Episodes

Send us a text You've just finished writing what you think is a brilliant job advert. But have you done this: taken your generic clinic template, swapped out "veterinarian" for "veterinary nurse," hit publish, and wondered why you're not getting quality applications? Here's the likely reality: what attracts veterinarians doesn't necessarily attract veterinary nurses, and what motivates veterinary nurses might not resonate with your support team. Yet most vet clinics use the exact same generic...

Send us a text Why do these veterinary professionals actually want to return to their former workplace - when most people see going back as a backward step? In this episode, Julie South chats with three High Street Vets team members whose stories corroborate everything we've heard in episodes 1001-1005, revealing the workplace culture that's creating extraordinary loyalty: Megan's "coming home" story - Why she genuinely wanted to return after leaving for family reasons, defying the usual relu...

Send us a text What happens when a clinic gives you 30-minute consults, supports your specialisation interests, and has technology that surprises 5y Veterinary Students? In this special High Street Vet Series episode - showcasing Employers of Choice - Julie South sits down with Dr. Virginia Grice to discover what it's really like working at this Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia clinic. Dr Virginia's got three decades under her belt across three different States, but what she found at ...

Send us a text 11 years at the same practice - with a 90-minute commute each way. Every single day. While most veterinary practices struggle with either recruitment or retention, Jamee Robertson at High Street Vet Surgery in Rockhampton (Queensland, Australia) has a different story. She tried to resign once but never actually left. She's grown through multiple roles, from unqualified newcomer to practice manager to her current admin position, and she still can't imagine working anywhere else....

Send us a text You've decided to include salary information in your job adverts. But now you're staring at a blank screen wondering: do I just write "$120,000" and call it done? How do I handle different experience levels? What if current employees see this? Here's the likely reality: knowing you should include salary is one thing—knowing how to do it effectively without creating problems is entirely another. Most practices either go too vague ("competitive salary") or too rigid (single figur...

Send us a text What does it look like when a clinic's first rule is "the intent is good" and they actually mean it? Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker reveals the five values and team culture that make High Street Vet Surgery work - from morning gratitude sessions to their "no blame policy" and why communication is everything. Dr Jocelyn talks about: The five values built by the entire team: team, professional, empathy, integrity, relationships"No blame policy" - when things go wrong, focus on why and ho...

Send us a text What would it feel like to work somewhere with endoscopes, dental X-rays, and EasyVet templates that eliminate emergency panic? Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker reveals how High Street Vet Surgery's comprehensive technology setup changes everything - and why her team begged her not to go back to shorter appointments after experiencing 30-minute consults implemented during the Covid Pandemic. Dr Jocelyn talks about: The financial shift from "front of clinic" quick turnover to "back of cli...

Send us a text As a Veterinary Professional, have you ever dreamed and wondered what it would be like to work somewhere with 30 minute consults... where you weren't constantly chasing your tail every day... where you could genuinely connect with clients and provide the best care possible...? Listen in as Julie South catches up with Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker - owner of High Street Vet Surgery in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. Dr Jocelyn talks about: How Cubex systems eliminate S8 paperwork s...

Send us a text You know you should include salary ranges in your job adverts. You've probably read the articles, heard the advice, maybe even started typing a figure... then deleted it again. There's something about putting that number out there that gives vet clinic practice owners the absolute heebie-jeebies. But what if I told you that this fear is costing you 80% of your potential applicants? Here's what's actually happening: while you're worried about revealing "commercially sensitive in...

Send us a text You can have the perfect job advert, but if your application process creates black holes and frustration, you'll lose great people and damage your reputation. Join host Julie South as she exposes the uncomfortable truth about how veterinary clinics are unknowingly sabotaging their hiring success through terrible application experiences. Because in a small industry like veterinary medicine, every ignored application becomes word-of-mouth damage control. You'll discover: Why the ...

Send us a text Most veterinary clinics don't offer extensive benefits packages—and today, you'll discover why that doesn't have to stop you from attracting great veterinary professionals. Join host Julie South as she reveals why trying to compete with "benefits" is the wrong strategy and how to showcase the genuine value your clinic offers that money can't buy. Because veterinary professionals aren't just chasing benefits—they're looking for workplaces where they can thrive. You'll discover: ...

Send us a text You've got their attention with your job title—now you have exactly 10 seconds to convince them not to hit the back button. Join host Julie South as she reveals why "We are a busy small animal practice seeking a veterinarian" is killing your hiring success before jobseekers even get to your amazing benefits. Your opening paragraph is make-or-break territory, and most practices are getting it completely wrong. You'll discover: Why jobseekers abandon job adverts within seconds (a...

Send us a text Your job title has just 3 seconds to stop veterinary professionals from scrolling past your opportunity—are you making them count? Join host Julie South in this game-changing episode as she reveals why "Veterinarian Required" and "Vet Nurse Position" are killing your hiring success. If you're tired of posting job adverts that disappear into the void, this episode could be your wake-up call. You'll discover: The harsh reality of why generic job titles are costing you the best ve...

Send us a text We tackle how writing effective job requirements can transform your veterinary clinic's hiring success by focusing on potential rather than unrealistic wishlists. The perfect veterinary team member often doesn't check every box but brings the right attitude and growth mindset to thrive in your specific environment. What Julie South covers in this episode: • Too many job adverts read like impossible wishlists rather than realistic requirements • Understanding the crucia...

Send us a text In today's competitive veterinary job market, skilled professionals have choices about where they work, making your clinic's culture your competitive advantage. This episode explores three practical strategies to showcase your genuine team culture in job ads to attract jobseekers who'll be the perfect cultural fit. • Culture isn't just a nice-to-have—it's what makes jobseekers choose your clinic over others • The "BBQ test": what team members would honestly say about your work...

Send us a text Ever wondered why your veterinary job advertisements aren't attracting the right applicants? The answer might be simpler than you think. Welcome to Episode 225 of Veterinary Voices, where we kick off an exciting new series about how to advertise job vacancies to build your stellar teams in the veterinary profession. Today, we're diving into a game-changing approach that transformed one clinic's year-long recruitment struggle into a successful hire within just two months:...

Send us a text Recent Massey University Veterinary Science Graduate, Dr Aodhan Wildbore, shares what truly matters for veterinary graduates starting their careers. His experience at Wanganui Vet Services showcases how essential proper mentoring is for new professionals – making the difference between thriving or leaving the profession entirely. Aodhan's no-holds-barred insights shatter common fears about first veterinary positions. "I actually don't feel like a new grad really," he shares, d...

Send us a text Ever wondered what makes a veterinary practice truly special? It's not just about the facilities or location—it's about creating a culture where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to use their full range of skills. In this chat with Bridget Swart, head veterinary nurse at Vets on Carlton in Whanganui, we talk about the daily rhythms of a clinic that's earned an impressive 4.7-star rating from its own employees. Bridget shares her journey as a "trans...

Send us a text Discover the heart and soul of rural veterinary practice through Dr Dave Rankin's eyes as he celebrates 30 years with Wanganui Vet Services - sister clinic to Vets on Carlton. Dr Dave's journey shows what makes a veterinary workplace truly special – the deep bonds formed with farming families across generations, the satisfaction of mentoring young professionals, and the joy of practicing diverse medicine from pregnancy testing cattle to performing emergency small animal ...

Send us a text What does it take to be a Veterinary Clinic "Employer of Choice" - Julie South catches up with Dianna - Head of Reception at Wanganui Vet Services (sister clinic of Vets on Carlton). If you're a veterinary professional looking to make your next move and Companion Animals is your thing, you owe it to yourself to check out Vets on Carlton in Whanganui. Dianna shares her 16-year journey at Wanganui Vet Services and Vets on Carlton, revealing what makes this veterinary practice a V...

Send us a text What happens when a non-veterinarian takes the helm of a veterinary practice? In this chat, Tom Dinwiddie reveals how his business background and people-first approach have transformed Wanganui Veterinary Services and Vets on Carlton into genuine Employers of Choice in New Zealand's veterinary landscape. At the heart of Tom's management philosophy lies a refreshing commitment to autonomy and accountability. "We allow people to make their own decisions and work autonomously," h...

Send us a text This episode focuses on the essential steps required to become a registered veterinarian in New Zealand, emphasising the importance of understanding the registration process for overseas applicants. Key topics include language proficiency, registration types, and examination requirements. • Overview of the veterinary registration process in New Zealand • Importance of a current Annual Practicing Certificate (APC) • Requirement for English proficiency and passing...

Send us a text As we venture into 2025, understanding recruitment dynamics is critical for veterinary clinics facing staffing challenges. Today Julie South looks into the current landscape of veterinary employment in Aotearoa New Zealand, emphasising the importance of a strong employer brand, adapting to immigration changes, and creating supportive workplaces. Julie recaps the impactful recruitment changes in NZs 2024 and crystal ball gazes into what she believes must happen in 2025: • Ov...

Send us a text Equine dental care in New Zealand is facing a crossroads, and Registered Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie is here to shed light on the pressing need for regulatory reform. The current landscape allows non-veterinarians to perform complex dental procedures on horses, posing significant risks to equine welfare. Join host Julie South and Dr Helen as she shares her passionate advocacy against these practices, highlighting the Ministry for Primary Industries' disregard fo...