Dr. Winnie’s CV: emergency medicine, university teaching hospital surgery, and suburban general practice. Now Fear Free certified and providing home visits full-time. Because your pet's check-up should happen on the rug your dog sleeps on and the couch your cat already claimed.
By the time your vet says hello, your dog's heart rate is through the roof, or your cat has shut down entirely. A home visit removes the three biggest stressors, so the actual appointment can be calm.
I graduated from the University of Queensland in 2007, spending my first decade gaining diverse experience across emergency care, university teaching hospital surgery units, and suburban general practice. Around 2016, I shifted my focus entirely to general practice—where I could work closely with families caring for their furry loved ones.
That same year, I took a short course in feline behaviour. Watching what low-stress handling did for my cat patients changed how I thought about every exam.
The transition was gradual. Two years ago, I committed fully to Fear Free handling, and last year, I became officially certified. This year, I took the leap and moved my practice to home visits because I truly believe pets are most comfortable in their own environment.
Years of training alongside specialist surgeons means trustworthy advice on surgical options and knowing when referral is the right choice.
Experience in emergency medicine taught the importance of recognising what matters early — especially when pets become suddenly unwell.
The last decade focused on helping families look after their pets — the everyday work of keeping pets healthy.
A globally recognised veterinary qualification with specific behavioural techniques. Not a slogan, a standard.
HOW IT WORKS
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4 SIMPLE STEPS
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HOW IT WORKS
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4 SIMPLE STEPS
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Online or by message. Dr Winnie confirms within 4 business hours and sends a short list of what to have ready — any recent vet records, a quiet room, any specific concerns.
She pulls into your driveway with her equipment - scale for body weight, stethoscope, otoscope, medications, vaccines if needed. She sets up wherever your pet is most comfortable.
Dr Winnie listens to the heart and lungs, checks the ears, looks at the teeth, feels the abdomen, watches your pet move. She explains what she's finding in plain language as she works. Takes about 45 mins.
Findings explained in plain language. Treatment plan is provided if needed. Specific referrals and follow-up if your pet needs something beyond a home visit.
When your pet needs any of these, you get a specific referral (not a brochure) and Dr Winnie stays in the loop until your pet is home.
Dr Winnie has helped to make vet visits a positive experience for my dogs, and I think her gentle, behaviour based approach is brilliant! I have one dog in particular who needs extra care and has had a bad experience in the past with vets. Dr Winnie has created a comfortable environment for him and made excellent progress. Would highly recommend!
We had a great experience with Gentle Vet Care and Dr Winnie.The home visit made things much less stressful for our pet, and the whole process felt calm and easy. Dr Winnie was gentle, professional, and took the time to explain everything clearly.Highly recommend if you’re after a more relaxed alternative to clinic visits.
Dr Winnie has been so caring and gentle with our old dog Willow. Willow is usually quite territorial and takes her time warming up to new people, so I was amazed to see how comfortable she was with dr winnie right from the start.
Vet Winnie is fantastic. Very thorough checkup and happy with the service. Pricing is also very good.Will definitely be calling on her for next vet visit.
Highly recommend Dr Winnie! She takes her time, she follows the fear free principles which means she listens to your dog, something that is extremely important especially if you have a sensitive or anxious dog or a brand new puppy.Even more convenient is the fact she comes to you!! No waiting in a car park or crammed waiting room.If you are looking for a kind and compassionate vet, Dr Winnie is the one.
Winnie thx so much for all you did for us today. Not only were you a very capable vet, but your care for all of us was grounded in deep compassion. I will be forever grateful for the kindness and understanding you showered on us. Many blessings Finn, Fletch and Aari 🤗💕🐾🌹
Altona
Altona Meadows
Derrimut
Kingsville
Laverton
Rockbank
Truganina
Williams Landing
Yarraville
How much does a home visit cost?
A home visit starts at $110 for a standard consultation, which includes travel within the regular service area, a full exam, and clear findings with next-step guidance. Vaccinations, medications, and any additional procedures are itemised separately — you'll see the full cost before Dr Winnie starts.
Home visits typically run more than a clinic consultation of the same length, because the visit includes travel time and an unhurried exam at your pet's pace.
What happens if my pet needs surgery, imaging or dental work?
Dr Winnie doesn't do surgery, dental work under anaesthesia, imaging, or hospitalisation at home — these need clinic equipment.
When your pet needs something beyond a home visit, she gives you a specific referral (not a general brochure), shares her exam notes with the receiving clinic, and stays in the loop until your pet is home.
Do you do emergencies?
No. After-hours emergency situations need a 24/7 animal hospital with surgical and ICU capability. If your pet is in an emergency now, go straight to nearest emergency vet hospital.
For urgent but non-emergency questions during business hours, send Dr Winnie a message and she'll respond as quickly as she can.
Do you do home euthanasia?
Yes. End-of-life care at home, where your pet feels safest, is one of the kindest choices a family can make. Dr Winnie handles this with the same Fear Free principles as any visit — unhurried, respectful, on your pet's terms. For details and to plan a visit, send a message; she'll reply personally.
What kind of pets do you treat?
Dogs and cats. Rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, and other species need specialist vets with species-appropriate equipment — Dr Winnie can point you to one if needed.
Whether your pet's due for a check-up, or you're overdue for a morning without a clinic trip, the next visit can happen on your living-room floor.
