Business Details
12 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Compassionate Veterinary Care in Braddon, ACT
Northside Veterinary Centre has been providing evidence-based, compassionate veterinary care in Braddon, ACT since 2014. Founded by Dr. Libby Adamson and Dr. Winston Oakes, our practice combines over 21 years of local expertise with a team-based approach to pet healthcare. Our 11 veterinarians bring more than 90 years of combined experience, ensuring every patient benefits from multiple expert perspectives. As a fear-free certified clinic, we prioritise reducing stress for pets through specialised handling techniques and environmental modifications. Our services span advanced dentistry, behavioural consultations, puppy socialisation classes, and emergency care, supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.We maintain strong community ties through educational initiatives and outreach programs, including indigenous dog health projects. Our commitment to sustainability informs all operations, from clinical practices to facility management. The team regularly participates in continuing education to maintain cutting-edge veterinary knowledge, with specialists in areas like feline medicine, ultrasonography, and dental surgery. We value transparent communication with pet owners and provide comprehensive guidance for both routine care and complex medical situations.
Services
Puppy Classes
Dentistry
Emergency Services
Vaccination Reviews
Behavioural Consults
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- 21 years of local veterinary expertise in Canberra
- Fear-free certified handling techniques for stress-free visits
- Team-based approach with 11 vets sharing 90+ combined years of experience
- Advanced dental suite with specialist-led procedures
- Community-focused care with outreach program participation
Associations and certifications
- Fear Free Certified Practice
What people say
Compassionate care
Knowledgeable staff
Fear-free approach
Excellent communication
Positive experiences
Services
Dentistry
Our advanced dental services address all aspects of pet oral health. With a dedicated dental suite, we perform routine cleanings, complex extractions, and specialist procedures like root canals. Dr. Winston Oakes, Canberra's most qualified veterinary dentist, leads our team in treating painful dental conditions and preventing future issues. Regular dental checkups help maintain your pet's overall health and wellbeing.
Puppy Classes
Our four-week puppy preschool programs support critical socialisation periods for young dogs. Certified fear-free instructors guide puppies through essential behavioural development while educating owners on training techniques. Classes cover socialisation, basic obedience, and healthcare management to ensure well-adjusted adult dogs through positive learning experiences.
Emergency Services
We prioritise urgent care for severe conditions like snake bites and trauma during operating hours. Our team prepares for critical cases with advanced notice, while after-hours emergencies are referred to specialist facilities. Immediate veterinary attention ensures the best outcomes for life-threatening situations requiring rapid intervention.
Behavioural Consults
Specialist behavioural consultations address anxiety, aggression, and inappropriate elimination in pets. Dr. Libby Adamson uses positive modification techniques to improve pet-owner relationships. These hour-long sessions develop customised plans combining environmental adjustments and potential medication for lasting behavioural improvements.
Vaccination Reviews
Annual health checks include comprehensive vaccination assessments tailored to each pet's needs. Our veterinarians evaluate immunity requirements while checking for underlying health issues. Regular vaccinations protect against preventable diseases, with personalised schedules ensuring optimal protection throughout your pet's life stages.
People
Dr. Libby Adamson
Director
Graduated from University of Melbourne in 1995 with specialisation in feline medicine. With experience in rural practice and international veterinary programs, she leads behavioural consultations and community health initiatives.
Dr. Winston Oakes
Director
University of Sydney graduate since 1999, specialising in veterinary dentistry and internal medicine. Recognised specialist in small animal dentistry with referral practice experience across Australia.
Dr. Emma Lee
Veterinarian
Charles Sturt University graduate from 2016 with special interest in geriatric care and physical therapy. Completed postgraduate neurology studies while maintaining focus on puppy wellness programs.
Dr. Natalie Meads
Veterinarian
Massey University and Charles Sturt graduate with particular interest in dentistry and long-term pet-owner relationship building. Experienced in both New Zealand and Australian veterinary practices.
Dr. Stephanie Harrop
Veterinarian
University of Melbourne graduate with Masters in Veterinary Studies focusing on internal medicine. Specialises in diagnostic imaging and senior pet care while maintaining active involvement in continuing education programs.
Questions
What emergency services do you offer for pets?
We prioritise severe emergencies during operating hours with immediate preparation for critical cases. After-hours emergencies are referred to specialist facilities in Pialligo and Gungahlin.
How can I enrol my puppy in socialisation classes?
Contact reception to join our puppy class interest list. We run two monthly sessions that fill quickly, with early registration recommended for preferred scheduling.
Do you offer specialist dental procedures for pets?
Yes, Dr. Winston Oakes provides advanced dental treatments including root canals, orthodontics, and complex extractions using our dedicated dental suite with specialist equipment.
What payment options are available for veterinary services?
We accept cash, debit and credit cards. Vetpay financing options are available for spreading payments over monthly installments through approved applications.
How often should senior pets receive health checks?
Cats over 12 and dogs over 8 years require bi-annual health assessments to monitor age-related conditions and implement early interventions for improved quality of life.
Can I request medications not kept in stock?
Yes, we process special orders twice weekly. Payment is required upfront, with suppliers sourcing products from alternative warehouses when necessary for timely delivery.