For the dedicated team at Te Are Manu Vet Clinic, every day is a balance of skill, compassion and unpredictability, writes Dr Rose Hasegawa.

The day starts early, often long before the clinic doors open.

6:30am – A peaceful start
The day begins with a moment of calm. Rising early, the vet takes their dog for a walk along the beach. This tranquil start to the day provides an opportunity to recharge mentally and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the ocean before diving into a busy schedule.

8am – Arriving at the clinic
The day officially kicks off as the vet arrives at the clinic and checks on the in-patients – animals that stayed overnight for monitoring or treatment. Each patient is taken outside for toileting and fed their morning meal. This quiet time allows for a quick assessment of their recovery and comfort, ensuring they’re ready for the day ahead.

8:30am – Surgery patients arrive
As the morning progresses, surgery patients start arriving with their owners. Pets scheduled for procedures like desexing, lump removals, or dental cleanings are admitted. Each patient is assessed, and their owners are briefed on the procedure and post-surgery care.

9am – Consultations and procedures begin
The heart of the day begins. Consultations take over the clinic, with a mix of pre-scheduled appointments and walk-ins. Common cases range from wounds and skin issues to injuries and emergencies. Meanwhile, other vets are in the surgical suite, performing operations or attending to patients requiring sedation or X-rays. The juggling act of ensuring all patients receive the care they need is both challenging and rewarding.

1pm – A quick lunch break
Midday offers a brief pause, though it’s not uncommon for the team to eat on the go due to the demands of a busy clinic. Emergencies or walk-ins often cut into this time, but the vets make an effort to recharge however they can.

1:30pm – Afternoon appointments and recovery
The afternoon mirrors the morning, with consultations continuing for one team of vets while the surgical team wraps up procedures. Post-surgery patients are monitored as they recover from anaesthesia. Owners are updated on their pets’ progress and given instructions for discharge, ensuring everyone leaves with peace of mind.

4pm – Closing time
As the day winds down, the clinic staff works together to clean and sanitise the space, preparing for the next day. In-patients are settled in for the night with food, water and medication as needed, ensuring their comfort until morning.

6pm – On-call duties
While the clinic officially closes, the work doesn’t stop. The on-call vet remains available 24/7 for emergencies. Whether it’s a sick pet or an injured stray, these calls can range from quick advice to urgent visits. Evenings are often unpredictable, and the vet must balance personal time with the demands of after-hours care.

10pm – Rest and recharge
After a long and fulfilling day, bedtime finally arrives. With another busy day waiting, rest is essential to keep up with the physical and emotional challenges of veterinary life.

At Te Are Manu Vet Clinic, every day is a testament to the dedication and love the team has for animals and their community. It’s a demanding yet deeply rewarding career, where no two days are ever the same.