Veterinarians, vet technicians, practice managers, rescuers, behaviorists, nutritionists, trainers, volunteers, and other animal professionals are the backbone of pet ownership. Helping pets and their families live in harmony and health together.

Catster wants to highlight some of these underrated champions of the animal world—who we like to refer to as Heroes of The Pet World.

We will interview some of the most inspiring vet clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, and rehabilitation organizations around the world to share all the wonderful and oftentimes harsh experiences they face while working to help, heal, guide, revitalize, and protect our furry family members.

These are the stories of unsung animal superheroes!

Meet Dr. Cherry Choi, Lead Veterinarian at Sydney Veterinary Emergency & Specialists (SVES).

Mission

In your own words, what is the Sydney Veterinary Emergency & Specialists (SVES) mission and purpose?

Sydney Veterinary Emergency & Specialists (SVES) is dedicated to providing the highest level of emergency and specialist care to pets in need. Our mission is to offer compassionate, comprehensive, and the best medical recommendations and treatments to improve the lives of pets and support their families during critical times. We strive to be a trusted partner in the pet community, offering exceptional veterinary care around the clock.

What is your individual mission or goal, as a vet professional and as a person?

To me, ensuring they are comfortable and receiving the attention they need. Personally, I aim to continuously grow my skills, stay updated with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, and advocate for animal welfare. My goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their owners, one case at a time.

Day-to-Day Experience

What is it like being a vet professional in Australia and at SVES?

Being a vet in Sydney, especially at SVES, is both challenging and rewarding. The fast-paced environment of emergency and specialist care keeps you on your toes, and you never know what might come through the door next. We are fortunate to work in a vibrant city with a strong community of pet lovers, and at SVES, we have access to cutting-edge technology and a skilled team that makes tackling even the toughest cases possible.

How big is your team?

Our team is quite extensive, including specialists in various fields, emergency vets, dedicated nurses, and support staff. We have a collaborative environment where everyone plays a crucial role in patient care. Altogether, our team comprises over 80 individuals who work together to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

Do you have staffing shortages and how do you deal with them?

We are fortunate to have a solid and dedicated team. However, many veterinary practices sometimes face staffing shortages due to high demand for veterinary services, especially in emergency care. We manage this by prioritizing cases based on urgency, supporting each other as a team, and continuously recruiting skilled professionals who are passionate about veterinary medicine. We also emphasize work-life balance to retain our staff and maintain high morale.

How many animals on average do you help on a weekly basis?

We see hundreds of animals each week. Our emergency department is busy 24/7, and we also have scheduled appointments for specialist departments. The volume can vary, but our commitment to each patient’s well-being remains constant.

Challenges and Rewards

What is the hardest part of your job? How do you handle euthanasia and patient loss?

The hardest part of being a veterinarian is dealing with patient loss and providing compassionate support to pet owners when making the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize their beloved pets. It’s never easy, but I remind myself that euthanasia is also a “treatment option” to prevent further suffering. We support pet owners through this process, offering empathy and understanding. It’s essential to take time to process these moments, lean on our team for support, and focus on the positive impact we’ve made on the pets’ lives.

What are some of the biggest challenges that your organization faces?

Some of the biggest challenges include managing the high volume of cases, the emotional toll on staff, and staying ahead of advancements in veterinary medicine. Additionally, ensuring that pet owners are educated and prepared for emergencies can be challenging, but it’s something we continually work on.

What is the most rewarding part of doing what you guys do?

The most rewarding part is seeing a pet recover and go home with their family. Knowing that our work directly contributes to saving lives and making a difference for families is incredibly fulfilling. Every positive outcome, no matter how small, reminds us why we do what we do.

Future

What are Sydney Veterinary Emergency & Specialists’ main goals for the future?

Our main goals include expanding our services to reach more pets in need, continuing to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and training, and maintaining our standard of excellence in veterinary care. We also aim to foster a supportive environment for our staff and further engage with the community to promote pet health and education

Stories

What are some of the accomplishments or specific animals that have made a big impact on you as a person or on your team?

There are countless stories of animals that have touched our hearts. One that stands out is the case of a dog that came in after a severe accident and wasn’t expected to survive. Through intensive care and the combined efforts of three of our departments and day-and-night teams, he made a remarkable recovery and was able to go home with his family. Stories like these inspire us to keep pushing our limits and doing everything we can for our patients.

How to Help

How can the general public help make your lives easier?

The public can help by being proactive with their pets’ health, having regular check-ups with their local general practice vets, staying up-to-date with preventative care, understanding what constitutes an emergency, and reaching out for advice when needed.

If someone wants to visit, join, support, or volunteer at the Sydney Veterinary Emergency & Specialists (SVES) where can they find more information and get in touch?

BVSc MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery) GC-SAECC

ECC lead veterinarian 

Sydney Veterinary Emergency & Specialists

675 Botany Rd, Rosebery NSW 2018

P: 02 9197 5800