North Hill Veterinary Clinic opens doors to state-of-the-art Bundarra Road facility

After years of planning, the team at North Hill Veterinary Clinic have officially opened the doors to their brand-new, purpose-built facility on Bundarra Road. Designed with care, precision and a deep connection to the community, the new clinic represents a major step forward in veterinary care for Armidale and surrounding areas.

Led by much-loved local vets Sarah Butler, who retired in December, and Fiona LeSurf, the three-year design project has resulted in a state-of-the-art clinic that blends advanced medical capabilities with thoughtful, compassionate design. For Clinic Coordinator Amanda Danieletto, it’s a moment of pride.

“This is Sarah’s legacy,” Amanda said. “She was involved in every part of the design process. She did it all for the community, for the animals, and for our clients.”

“It’s been a huge project and a massive achievement for everyone involved.”

Thoughtful, detailed and compassionate design

Inside the clinic, the thoughtful design is obvious. There’s a welcoming reception area, including an expanded retail section to stock more food and animal health products, and separate waiting areas for cats and dogs. 

Stepping beyond the lobby reveals a clean and modern space that feels very similar to being in the emergency department in a new hospital, but more calm. Clearly labelled and well organised treatment equipment are at the fingertips of expert and experienced staff, giving our furry family members the kind of expert health care we expect for our human family.  

Modern veterinary medicine is front and centre at the new facility. equipped to handle everything from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. Pathology lab equipment, a fully radiation-proofed radiology room, and a special animal pharmacy are all on site enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment.

“We have state-of-the-art X-ray and ultrasound equipment, which is incredible,” Amanda said. 

The new clinic includes two spacious surgery theatres, a larger one for orthopaedic and BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) surgeries as well as caesareans. 

There are four consulting rooms, and a specialised isolation unit designed with safety and infection control in mind. 

“We’re also able to offer ICU-level care, with wall-integrated oxygen and three outlets in the treatment and hospital areas, giving us the ability to support critical patients much more effectively.”

The thoughtfulness and attention to detail is not just in the treatment spaces. One consulting room has been purposefully designed with additional space and a private entrance and exit — ideal for larger or more anxious pets, and especially valuable for families saying goodbye to a beloved pet where a number of people can spend a few final minutes.

“We’ve made privacy and comfort a priority in the design,” Amanda said. “It’s still never easy, but that little bit of extra support and dignity goes a long way.”

By locals, for locals

The new clinic benefits from significant investment of Apiam Animal Health, but it’s still very much a local operation. Amanda said the facility was designed by locals, for locals.

“Most of us here are locals and have been in the community for a long time. There’s a really strong drive to maintain our community presence,” she said. 

“North Hill has been a part of Armidale since 2004, and even though we’re not physically on North Hill anymore, the name stays. Everyone knows who we are.”

The new clinic is also a teaching and training hub. With both nurse and vet trainees as well as work placement students on rotation, the experienced veterinary nurses and vets are passing on their knowledge every day.

“We’re really proud to support local students through their training,” Amanda said. 

“Our head nurse Abbey keeps everyone on track, and our new graduate vet Mia is already making waves. She was top of her class at University of Queensland and has fit in beautifully with the team.”

Meet the vets

“We are so proud to announce that we will have Zelia and Johan Nell joining our team mid-August as part of our leadership team,” Amanda said.

“Zelia has a strong interest in small animal medicine and dermatology. Johan enjoys large animal work and complex surgeries.”

Sometimes it’s the little things

Among the many highlights of the new site is something simple but essential: parking. The former site, surrounded by the very busy and usually full McDonald’s car park, was notoriously difficult to access.

“We didn’t even want to go to work sometimes because of it,” Amanda said. “Here, we finally have plenty of off-street parking and our clients are loving it.”

And keeping a watchful eye over it all? Charlie the cat — the clinic’s unofficial practice manager. Charlie is nearly 14 years old and has spent her whole life with our North Hill Team as a rescue.

“Charlie absolutely loves the new place,” Amanda laughed. 

Whether you’re bringing in a new puppy for vaccinations, an ageing cat for a check-up, or a farm animal needing surgery, North Hill Veterinary Clinic is ready to deliver the highest standard of care in a welcoming, modern space.