Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Veterinary Care in Swan Hill
Swan Hill Veterinary Clinic has been a trusted partner in animal healthcare since the 1960s, serving the Swan Hill community and surrounding regions with dedication and expertise. Under the leadership of Ben and Tim Russell since 2007, we have expanded our capabilities while maintaining a commitment to compassionate, client-focused care. Our purpose-built facility is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including digital radiography, ultrasound, and an in-house laboratory, enabling rapid and accurate treatment decisions. We specialise in companion animal care, equine services, and livestock management, supported by a team of experienced veterinarians and nurses. Our approach prioritises preventative health, surgical excellence, and dental care, with tailored services for pets, performance animals, and agricultural livestock.Accredited for critical livestock disease testing, we combine technical proficiency with deep local knowledge to address diverse animal health challenges. With extended consulting hours and emergency availability, we ensure accessibility for urgent cases while fostering long-term relationships with pet owners and farmers. Our team actively engages in community education through puppy preschool, nutritional guidance, and herd health programs. Recognised for our investment in advanced equipment and staff development, we uphold rigorous standards in anaesthesia safety, surgical protocols, and pain management. This enduring commitment to innovation and community service positions us as a leader in regional veterinary care.
Services
Vaccinations
Consultations
Diagnostics
Nutrition
Training
Pet Store
Dentistry
Surgery
Equine Services
Livestock Management
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of local veterinary expertise since 2007
- Our clinic features purpose-built facilities with digital radiography and ultrasound
- We provide 24/7 emergency veterinary services for urgent cases
- Our team handles companion animals, equine, and livestock specialisations
- We maintain rigorous anaesthesia safety protocols with pre-anaesthetic blood testing
Associations and certifications
- Johnes testing
- Brucellosis testing
Services
Vaccinations
We provide essential vaccination programs for dogs, cats, and livestock to prevent life-threatening diseases. Our protocols follow age-specific schedules with C3, C5, F3, and F4 vaccines for companion animals. Emergency vaccination services are available for boarding requirements, ensuring compliance with health regulations while protecting animal populations across urban and rural settings.
Equine Services
Our equine specialists offer reproductive services, dentistry, and lameness evaluations using advanced diagnostic tools. We perform on-site castrations and provide pre-purchase examinations with digital imaging. The clinic maintains specialized equipment for power float dentistry and reproductive management, supporting performance horses and breeding operations throughout the region.
Dentistry
We utilise veterinary-specific dental equipment for cleaning, extractions, and periodontal treatment under general anaesthesia. Our protocols include local nerve blocks and modern monitoring systems to ensure patient safety. Preventative care advice covers home dental hygiene practices, dietary recommendations, and regular check-up schedules to maintain oral health in companion animals.
Livestock Management
Our accredited services include Johne's and Brucellosis testing for sheep, along with pregnancy diagnosis using advanced ultrasound technology. We offer herd health programs, mastitis management, and obstetric assistance with purpose-built equipment. The clinic provides tailored vaccination schedules and biosecurity advice to protect agricultural livestock operations across the region.
Surgical Procedures
We perform soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries in dedicated sterile suites with pre-anaesthetic blood testing options. Our protocols include intravenous fluid therapy for haemodynamic stability during procedures. The clinic maintains referral relationships with specialists for complex cases while providing post-operative care instructions and pain management strategies for optimal recovery.
People
Ben Russell
Veterinarian & Practice Owner
Graduated from University of Queensland in 2003 with experience in mixed practice. Joined Swan Hill Veterinary Clinic in 2007 after working in Mount Isa and Kingaroy. Specialises in all aspects of veterinary care with particular interest in small animal orthopaedics.
Tim Russell
Veterinarian & Practice Owner
University of Queensland graduate (1999) with specialist equine reproduction experience. Worked in South Australia, Queensland, and NSW before returning to Swan Hill in 2007. Focuses on equine lameness and orthopaedic surgery while managing general mixed practice needs.
Angie Mercer
Practice Manager
Veterinary industry professional with 20+ years' experience since joining in 2008. Oversees clinic operations and client services, ensuring efficient delivery of veterinary care across companion animal, equine, and livestock sectors.
Dr Jack Atkin-Smith
Veterinarian
University of Adelaide graduate (2017) specialising in small animal orthopaedics and internal medicine. Joined Swan Hill team in 2023 after developing expertise in Central Queensland. Active in continuing education and community veterinary outreach.
Dr Asheigh Dunn
Veterinarian
Charles Sturt University graduate (2023) focusing on small animal care. Recently joined the clinic after completing studies, bringing contemporary approaches to pet healthcare. Engaged in local community activities and veterinary education initiatives.
Questions
What vaccination schedule should I follow for puppies and kittens?
Puppies/kittens start vaccinations at 6-8 weeks, repeated monthly until 16 weeks. Annual boosters maintain immunity with C3/C5 vaccines for dogs and F3/F4 for cats.
What requirements exist for boarding kennels?
Boarding requires up-to-date C5 vaccination (including kennel cough protection) administered at least one week prior, plus current worming treatments.
How does microchipping work with council registration?
Microchipping and council registration are separate requirements. Microchips provide permanent identification stored in a national database, while council registration remains mandatory for pet ownership compliance.
At what age can pets be desexed?
We recommend desexing from 5-6 months old to prevent reproductive cancers and manage population control while considering individual animal health factors.
What emergency procedures should I follow for colic in horses?
Restrict grazing, avoid excessive rolling, administer Bute paste if available, and contact a veterinarian immediately for severe or unresponsive cases.
How often should pets receive worming treatments?
Worming every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, monthly until 6 months, then quarterly for life in both dogs and cats to maintain intestinal health.