Pets hold a special place in the hearts of many Australians. They cherish them like their own children, dote on them daily and do whatever it takes to ensure these furry family members are safe and healthy.

For Kate de Jong, the most recent veterinary associate to join the Durham Street Veterinary Clinic, caring for people’s beloved pets is the “best career in the world”. 

A highly skilled veterinary professional who has an abundance of care and compassion for small animals, Ms de Jong will always be a strong advocate for her four-legged patients.

“These little guys have absolutely no one to advocate for them, so I love being their advocate,” she said. 

“You come in and help them and in their own way they do thank you quiet a lot.

“It is also extremely rewarding when you get them home to their mums and dads who are often crying with joy that their pet is over the worst of it.”

Her love of animals unquestionable, Ms de Jong began on this career path more than a decade ago when she started as a veterinary nurse.

She spent five years in that position before deciding to challenge herself by studying to become a surgical and medicinal veterinarian. 

Graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Hons), Ms de Jong spent the next five years working in both the Sunshine State and Bathurst, before her family recently decided to settle in the Central West. 

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Popping in and out of the Central West for the best part of two decades the vet considers herself an honorary local and was thrilled when an opportunity arose to join the team at Durham Street Veterinary Clinic.

“For the last two years I had been running a very busy veterinary hospital in Brisbane and became keen to buy into a partnership with someone I knew and respected,” Ms de Jong said.

“I contacted Kirsten Ingwersen, because she fits that bill perfectly.

“A few years ago I had the opportunity to work with Kirsten for more than twelve months and found that, not only is the clinic extremely well equipped, but the veterinary staff here are exceptional. Kirsten in particular is probably one of the best veterinarians I’ve come across in terms of her knowledge and skills.

“And she was a fantastic mentor throughout most of my veterinary career.

“So, we have started discussions with the goal being for me to start a partnership with this practice.” 

It wasn’t just the impressive human team which drew Ms de Jong back to this clinic.

“On top of that, the clients here are very welcoming and approachable,” she said. “It is just a really nice-feeling clinic, very family-orientated. That was also appealing.”

Ms de Jong sees about 30 pets a day, mostly cats and dogs – with the occasional rabbit, guinea pig or rat thrown in for good measure. And she is always conscious that she is treating a special member of people’s families.

“The human and animal bond has become such a huge part of society now,” she said.

“These animals are actually part of the family.”

Ms de Jong said the entire Durham Street clinic team is dedicated to treating their animals with the best of care, no matter how unusual the circumstance.

“Once we were at a work Christmas party and a lovely owner, who knew we were out as a group, came rushing in with an emergency with her dog who was choking,” she said. “We all ended up triaging and treating the poor animal outside the local hotel! Thankfully, both owner and animal were fine.”