About us
Welcome to North Shore Veterinary Hospital
2005 marked the 70th anniversary of North Shore Veterinary Hospital, which was the first veterinary hospital established in Sydney north of the harbour. We moved to our new state-of-the-art, purpose-built hospital in 2001 and continue to offer friendly and caring professional veterinary service of the highest standard.
In addition to the general veterinary practice, the new hospital is home to the lower North Shore’s first veterinary specialist centre, North Shore Veterinary Specialist Centre, which operates independently of the general practice.
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Hospital facilities
Client parking is available on the ground floor. A separate retail area stocks a comprehensive range of pet foods, animal health care products and pet accessories. On the first floor, which is accessible by elevator and stairs, is reception, waiting area and four fully-equipped consulting rooms. This floor also accommodates the pharmacy, work stations, intensive care, operating theatres and treatment area. A separate special procedures room houses ultrasonography, video endoscopy and electrocardiography (video arthroscopy is performed in the operating theatre). There is also a radiology suite with X-ray and fluoroscopy available. On the second floor are separate cat and dog wards, isolation wards, animal food prep area, grooming area, staff area, professional offices and a conference room with reference library.
back to top Our veterinarians
Drs Richard Churcher and John Culvenor have operated North Shore Veterinary Hospital in partnership for over 25 years. Our associate veterinarians are Drs Anna Dean, Celia Romeroso, Peter Chitty and Gabi Tobias.
Richard Churcher BVSc, FACVSc
Richard bought the practice from Rowley Pursell, the original owner, in 1978 and has consistently provided personal and progressive care for dogs and cats for over 30 years. In 2000 he became a specialist in canine internal medicine and, while he is now heavily involved in this specialty work, he still has substantial input into the general practice cases and the day to day management of the hospital.
John Culvenor BVSc(Hons), MVSt, FACVSc
John joined North Shore Veterinary Hospital in 1977 and became a partner in 1981. As well helping to develop a leading small animal practice, John also completed a Master of Veterinary Studies degree and specialty training. In 1998 he became a specialist in small animal surgery and now runs a busy referral surgical practice encompassing all aspects of soft tissue, neurological and orthopaedic surgery.
Anna Dean BVSc(Hons)
During her university years, Anna worked part-time at North Shore in a nursing role. She joined the ranks as a vet soon after graduating from the University of Sydney with first class honours in 2003. Anna won several academic awards at university, including prizes for the subjects of pharmacology, physiology, pathology, and small animal medicine and surgery. Since working at North Shore Veterinary Hospital, Anna has built on her excellent academic record and has become a valued and dedicated member of our team.
Celia Romeroso BVSc(Hons)
Celia graduated from the University of Sydney Veterinary School in 2002, having come to the profession after a successful career in resort development. Her compassionate and thorough approach to patient care has proved to be a great asset to the hospital since she joined us in 2005.
Peter Chitty BVSc, MVS, CMAVA, MRCVS
Peter joined North Shore Veterinary Hospital in 2005 after several years of working as a senior veterinary surgeon and Director of a busy small animal hospital in Sydney. He graduated from the University of Sydney in 1995, gaining a Master of Veterinary Studies in 2004. Peter brings to North Shore Veterinary Hospital extensive experience in both the medical and surgical areas.
Gabi Tobias BVSc(Hons)
Gabi has been with the practice for several years, having taken a couple of breaks for maternity leave. She has completed post-graduate clinical training at the University of Sydney and is particularly interested in veterinary medicine. Although now part-time, Gabi is a valued member of the veterinary team with a dedicated and thoughtful approach. Gabi also has a keen interest in wildlife and is pursuing an advanced degree in this field.
Richard and John, along with their associates, have developed the hospital into Sydney’s leading small animal practice, through combining caring and personal service with expert knowledge and cutting-edge case management. It is a policy of the hospital to maintain a high involvement in continuing education for all staff. This is done through regular in-house rounds meetings, and attending and presenting at conferences and workshops.
back to top Our staff
 Receptionists
We have an outstanding team of 3 experienced full time and several part-time receptionists, who will make appointments for consultations and straightforward hospital procedures. They are qualified to answer many of your questions immediately or will direct you to one of our veterinarians if you have a complex query. The reception desk is open for routine business from 7.30am to 9.00pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30am to 5.00pm on Saturday and Sunday. The phone is answered at all other times by the emergency after hours nurses and vets who staff the hospital overnight.
Nurses
Our hospital prides itself on the dedication and compassion of our highly experienced nursing staff. We have 6 full time qualified veterinary nurses who care for the day to day needs of the hospitalised animals. They assist the vets in surgical and medical procedures and are skilled in the use of much of our sophisticated equipment. They also care for and monitor sick animals, and provide the cuddles necessary to your pet’s recovery. We also employ several veterinary students as nurses on a part-time basis at weekends while they are studying at university.
 Animal Attendants
Our team of dedicated animal attendants look after the daily needs of your pet whilst in hospital: feeding, cleaning, bathing and, for dogs, walking. They offer that extra cuddle and pat for your pet while carrying out their daily rounds, and assist the nurses at busy times.
back to top Appointments, admissions and discharge from Hospital
In order to avoid prolonged waiting time, routine consultations are by appointment from 9.30am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.00pm & 3.00pm to 4.00pm Saturdays and (with a small surcharge) on Sundays and Public Holidays 10.00am to 12.00pm. Of course, emergencies will be seen at any time. Animals can be admitted or discharged from hospital from 7.30am until 9.00pm. To accommodate clients’ busy work schedules, animals may be dropped off for consultations or day procedures early morning and picked up later that evening. It is preferable to discharge animals during a set consultation time so that the case can be discussed fully with the veterinarian. Veterinarians will endeavour to answer your telephone calls immediately, or will return your call as quickly as possible if detained in surgery etc.
back to top Accounts
All accounts must be settled at the time of consultation or discharge from the hospital. Accounts may be paid for by cash, EFTPOS, Bankcard, American Express, Visa, Diners or Mastercard. Cheques will only be accepted from established clients. High quality veterinary care can be expensive. Please feel free to enquire as to estimated costs for procedures. Several excellent pet health insurance schemes are now available with reasonable premiums to ensure optimum health care for your pet (brochures available from reception).
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