What owners report about visiting
1 community reports｜1/5 details added｜Updated 9/1
The information below comes from anonymous owner reports and keeps updating; we still suggest confirming with the clinic before your visit.
What owners say
An owner has reported bringing their pet here for a consultation.
Can you rely on it
You can take a look, but don't treat it as a confirmed answer. The reality may still vary by time of day, vet on duty and on-site conditions.
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What owners say
Awaiting owner input on whether walk-in visits are possible.
Can you rely on it
It can't be used as a basis yet. If you need this information, call the clinic first.
Your experience helps too
If you've visited this clinic, adding one answer helps the next owner feel a little more certain.
What owners say
Awaiting owner input on wait times.
Can you rely on it
It can't be used as a basis yet. If you need this information, call the clinic first.
Your experience helps too
If you've visited this clinic, adding one answer helps the next owner feel a little more certain.
What owners say
Awaiting owner input on cost explanations.
Can you rely on it
It can't be used as a basis yet. If you need this information, call the clinic first.
Your experience helps too
If you've visited this clinic, adding one answer helps the next owner feel a little more certain.
What owners say
Awaiting owner input on TNR / stray-animal assistance.
Can you rely on it
It can't be used as a basis yet. If you need this information, call the clinic first.
Your experience helps too
If you've visited this clinic, adding one answer helps the next owner feel a little more certain.
Now collecting the questions owners want answered.
Have you been to this clinic?
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All of the above are anonymous, voluntary owner reports for reference only. They do not represent the clinic's official position; we still suggest confirming with the clinic before visiting.
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Owner Review Summary
Distilled from Google reviews — see what pet owners actually say
👍What Pet Owners Praised
Owners most often praised the team for being friendly, caring, professional and gentle with anxious or unwell pets. Many reviews describe clear explanations, good follow-up after procedures, and vets who listen to owners’ concerns and discuss treatment options. Positive experiences were reported across routine care, desexing, surgery, puppy school, grooming, emergency visits and end-of-life support.
💬Common Feedback & Suggestions
The reviews are strongly positive overall, but there are some repeated concerns worth noting. A small number of owners reported rude or unempathetic reception experiences, refusal or delay in seeing very sick animals, and disagreement with euthanasia recommendations. Pricing feedback is mixed: several owners found costs reasonable or good value, while others felt the clinic was expensive or were surprised by surgical costs; one review also criticised the cattery experience, and after-hours care being located away from town was mentioned as a drawback.
🏥Clinic Specialties
- General companion animal care
- Desexing and routine surgery
- Lump removal and diagnostic testing
- Puppy school
- Pet grooming and nail trims
- End-of-life care
🏷️Keywords
Overall Ratings
* Aspects marked with an asterisk are mentioned in too few reviews — scores are indicative only.
🐾Tips for Pet Owners
- Ask for a written estimate before surgery or more complex treatment, as pricing experiences varied.
- Use the online booking option for routine weekday visits, which reviewers found easy.
- Check after-hours arrangements in advance, especially if your pet may need urgent care outside regular hours.
- If your pet is nervous, mention this when booking; several owners said staff handled anxious pets gently.
- For grooming, cattery use, or puppy school, ask what the current setup and inclusions are before booking.
Other areas this clinic treats
Common conditions in each area
Conditions commonly treated here
Note: this content is for general reference only — it is not a diagnosis.
Abortion, Spontaneous (Early Pregnancy Loss)-Cats
Abortion, Spontaneous (Early Pregnancy Loss)-Dogs
Abortion, Termination of Pregnancy
Breeding, Timing
Cryptorchidism
Eclampsia
Contact
Opening Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00〜17:30 | |||||||
| 09:00〜12:30 |
Hours notice
Actual hours may change on public holidays or unexpected situations. Please call ahead to confirm before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions pet owners ask most often — tap a question to read the full answer. For other concerns, please consult a licensed veterinarian.
First Vets is located in Whanganui, Manawatū-Whanganui 4500. No train, ferry or light-rail station was found within walking distance, so driving is likely the easiest option, or you can check Google Maps for the nearest bus route. Street parking is typically available in the area, but check local signage before leaving your vehicle.
First Vets is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Sunday hours are not listed in the provided information, so call ahead to confirm if you need care outside the usual week.
You can contact First Vets by phone on (06) 281 3157 or visit their website at http://www.firstvets.co.nz/. Calling is best for urgent questions, current availability, quotes, or checking after-hours arrangements.
You can book an appointment with First Vets through their online booking option or by calling the clinic. Reviewers found online booking easy for routine weekday visits, and it is a good idea to mention if your pet is anxious, very unwell, or needs a longer consultation.
Consultation fees vary by clinic in New Zealand and are not set or regulated by a government fee schedule. Call First Vets for a current quote, and ask for an itemised written estimate before surgery, diagnostic testing, lump removal, or other procedures. ACC covers human personal injury only and does not cover pets; owners usually rely on private pet insurance or payment-plan options in general. If after-hours care is needed, fees are typically higher than standard consultations.
Most New Zealand vet clinics commonly accept EFTPOS, Visa or Mastercard, contactless tap-and-go such as payWave or PayPass, Apple Pay or Google Pay, and sometimes cash. Some clinics may also support pet-insurance claims or payment plans, but call ahead to confirm what First Vets currently accepts.
Reviews mention emergency visits and after-hours arrangements, but also note that after-hours care may be limited or located away from town. If your pet may need urgent care outside regular opening hours, call ahead during business hours to confirm the current after-hours process.
First Vets is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 199 reviews. Pet owners often praise the friendly, caring and professional team, clear explanations, gentle handling of anxious pets, and good follow-up after procedures. Some reviews mention concerns about reception experiences, pricing surprises, delays for very sick pets, and after-hours convenience, so it is worth asking clear questions before booking complex care.
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