New pet doctor takes the lead

MONBULK Veterinary Clinic has a new doctor at the helm.
Dr Gemma Le Maistre took over the practice from Dr Andrew Byrne last September.
But the now semi-retired Dr Byrne will remain a key team member.
“He’ll still be working in the clinic and also teaching veterinary nursing at TAFE,” Dr Le Maistre said.
Dr Byrne opened the Nugent Street clinic in March 1999 and has expanded the premises to accommodate the growing number of loyal pet owners in the area.
Dr Le Maistre worked at a specialist surgery centre in Glen Waverley before moving into general practice, most recently at Central Veterinary Hospital, Sandringham.
The Monbulk clinic’s nurses each have more than five years’ experience as fully qualified veterinary nurses.
“We’re dedicated to the highest standards of veterinary and surgical care of the animals,” Dr Le Maistre said.
The clinic offers veterinary consultation, surgery, treatments, high quality pet food, advice, professional grooming, micro-chipping and is currently taking puppy school enrolments. It also offers pet owners consistency. “You will see me or Andrew every time,” Dr Le Maistre said.
The clinic recently invested in state of the art dental equipment to provide the local pet population with greater dental treatment.
Their new groomer, Shannon, has worked in a Belgrave pet salon for the past five years.
“She’s extremely experienced and has the added safety of a vet in attendance,” Dr Le Maistre said.
Monbulk Veterinary Clinic is located at 2 Nugent Street, Monbulk, and can be contacted on 9752 1001.
The surgery is open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and after hours for emergencies.