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Raising the Bar for Pet Care: Leichhardt Welcomes MediPaws, a New 24/7 Specialist HospitalInner West pet owners and general practice veterinarians now have a dedicated, state-of-the-art resource for urgent and complex pet health needs.
The opening of MediPaws Specialist Veterinary Centre in Leichhardt marks a significant advancement in local pet care, offering a new model that prioritises advanced medicine, collaboration, and compassion.
The purpose-built hospital, located on Catherine Street, was founded with a singular mission: to make world-class veterinary care more accessible to the community. It combines cutting-edge facilities with a full team of highly skilled veterinarians and specialists to offer a comprehensive range of services under one roof, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The purpose-built hospital, located on Catherine Street, was founded with a singular mission: to make world-class veterinary care more accessible to the community. It combines cutting-edge facilities with a full team of highly skilled veterinarians and specialists to offer a comprehensive range of services under one roof, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“We saw a clear need for a fully staffed, round-the-clock emergency and specialist hospital in Sydney’s Inner West,” — MediPaws General Manager Kelly Althaus.
“Our goal is to work closely with referring vets to ensure pets and their families can access advanced care when it’s needed most.”
Comprehensive Expertise, Day or Night
For pet owners, this means continuity of care without the stress of being directed to multiple referral centres. The centre currently offers 24/7 Emergency, as well as specialised services in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, and Diagnostic Imaging.
The scope of care is extensive. On the surgery front, the hospital is equipped for highly complex procedures, including advanced total elbow and ankle replacement surgeries—which are exclusive to MediPaws in the Sydney region—led by Surgery Specialist Dr Daniel James. Internally, specialists can perform minimally invasive procedures such as laser lithotripsy to treat bladder and urethral stones, significantly improving recovery times.
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Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Dennis Woerde performing minimally invasive laser lithotripsy to treat urinary stones |
Advanced Diagnostics for Better Outcomes
At the core of the MediPaws offering is a significant investment in diagnostic and treatment technology. The hospital features advanced imaging capabilities, including MRI and, most notably, Australia’s only SPECT-CT scanner for clinical veterinary use.
This SPECT-CT scanner sets a new benchmark for specialist pet care, capturing both anatomy and function in a single study. This unique insight allows for precise diagnoses and tailored treatment planning for complex conditions like cryptic lameness, functional disorders, cancer, and organ disease.
Veterinary Oncologist Dr Sonya Yu notes that the investment is all about the patient. “Better imaging, safer chemotherapy facilities, and tailored therapies all translate to improved outcomes and quality of life for the animals we treat,” she explained.
Built with Compassion in Mind
While the technology is advanced, the hospital’s design is deeply rooted in patient comfort. The entire facility has been built with an emphasis on minimising stress.
At the core of the MediPaws offering is a significant investment in diagnostic and treatment technology. The hospital features advanced imaging capabilities, including MRI and, most notably, Australia’s only SPECT-CT scanner for clinical veterinary use.
This SPECT-CT scanner sets a new benchmark for specialist pet care, capturing both anatomy and function in a single study. This unique insight allows for precise diagnoses and tailored treatment planning for complex conditions like cryptic lameness, functional disorders, cancer, and organ disease.
Veterinary Oncologist Dr Sonya Yu notes that the investment is all about the patient. “Better imaging, safer chemotherapy facilities, and tailored therapies all translate to improved outcomes and quality of life for the animals we treat,” she explained.
Built with Compassion in Mind
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Receptionist Chandelle French welcomes clients, ensuring a compassionate first point of contact. |
This includes a gold-standard cat-friendly environment with dedicated feline-only entry points, waiting and treatment areas, and tailor-made hospital cages to create a calm space for feline patients.
Safety is also a priority in the oncology ward, which features a negative-pressure environment and dedicated hazardous-drug handling zones to ensure best-in-class safety standards.
Collaboration at the Heart of the Community
MediPaws was designed to be a true partner to the Inner West’s general practice veterinary community. By prioritising clear referral pathways, with clinically trained support staff providing timely updates and clear discharge summaries, the hospital aims to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.
Hospital coordinator Abbey Benson acts as skilled point of contact for referring veterinarians, using her experience in speciality nursing and team management to support smooth communication and case management.
Safety is also a priority in the oncology ward, which features a negative-pressure environment and dedicated hazardous-drug handling zones to ensure best-in-class safety standards.
Collaboration at the Heart of the Community
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A happy patient enjoying the low-stress environment in the MediPaws reception area |
Hospital coordinator Abbey Benson acts as skilled point of contact for referring veterinarians, using her experience in speciality nursing and team management to support smooth communication and case management.
“I am passionate about building a specialist hospital that partners closely with the GP community to ensure that every patient gets the right care at the right time,” said Kelly Althaus.
This collaborative approach means the hospital is an extension of every local vet’s care, available when advanced intervention is needed.
For Referring Veterinarians and Clinics:
To discuss referrals, specialist services, or to arrange a tour of the hospital, contact the MediPaws team via referrals@medipaws.com.au or call 1800 678 387.
To discuss referrals, specialist services, or to arrange a tour of the hospital, contact the MediPaws team via referrals@medipaws.com.au or call 1800 678 387.
Celebrate the Grand Opening on October 18!
To introduce this new community resource, MediPaws is opening its doors to the public. You are invited to the official launch this week, a fun-filled morning for the whole family—pets included!
Come along to meet the team, see the state-of-the-art facility for yourself, and celebrate the arrival of this new standard of care in the Inner West.
What’s On:
Details:
- Meet the MediPaws Team & Specialists: Chat with the experts who will be caring for your pets.
- Guided Hospital Tours: Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the hospital departments.
- Inner West Pet Market Stalls: Browse a selection of food, treats, and pet accessories.
- Food & Fun: Enjoy coffee, delicious gelato, and a classic sausage sizzle, plus face painting and family attractions.
- Social Media Competition: Get involved in the Pet & Owner Lookalike Contest and the Best Dressed Pet Challenge for your chance to win a year’s supply of premium pet food!
Details:
- Where: MediPaws, 233 Catherine Street, Leichhardt
- When: Saturday, 18 October 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Website: medipaws.com.au
Register your interest on the Facebook event page to stay up-to-date and join the celebration!
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