Swanzdale Veterinary Care Centre

Swanzdale Veterinary Care Centre is an independent, first‑opinion small animal practice established in 2000 by Matt Purnell and Trish Johansen (taking over an existing practice on the same site). The clinic is equipped for in‑house diagnostics and surgery, with facilities including ultrasound, digital x‑ray, endoscopy and full lab facilities, plus separate dog and cat hospital areas and a sterile theatre.

From the latest reviews available to us, owners most often describe prompt, hands-on care for acute illness (including an intestinal blockage found on x‑ray and removed surgically), and vets who take time with pets (including getting down to the animal’s level during consults). There are also accounts of the team investigating sudden severe illness thoroughly even when the outcome is poor.

Services

• •First-opinion small animal care (as described on the clinic website).
• •Diagnostics on-site: ultrasound, digital x‑ray, endoscopy, and full laboratory facilities.
• •Surgery and inpatient care: large preparation (“prep”) area described as the surgical hub; sterile theatre for more complex procedures; separate dog and cat hospital areas.
• •Anaesthesia/monitoring: anaesthetic machines and monitoring equipment are specifically mentioned.
• •Emergency veterinary services are listed in the structured clinic data (details such as how it’s provided are not stated in the inputs).
• •Veterinary nurse training facility is listed in the structured clinic data.

People

• •Matt Purnell (founder; role not specified beyond establishing the practice).
• •Trish Johansen (founder; role not specified beyond establishing the practice).
• •Oliver (vet, named in a review): credited with leading care for a dog with an intestinal blockage, including rapid surgery after x‑ray.
• •Reviews repeatedly mention the wider vets, nurses, and reception team having time for questions and engaging directly with pets (for example, “get down with your pets”).

Reviews

4.9 stars from 383 reviews. “”

• •Fast action for serious illness: one owner describes x‑ray diagnosis of an intestinal blockage followed by swift surgery to remove it, saying it “saved my dog’s life.”
• •Time spent in consults and practical handling: owners mention staff making time and interacting at the pet’s level.
• •Thorough attempts even in end-of-life situations: one review describes the team “pull[ing] out all the stops” to find the cause of sudden illness; the pet died the same evening, but the owner felt everything possible was done.
• •General impressions of service: multiple reviews describe “first class care” and “excellent vets,” but with limited detail beyond those statements.