Birds of a feather may flock together – but animals of all colours, shapes and sizes are welcome at Direct Vet Services in Point Cook.
The practice is home to an eclectus parrot named Noisy, who is often visited by British-cross Australian bulldogs, Teddy and Clover, owned by veterinarian Karen Davies.
Teddy, Clover and a golden retriever named Penny, who belongs to a veterinary nurse at the surgery, sometimes sit with nervous animals brought in by their owners.
Dr Davies said the dogs helped to calm some of the more anxious pets who visited her surgery.
And Noisy likes to welcome visitors as they step into Direct Vet’s reception area.
“She says hello to clients coming in the door and goodbye when they leave,” Dr Davies said.
Noisy’s owners surrendered her to the practice in 2014 after she became ill, but she recovered thanks to treatment from the Direct Vet team.
These days, Noisy enjoys watching other eclectus parrots on Youtube and knows some of the practice staff – and their dogs – by name.
She also understands the word “selfie” and knows how to press the button on a mobile phone to take a photo of herself.
Dr Davies said Noisy also liked playing ball with one of the vet nurses.
Dr Davies, who is in her 27th year as a vet, said her favourite part of the job was connecting with clients.
“I love being incorporated into their families and being trusted with their animals,” she said.
