searching for another great vet to add to our awesome team, please share this post and see if we can fill those boots! Experienced veterinary surgeon or recently qualified, for us it's about you. Yes, we need you to be qualified, and experience would be a benefit, but we are looking for someone who wants to invest in themselves and their development, helping us continue to build a practice at the cutting edge of Veterinary Care.

We are a proudly independent practice, offering a full-time role with flexible days to suit you. Whether you want to work 4 or 5 days per week, this practice is fortunate to be able to accommodate individual needs, offering flexibility as required. If you are ambitious, with a desire to grow professionally – we can help you achieve that.

If you are looking for plenty of surgical work or simply looking to develop your surgical skills – we can support that, as we have a high surgical case load, and a wealth of surgical experience to learn from.

If full clinical autonomy is important to you– we ensure you will see cases from beginning to end, we think this is vital for vet fulfillment, client satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

If it is a supportive team of veterinary professionals, from experienced vets, to an amazing network of veterinary nurses you want to have – here is a team that is at the top of its game. The opportunity to share best practice, notes, case discussions, and much more. We have a 'morning rounds' meeting every day, so we are all on the same page.

When it comes to weekends and out of hours, the rota will be based on 1 weekend in 4, all weekends are supported by a wonderfully skilled vet nurse. On call weekdays will be occasional.

The need for this role is through growth, expansion and demand in services, this is an exciting opportunity for a veterinary surgeon at any level to explore, develop and grow, live in the Bay of Islands, and experience all that this beautiful area has to offer.

Don't just take our word for it, read about what the team has to say and about working at our practice:

"You are all like a family to me and such a big part of my life. Watching and experiencing Phoenix expand and blossom into what it is today has given me so much happiness and pride. It's been an amazing experience, and I've learned so much from working with such an amazing team." Kelsi, Vet Nurse

"I've spent years looking for a great boss to work for, multiple practices later, I feel like I've finally found that. Paula and her whole team are such a supportive, positive and dedicated group. I couldn't wish for a better place to work." Jen, Veterinarian.

"Paula makes incredible morning tea" Everyone!

"As a nursing student and now officially a member of the team, Phoenix Animal Wellness are amazing to work for. This team is truly fantastic, and has welcomed me with open arms and such kind-heartedness. I especially love that everyone is always wanting to learn and try new things within the profession." Lily, Vet Nurse

"Being a part of team Phoenix means thriving in a team that share a passion and drive for veterinary excellence. A team that supports and motivates each other to continually learn and develop, to be the best version of ourselves." Sam, Practice Manager

"I don't see my teammates at Phoenix Animal Wellness just in a professional manner, I see them as part of my family. There is that perfect balance of skills, knowledge, and experience mixed with fun, laughter and amazing teamwork. I love coming to work everyday, knowing that I have continuous support, a diverse range of interesting cases to be involved in, and access to ever evolving veterinary equipment and systems, that aim to improve patient outcome and help me achieve my goal of being the best veterinary nurse I can be." Donna, Head Nurse

To accompany this amazing role, is a salary and benefits package that will make you smile.

-Salary is dependent on experience. We have a reputation for paying well, we are offering a good base salary, then out of hours is paid at a separate daily/ hourly rate. This means that you are paid very generously when on call and for any call outs you may have. There is always a nurse on call to assist you and help with inpatients.
-New Zealand Vet Council fees and NZ Vet Association subscriptions are paid for.
-A relocation package to any overseas veterinarians, including flights, visa costs, assistance with finding accommodation and other expenses.
-Access to free private healthcare insurance.
-Paid continual profession development.
-Staff discounts on products and services.
-Fresh homemade cake for morning tea, nearly every day!

Still interested to find out more about the practice itself, keep reading…
The Bay of Islands is a beautiful location in the sub-tropical far north of New Zealand. The area offers quiet beaches, heaps of watersports and fishing, as well as tramping, horse riding, and all the other outdoor activities you would expect from an area of unspoiled natural beauty.

The practice prides itself on offering exceptional standards of care and skills and services not available elsewhere in their geographical area. We are growing rapidly, so this role may develop as our practice evolves.
We are an independent, companion animal practice, established just over 2 years ago, offering a range of referral and specialist services, as well as first opinion general practice. We have already grown and developed to become well known and respected in the local and wider area.
The current team is made up of 4 vets, all pursuing their own interests and passions, and developing new services for the clinic, fully supported by an excellent team of veterinary nurses.
The practice offers Referral Orthopaedics, Advanced reproduction work including TCI, Acupuncture, Hip & Elbow scoring, BOAS surgery, and other referral soft tissue surgeries to name a few.
We have large, modern, spacious premises, next to a nature reserve. We boast a large waiting room with separate dog and cat waiting areas, huge prep room and 2 surgical suites. There is even a bedroom for a power nap.
In terms of equipment within the practice, you will find everything you expect in a modern clinic, plus fantastic extras such as Imagyst, SignalPet and Phovia.

If you feel this vacancy is something of interest to you, we would love to hear from you. Start date can be flexible from now until later in 2024.

Please contact Paula either by email; [email protected] or give me a call 021 035 4361.
Don't forget to have a look at our website too!

22/12/2023

Merry Xmas and a Happy new Year to all our clients and thank you for your loyalty and custom over the last year. A big thank you also to all my amazing staff especially those on call over the festive period. We wish everyone a happy holiday and look forward to seeing you next year (even though we know you don't want to see us!!).
We will be open until 12pm on Saturday 23rd December and then closed except for emergencies until Wednesday 27th December.