Veterinary Nurse Appreciation Week offers a moment to acknowledge the tireless efforts of those who care for our furry friends. At the SPCA in Christchurch, veterinary nurses like Emma and Di work with unwavering dedication, providing vital support and care to some of the city’s most vulnerable animals.
When I spoke with Emma and Di, the pride they have in their work is evident. “Our vet clinic is very nurse-led,” Emma said, describing the day-to-day operations. “Nurses are the absolute backbone of the clinic. We come in and organise the entire day. The vets arrive later in the morning, and we’ve already planned out what needs to be done, including which animals will go into surgery first.”
The clinic is constantly busy, and finding a moment to rest is rare. “We have different roles,” Di explained. “We’re not just based in the vet clinic itself. Sometimes, we join the inspectorate team on their drives to assist with cases, and we also go around the centre to ensure the animals are doing well.”
In the background, the faint cries of newborn kittens serve as a reminder of the rewarding side of their work.
Emma shared the challenges and joys of this time of year: “We’re coming into kitten season now, so things are getting really busy. It’s incredibly rewarding, especially when we have cases like emergency C-sections, which are almost a daily occurrence right now. The kittens you hear are only a few days old.”
Di, who has been nursing for a decade and with the SPCA for nearly two years, highlighted what she loves most about her role. “The best thing is that you get to use all of your skills. It’s an amazing team to work with, and you see pets at their most vulnerable stages. Watching their progression until they’re ready for adoption is just incredible.”
The dedication, compassion, and hard work of veterinary nurses like Emma and Di form the backbone of the SPCA’s mission. Their efforts ensure that every animal, from the youngest kitten to the most vulnerable pet, receives the care they need.
This week, and every week, they deserve our appreciation for their essential role in the well-being of Christchurch’s animal community.
