We are a first opinion practice, providing routine health care and treatment advice for a range of animals in clinic and on farm. Our experienced veterinarians and technicians are passionate about using research-based knowledge and techniques to provide quality care and expertise to our clients and patients.
Our services
General practice veterinary care is available for:
- cattle (dairy and beef)
- sheep
- goats
- llamas and alpacas
- pigs.
Comprehensive herd health plans are also available for dairy herds, including:
- mastitis investigations
- reproduction and fertility
- lameness investigations
- heifer and calf rearing advice
- nutrition and trace element testing.
- WelFarm programme
- farm staff training.
Specialist services
We are privileged to have specialist veterinarians on our team, as well as custom-built hospital facilities. Additional services are available, including hospitalisation for large animals, particularly where this benefits student learning experience, as well as specialist consultation.
Student involvement
As part of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we provide on-the-job training for final year veterinary students. Students are actively involved in the management of cases both on-farm and in the clinic throughout the year. An experienced veterinarian or technician will always be present to supervise students, and animal welfare is the top priority.
Our consultation format focuses on providing students with opportunities to learn and apply their knowledge and skills. This can mean that consultations take longer, but the extended conversations are also very beneficial to our clients.
What you should expect
1, Make an appointment first. Phone us to arrange an appointment either in clinic or on farm.
2, Be prepared for the consultation
In-clinic consultation
- Ensure the animals can be safely transported and restrained for the journey.
- Keep the animal(s) in the vehicle or trailer on arrival and check in at reception to be instructed on where to go.
On-farm consultation
- Ensure there are appropriate facilities for the species and procedure available to allow the work to be completed safely. We have portable cattle crushes that can be used if required.
- Be available to meet us on arrival to discuss the case history. Depending on the procedure we may also require assistance with animal restraint and movement. Have buckets and clean water available if possible.
- Have the animal(s) ready in the yards prior to the veterinarian or veterinary technician arriving.
3, During the consultation
- Students and staff will ask questions on the case to build a complete understanding of the problem.
- Students and staff will examine the animals and perform procedures. Discussions on findings, treatment plans, and diagnoses will occur throughout the case.
- Sign the clinical summary which contains relevant information from the case – this will be sent to you for your records.
4, Pay for your consultation
- An invoice or statement will be emailed following the consultation which will have the terms of payment stated on it.
- For extensive in-clinic procedures, a 50% deposit will be required prior to any veterinary work being completed and the full amount paid when the animal is discharged.
Meet the team
Veterinarians
Our expert and specialist veterinarians
Finley Koolhoven
Ingrid Bijker
Associate Professor Kristina Mueller
Christe Balcomb
Danielle Gifford
Melanie Palmer
Professor Richard Laven
Phillip Rennie
Hiroe Asano
Veterinary technicians
Our veterinary technicians
Tenneal Prebble
Management and administration
Our manager is Karla Pearce and our administrator is Pam Molloy.
Contact and hours
Farm Services Clinic
- Hours
8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Available for emergency appointments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- farmvets@massey.ac.nz
- Phone (during office hours)
+64 6 350 5328 then option 1 (Farm Animal Clinic)
- Phone (after hours)
+64 6 350 5328 then option 1
- Location
Massey Farm Services Clinic
University Avenue
Palmerston North 4474
Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
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