Animals body fluid! Was there ever a day I was not covered in it?
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Vet nursing really isn't for the faint hearted. You have to be a special kind of person. Danni however, is that special kind of person. She would like to instill one piece of advice on her younger self! "ALWAYS KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED!".
I started with Yass Valley Veterinary back in 2014 as a shy and quiet vet nursing student with little experience in the industry. It was quite intimidating walking into the clinic for the first time surrounded by so many skilled staff members. I remember the two most experienced nurses, Heidi and Anita rushing around assisting the vets with an emergency snake bite and thinking to myself how incredible they were and how much I wanted to be like them.
Growing up with multiple animals in our house hold somewhat prepared me for the job I had just walked in to. But if I had one piece of advice to give anyone wanting to become a veterinary nurse, that would be ‘it’s not all puppies and kittens’.
The hardest part of nursing is without a doubt euthanising a loved family member. I always get asked “ do you get used to it?” or “do you get sad?” and honestly, you never really get used to it. You just develop different coping mechanisms. Generally, when euthanising animals, they are very old and sick so euthanasia is the kindest thing for them. However once the animal is no longer suffering it becomes the owner who suffers and that there, is part the gets to me.
On a lighter note, I can’t recall one day that I was not covered in some sort of animal bodily fluid. There are many aspects of nursing that require you to have quite a strong stomach. Some of the regular occurrences include being urinated on by a nervous puppy or getting projectile anal gland fluid to the face. On farm visits you get covered in cow faeces or sneezed on by a horse with a nosebleed and let me tell you that nothing spreads blood quite like a happy dog with an open tail wound. On the very rare occasion you are not covered in it, someone else is! That is when you also need thick skin and a good sense of humour. Because 9 times out of 10, a work colleague will have seen the incident and they will not refrain from laughing. If I could go back and tell my younger self one piece of advice it would be to “ALWAYS KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED”.
Although this all sounds very off putting and you would question anyone who would willingly put themselves through this, I have to say I absolutely love my job. The good days generally out weigh the bad. Your day can be instantly made by a litter of 6 week old puppies to cuddle (vaccinate and microchip of course), or if the vet is booked in to go out pregnancy testing cattle and needs an assistant to help in the yards. You are constantly growing and learning every day which is exactly why I stuck to it and am now training and teaching younger nurses as the nurse supervisor.
Furthermore, I would not be able to do this job if not for the people I work with. We all have the same love and compassion for our animals and our jobs. You know that you work in a great environment when you want to spend time with your colleges on the weekend after being with them for a 10-hour shift. The team at Yass Valley Veterinary are practically a family, and they have been a massive contributor to the person I am today.
Trips to the vet are essential for your pet’s health, but for many dogs and cats, they can also be stressful. Anxiety at the vet is common, from strange smells and new people to past experiences; it’s no surprise pets sometimes feel nervous. At Yass Valley Veterinary , we’re dedicated to making vet visits calmer, safer, and more positive for both pets and their owners. Book a Low-Stress Appointment Why Pets Get Anxious at the Vet If your dog is scared of the vet or your cat gets stressed in their carrier, you’re not alone. Common reasons pets feel anxious at the vet include: New sights, smells, and sounds Previous negative or painful experiences Separation from their owner during treatment Other animals in the waiting room Understanding these triggers is the first step to helping your pet feel safe. Signs of Pet Anxiety at the Vet Both dogs and cats show stress in different ways. Keep an eye out for these behaviours: Dogs: panting, pacing, whining, shaking, excessive drooling, tucked tail Cats: hiding, vocalising, flattened ears, refusing to leave the carrier, excessive grooming If your pet shows these signs, mention it to your vet so we can adjust our approach. Tips to Calm Your Pet Before a Vet Visit There are simple steps you can take at home to reduce your pet’s anxiety before coming to the vet: Get the carrier ready early: leave it out at home with blankets, toys, and treats. Practice car trips: short rides help dogs and cats feel more comfortable on the way. Stay calm yourself: pets pick up on their owner’s stress. Use calming products: pheromone sprays, treats, or supplements may help (ask us for recommendations). Reward positive behaviour: treats and praise go a long way in reinforcing calmness. Tip: Ask us about adding a wellness check during your appointment so your pet gets used to positive visits, not just when they’re unwell. How We Make Vet Visits Stress-Free At Yass Valley Veterinary , we use gentle, pet-friendly approaches to create a low-stress vet experience: · Calm, reassuring handling techniques · Treats and positive reinforcement during exams · Time to let your pet settle before starting procedures · Cat-friendly spaces and quiet waiting areas where possible For pets with severe anxiety, we may recommend pre-visit medication to make the trip less stressful. FAQs About Pet Anxiety at the Vet 1. How can I calm my dog before a vet visit? Take your dog for a walk, bring favourite treats or toys, and stay calm yourself. Ask us about safe calming supplements or medication if needed. 2. What’s the best way to transport a nervous cat? Use a sturdy carrier lined with familiar bedding. Covering the carrier with a light towel can help reduce visual stress. Leave the carrier out at home so it feels familiar, not just a “vet box. 3. Should I give my pet medication before a vet visit? Only under vet advice. We may prescribe safe, short-term anxiety medication if your pet struggles with extreme stress. 4. Can I stay with my pet during their exam? In most cases, yes. Many pets are more relaxed when their owner stays nearby. 5. What if my pet is too stressed for the appointment? We can reschedule, adjust handling, or recommend calming aids. Our team’s priority is always your pet’s comfort and safety. Book a Stress-Free Vet Visit in Yass & Murrumbateman At Yass Valley Veterinary , we know that every pet is different. That’s why we tailor our approach to your pet’s needs, whether it’s an anxious dog or a nervous cat. Our goal is to make vet visits as calm and positive as possible. 📞 Call us on 02 6226 4444 or Book Now online to schedule a gentle, stress-free appointment.
At Yass Valley Veterinary, we see every day how strong the connection is between pets and their families. This human–animal bond goes far beyond companionship, it plays a powerful role in mental health, wellbeing, and daily life. This World Animal Day, we’re celebrating the unique ways our pets bring us joy and comfort while highlighting how regular veterinary care helps keep those bonds strong. How Pets Improve Mental Health It’s well documented that spending time with animals reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts feel-good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. But for pet owners, the proof is simple: a dog’s excitement when you walk in the door or a cat’s soothing purr at the end of a long day can instantly brighten your mood. Pets also encourage healthier routines, from daily walks to playtime, which benefit both mental and physical health. Companionship at Every Life Stage The benefits of pet ownership extend across all stages of life: Children learn responsibility, empathy, and kindness when caring for pets. Adults find comfort and consistency in their pets through life’s challenges. Seniors enjoy companionship, reduced loneliness, and motivation to stay active. By supporting pet health with regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative care, our clinic helps ensure that families can continue enjoying this companionship for years to come. Pets as Calming Companions Animals often sense human emotions and respond with comfort and care. Many owners notice their dog lying quietly beside them during stressful times, or their cat settling into their lap when they’re feeling low. This unconditional support is a reminder of the unique role pets play in mental wellbeing. Why We Celebrate World Animal Day World Animal Day is about raising awareness of animal welfare and recognising the vital role animals play in our lives. At Yass Valley Veterinary, our veterinary team is passionate about supporting pets with compassionate, expert care so families can continue to enjoy the many benefits of the human–animal bond. Celebrate Your Pet Today This World Animal Day, celebrate your pet with a long walk, an extra cuddle, or a special treat. These simple gestures strengthen the connection you already share. For ongoing support with your pet’s health and happiness, our clinic is here to help with everything from routine check-ups to advanced care. FAQs: The Human–Animal Bond 1. Do pets really improve mental health? Yes. Research shows that pets can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and boost mood through companionship, activity, and emotional support.  2. Why is the human–animal bond important? The bond between humans and animals provides emotional, social, and physical benefits while fostering responsibility and empathy. 3. How do pets help with stress and anxiety? Pets provide a calming presence, distract from worries, and respond to human emotions with comfort and reassurance. 4. Can pets benefit children and seniors equally? Yes. Children develop empathy and responsibility, while seniors enjoy companionship, routine, and reduced loneliness. 5. How can I celebrate World Animal Day with my pet? Take your dog for an extra walk, enjoy more cuddle time, offer an enrichment toy, or simply spend quiet time together to strengthen your bond. Support Your Pet’s Wellbeing at Yass Valley Veterinary At Yass Valley Veterinary, we believe celebrating the human–animal bond starts with giving pets the best possible care. From preventative health checks to dental care and senior pet support, our veterinary team is here to help pets thrive at every stage of life. 📞 Call us today on 02 6226 4444 or book an appointment online to support your pet’s health and celebrate World Animal Day with us.
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