The 5 best veterinarians in Canberra for compassionate pet care
I consider my dog not just a pet but also a part of my family — so just like how I would with a human companion, I make sure she stays healthy.
As a fur parent, I know how important it is for pets to be treated well and with compassion, so I scoured the streets (and the internet!) to look for the best veterinarians in Canberra who can bring pet owners the peace of mind they deserve.
Whether your pets need emergency care, routine checks, dental appointments, surgery, or behavioural therapy, these vets will make sure that your best friend is well taken care of and healthy.
How much do veterinarians cost in Canberra?
A standard vet consultation typically ranges from $70 to $120 in Canberra. Costs can increase depending on after-hours services, diagnostic tests, surgeries, and specialist treatments.
1. Canberra Veterinary Emergency Service
Address: 21 Crinigan Cir, Gungahlin
Phone: 02 62257257
Business hours: 24/7, including public holidays
Canberra Veterinary Emergency Service (CVES) is Canberra’s premier 24/7 emergency veterinary service. They deliver round-the-clock support with state-of-the-art diagnostic suites, surgical theatres, and a stocked pharmacy for urgent veterinary needs.
Designed to be a support system for both pet owners and general practice vets, CVES handles urgent cases with impressive efficiency and empathy. Their fully-equipped hospital and diagnostic facilities rival those of human ERs.
Clients often mention how the staff keep them calm during stressful visits and communicate every step clearly. While their prices reflect emergency-level services, many pet parents feel the peace of mind was worth every cent.
Always provides the best treatment and communication
“Went to two vets before coming here. Dr. Roger quickly found out the real reason behind the vomiting and conducted the surgery to help my little Nagget remove the string in her body. The whole team is so warm, compassionate, and always provides the best treatment, communication, and emotional support to both me and Nagget. They also work effectively with your regular vet and makes it super easy for the following care after emergency. I can’t express how grateful I’m to the whole team. They are such a big life saver. Definitely recommend to anyone with small friends at home in Canberra.”
– Moyin Liu, Google Review
Very professional
“Truly quality care that came in clutch. It was our first time visiting the emergency vet after a phone call that confirmed the seriousness of our puppy Ponyo’s issue. The whole process was smooth and the friendly staff there made us feel so much at ease. They dealt with the problem very professionally and in a timely manner. After that night at the emergency room, we received a phone call and later on a text message checking in with Ponyo’s current state as well. Dealing with insurance has also been smooth thanks to how responsive the staff were in terms of email communication. Overall, very impressed and grateful. Thank you so much!”
– Lotus Luo, Google Review
2. Northside Veterinary Centre
Address: 2/51 Mort St Braddon
Phone: (02) 6182 0111
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Northside Veterinary Centre is a locally owned practice, led by Dr. Libby Adamson and Dr. Winston Oakes, that brings together a team of 11 vets with over 90 years of combined veterinary experience.
This practice is a favourite among pet owners, thanks to its modern facility and genuine, personalised service. They cater to a wide range of pets, from dogs and cats to birds and reptiles, and also offer behavioural consultations in addition to routine care.
Many clients rave about how invested the vets are in long-term pet health.
Their Fear-Free certification — which means that the vets are trained to recognize and minimize fear, anxiety, and stress in pets — is a major plus, especially for anxious animals.
However, because of their popularity, it can sometimes be hard to get last-minute appointments.
Super friendly and knowledgeable
“Regularly take my cats here. Staff are always super friendly and knowledgeable. The centre also shows that they care by following up on my cats if they are having problems. Dr Libby especially is great — she is so knowledgeable and shows great consideration for both cat and owner.”
– Audrey Murton, Google Review
Kind and compassionate
“They were really kind and compassionate when I had to say goodbye to my boy. They have always been so great to deal with. My partner and I really appreciate their positive reinforcement and kind treatment of animals. They also seem to staff their clinic so there is always someone available in the case of an emergency. Thank you all so much for looking after our family these last few years.”
– Alex O’Brien, Google Review
3. Melba Veterinary Clinic
Address: Shop 1, 4 Melba Court
Phone: (02) 6258 8272
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Located in Melba and operated by a dedicated team of professionals, Melba Veterinary Clinic blends small-town warmth with the resources of a larger practice — backed by modern technology and veterinary expertise.
They provide a full suite of in-house services, including wellness plans, puppy school, PennHIP hip screenings for hip dysplasia, and more.
Their wellness plans help simplify ongoing preventive care with structured discounts and financial options to help ease financial pressure for multi-stage treatments.
Locals describe the team as welcoming and trustworthy, especially during difficult moments like euthanasia or serious diagnoses — which is exactly the kind of support that makes all the difference.
On the flip side, weekend availability is limited, so routine Saturday visits fill up quickly.
The best there is
“I am so grateful to have found Melba Vets. Dr Jasmine, Dr Harry and all the team treat the pets they see like their own family. Our senior cat, Boo has received exceptional care and is the calmest he has been at any Vets. He has had some difficult-to-diagnose issues and given his age, Dr Jasmine has been compassionate and realistic about his treatments. She has taken time to explain results, options and listens to our own researched options. It is truly a partnership in finding the best and most appropriate treatment for your furry family. If you are looking for a vet, please consider Melba Vet. They are the best there is.”
– Kimberley P, Google Review
Caring and passionate
“Melba Vet Clinic has been caring for our 12-year-old sheltie & 9-month-old Japanese Spitz. The staff are wonderful, caring & passionate & clearly love what they do. Dr Jasmine & Dr Harry are thorough & very knowledgeable, with Dr Jasmine providing a referral to a canine rehabilitation service for our sheltie rather than invasive/expensive procedures & drug therapies, this has helped our beautiful girl immensely! More than happy to travel to this wonderful clinic!!”
– Lisa Bollard, Google Review
4. Manuka Veterinary Hospital
Address: 85 Flinders Way Griffith
Phone: (02) 6295 6089
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tucked into the leafy heart of Griffith, Manuka Veterinary Hospital is one of the most established clinics in Canberra. Established in 1987, this veterinary hospital has helped countless pets with health and well-being needs.
Their team of experienced vets, nurses, and support staff is equipped to provide a full suite of services — from routine vaccinations and wellness checks to orthopaedic surgery — all performed on-site.
What really stands out is their attention to detail. Many pet owners mentioned how the vets take the time to thoroughly explain everything, no matter how small the concern may be.
While some reviews found the fees a little on the premium side, most felt the care was well worth it.
Very knowledgeable and thorough
“Very knowledge, thorough and have a great way with dogs. Appointments easy to book and usually on time. They helped us plan for our dog to be exported overseas and has experience and knew the AQIS requirements. They even worked with the exporter to ensure all the required paperwork was sent to the right people on time.”
– Simon G, Google Review
Great veterinary clinic!
“Great veterinary clinic! They kindly fit in my mum’s dog who was visiting from interstate during a very busy period. The vet and lady working behind the reception were so kind and gentle with Louis, giving him and his sister plenty of pats, treats and time to calm his nerves before starting the examination. Strongly recommend taking your fur babies here!”
– Andrea Kurepa, Google Review
5. The Foreshore Vet
Address: 12/1 The Causeway, Kingston
Phone: (02) 6188 4255
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday, 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
Founded in 2021 by Dr. Tanya Caltabiano, The Foreshore Vet may be one of the newer players in town, but they’ve quickly made their mark with a stylish facility and a tech-forward approach to care.
Their clinic feels more like a boutique spa, but underneath the polished look is a team genuinely committed to pet wellness. Their services — ranging from routine wellness, dental, and surgery to puppy school — are all performed on-site.
Reviews often mention the seamless booking system and warm, enthusiastic staff. However, they currently don’t handle after-hours emergencies, which means you’ll need to seek help elsewhere during off-hours.
10/10 vet experience
“My anxious dog has been seeing Vet Damien for a few years. He usually hates men, but he will allow Damien to hold him and do all his tests and examinations with no stress!!! The vet clinic is also specially designed to reduce the stress for the animals! It’s such a lovely space! 10/10 vet experience.”
– Jess Noble, Google Review
Best vets in Canberra
“Best vets in Canberra. Would not take our dogs anywhere else. They always go the extra mile and their follow up care is amazing. Our dogs race through the doors as they love going there (despite the needles).”
– Jamie Mahon, Google Review