Beyond the Consulting Room: NSW Centenary Awards Honour Leaders Protecting Animals and the People Who Love Them

Being a veterinarian is rarely just about what happens inside a sterile examination room. At its best, it is about community, empathy, and protecting the fragile bond between animals and their humans.

That dedication was front and centre at the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW’s Annual General Meeting in Parramatta on Monday, 9 November, where four outstanding practitioners were presented with the 2026 Centenary Awards. Marking a century since formal veterinary registration began under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1923, the awards celebrate leaders across One Health, One Welfare, and professional practice.

“Being a veterinarian is not simply about what you know clinically. It is also about what you contribute,” said Board President Dr Magdoline Awad. “It is about sharing knowledge, mentoring others, improving animal health and welfare, and leaving the profession and the community a little stronger than you found it.”

While the 2026 roll of honour spans research into equine dentistry, aquatic biosecurity, and chronic joint pain, one recipient’s grassroots work offers a powerful reminder of how caring for animals can transform human lives.

Spotlight: Dr Mark Westman – One Welfare Award

Dr Mark Westman, co-founder of the national charity Pets in the Park, was awarded the Centenary One Welfare Award for his tireless leadership in protecting the human–animal bond, as well as his vital contributions to feline viral disease research and veterinary education.

From James Herriot Dreams to City Streets

Westman originally envisioned becoming a traditional rural vet, inspired by James Herriot and childhood holidays on his grandparents’ Wagga Wagga dairy farm. But while studying at the University of Sydney, a talk about volunteering with street dogs in Bali redirected his path. After graduating in 2003, he spent five formative years at the RSPCA in Sydney, committing his focus to shelter animals and community welfare.

The catalyst for Pets in the Park arrived when a high school friend running a Parramatta soup kitchen noted that clients arriving for food assistance were also desperate for help feeding and treating their companion animals. Westman began heading down to the park with basic vaccines, flea treatments, and advice. Alongside co-founders Dr Leah Skelsey, Linda Warlond, and Vicky Cawsey, that local initiative evolved into a nationwide charity providing free veterinary care to pets belonging to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Changing Lives at Both Ends of the Leash

“Pets in the Park starts as free vet care, but it gives us unique access into people’s lives to help in other ways,” Westman explains.

He recalls an Iranian refugee client who attended clinics for 15 years with two small terrier crosses that were “his absolute life”. Over time, the volunteer network rallied far beyond veterinary care: a volunteer lawyer connected him with immigration support for his visa, and colleagues helped him secure accommodation in a granny flat at a local veterinary clinic, where he is now exploring casual work.

For Westman, dismantling public misconceptions around disadvantaged pet owners remains a crucial mission.

“People can be quick to judge and assume that people experiencing homelessness have pets for self-serving reasons or that the animals aren’t well cared for,” he notes. “After almost 15 years with Pets in the Park, I can tell you that our clients absolutely love and adore their animals. They often put their pets’ needs ahead of their own.”

“A dog living rough on the street with its owner can have all its needs met and experience excellent welfare, sometimes better than a dog living an unstimulated and unfulfilled life in a mansion’s backyard.”

Groundbreaking Research & Future Projects

Alongside his community fieldwork and his primary role as a veterinary microbiologist for the NSW State Veterinary Laboratory, Westman has authored over 20 peer-reviewed papers on feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). As chair of the Australian Feline Retrovirus Advisory Panel, he championed mandatory confirmatory testing guidelines to prevent shelter cats from being unnecessarily euthanased due to false-positive initial tests. He is currently supporting clinical trials using human HIV antiviral medications to treat affected cats.

His next major undertaking is Community Vets—a student-led hospital model that pairs practical veterinary student training with free or subsidised care for disadvantaged pet owners.

“Do what you can with what you have so you can help make your own little sphere of the world a better place,” Westman says. “Small actions can grow into something much bigger.”

Meet the Other 2026 Centenary Award Recipients

Left to right: Dr Oliver Liyou (Professional Practice Award), Dr Mark Westman (One Welfare Award), and Dr James Fensham (Early Career Award) at the AGM in Parramatta. Recipient A/Prof Sanaa Zaki (One Health Award) was unable to attend.

The Centenary Awards also celebrated three other leaders whose work protects animals across land, sea, and clinical practice:

• Dr Oliver Liyou – Professional Practice Award
  Based in Northern NSW, Dr Liyou is a pioneer in equine dentistry education through Equine Veterinary & Dental Services (EVDS), training vets across Australia to treat dental disease and keep rural practices viable. During the catastrophic 2022 Northern NSW floods, Dr Liyou opened his South Grafton clinic to house displaced horses and coordinated regional emergency veterinary relief. He also works actively on mental health initiatives for practitioners.
• Dr James Fensham – Early Career Award (Inaugural Recipient)
  Created to recognise exceptional leadership within the first ten years of graduation, this inaugural award honoured Dr Fensham for his work in aquatic animal health. Working across commercial aquaculture, Dr Fensham focuses on preventive biosecurity, food safety, and antimicrobial stewardship—ensuring antibiotics are used responsibly in aquatic farming while teaching the next generation of aquatic veterinarians.
• Associate Professor Sanaa Zaki – One Health Award
  Leading the University of Sydney’s One Health Musculoskeletal Research Group, A/Prof Zaki bridges animal and human medicine to tackle osteoarthritis and chronic pain. By exploring how human therapies can treat joint disease in animals—and vice versa—her work holds enormous promise for older pets suffering from debilitating mobility issues. She is also a champion of veterinary mental health, developing curricula covering resilience, communication, and self-care for new graduates.

With over 5,100 veterinarians registered in NSW, the 2026 awards highlight that whether treating street dogs in a city park, rehabilitating flood-affected horses, or studying chronic joint pain, veterinary care extends far beyond the clinic walls.

For more information, visit 2026 Centenary Awards

Whether your pup has been 10/10 good, mildly mischievous, or simply running elite 24/7 backyard security, the festive season is here—and it’s time to settle their well-earned Christmas bonus!

In our 2026 Christmas Gift Guide for Dog Lovers, we have handpicked 20 exceptional gift ideas across every category imaginable: from rugged road-trip essentials and crash-tested travel gear to luxury designer walkwear, mouth-watering festive feasts, summer aquatic loungers, and custom keepsakes made just for pet parents.

Best of all, we have teamed up with top Aussie pet brands to bring Australian Dog Lover readers exclusive discount codes, Black Friday early-access savings, and complimentary shipping. Pour a cold drink, explore our ultimate holiday list below, and find the perfect surprise for your favourite dog person or furry mate under the tree!

Give the gift of peace of mind for every adventure together.

For the dog who goes everywhere with you, the HowlTrek Trek Pack is a thoughtful Christmas gift that earns its place in every beach bag, daypack, and camping setup.

Packed with 37 first aid essentials, including a snakebite bandage and first aid guide, it helps you provide initial care when your dog needs attention away from home.

Weighing just 350g and measuring approximately 17 × 11cm, this compact kit slips into your bag or attaches to your belt for easy access. From everyday walks to Christmas camping trips, it’s a little pack you’ll be glad you brought along.

A little pack. Extra peace of mind.

RRP: $69.00. Use code ADL15 for 15% off when you shop the HowlTrek Trek Pack

There’s a moment at every campsite when the fire’s crackling, the sun’s dipping, and your dog edges closer, wanting to be part of it all.

The Outbark Best Friend Camp Chair makes room for that moment.

One side is yours; the other is a dedicated 90cm lounge made just for them—featuring breathable mesh for hot summer nights and a plush, removable mat when it cools down.

Engineered with a rugged steel frame that holds up to 270kg, it easily folds down into a single shoulder bag ready for every beach day, road trip, and Christmas getaway. Whether treating your own pup or gifting the ultimate dog lover in your life, the best summer memories are made side by side.

RRP: $299.00

Special Offer: 10% off with code AUSDOGLOVER10 + Free shipping Australia-wide

Shop The Outbark Best Friend Camp Chair here

Game, Set, Christmas: Tennis Gifts for Dog Lovers from Pupcourt!

Designed in Melbourne, Australian brand Pupcourt brings a fun, pup-themed twist to activewear and court accessories! Featuring original Golden Retriever and Cavoodle character illustrations, Pupcourt offers the ultimate gifts for tennis players and active dog lovers.

Choose the Racket Set (fresh overgrips, string dampeners, and custom pup tennis ball), the Matching Set (cushioned crew socks, wristbands, and headband for the court or gym), or the Full Kit featuring the entire collection.

Every box arrives ready to gift in a reusable, versatile tote featuring both pups on court—no extra wrapping needed! Delivered Australia-wide.

RRP: $59.90 for the Racket Set or Matching Set, $94.95 for the Full Kit.

Shop gift boxes for dog lovers at pupcourt.com.au

Treat your pup—and your car—to first-class travel with the SlingGuard Front/Back Seat Protector, the benchmark for luxury, durability, and backseat protection.

Proudly designed in Australia for local conditions, it features an all-season reversible design: ultra-dense faux fur for natural summer cooling and winter warmth on one side, and heavy-duty 100% waterproof denier on the flip side for muddy paws and salty beach days.

A padded core adds stability to help soothe anxious travellers, while zip-up side panels transform the back seat into a secure cocoon bed (or lay flat to fit an SUV/wagon cargo area). Thoughtful cut-outs provide easy seat belt access for harnesses, passengers, or child seats.

Best of all, it’s machine washable and effortlessly brushes clean of dirt and pet hair.

Special Offer: Use code DOGLOVER for 10% off.

RRP: From $165.00. Shop at slingguard.com.au

Planning a holiday road trip with your pup?

South Australian brand Ranger K9 is redefining pet travel safety with their premium, crash-tested dog Northbound Harness—designed for both vehicle safety and everyday adventures.

Tested to Australian Standard AS 5384:2023, Ranger K9 moves beyond products simply labelled "car safe."

Featuring an ergonomic, anatomical fit and full freedom of movement, it combines maximum protection with sleek modern style. Because dogs are family, not cargo!

RRP: $159.95. Readers get 10% off with exclusive code DogLovers10 when you order at Ranger K9.

This Christmas, make every walk feel special with MIA COOSH, Melbourne-designed luxury accessories for extra-small to medium dogs.

The Signature Walk Set pairs a comfortable no-pull harness with a matching collar, lead, and poop bag holder for a beautifully coordinated look.

Crafted from soft, durable vegan microfibre leather with matte gold hardware, each piece combines everyday comfort with timeless style. Choose from festive Rouge Red and Emerald Green, or classic Vanilla Cream, Caramel Brown, and Dark Chocolate.

Matching Harness and Collar Sets are also available, with complimentary express shipping Australia-wide. A thoughtful gift for pups and their people.

RRP: Signature Walk Set $319 | Harness Set $269 | Collar Set $199.

Exclusive Reader Offer: Enjoy 20% off the entire collection with code DOGLOVER20 at miacoosh.com.au

Skip the Salon and Save on Grooming at Home

Some classics earn their spot every year, and the Fur King 2000 Dog Hair Clipper is one of them. With summer coats about to come off, it’s the perfect gift for pet parents ready to skip the salon and save on grooming at home.

The cordless clipper weighs 218 grams and runs for up to four hours on a charge, so there’s plenty of time to groom one dog or several. Low noise and low vibration help keep nervous dogs calm, while two speed settings and a replaceable ceramic blade make easy work of every breed and coat type.

The kit includes guard combs, scissors and a metal comb, making it beginner friendly straight out of the box. Over 200 Australian reviews back it up.

Special Offer: Save 10% using code DOGLOVERS10.

RRP: $149.99 at furking.com.au

The Paw-fect Personalised Christmas Gift: Small Gift, Big Love

Spoil your furry best friend this festive season with a beautifully engraved pet tag from Pet ID Tags Australia.

Custom engraved with your pet’s name and essential contact details, these tags ensure safety meets style. The durable, precision engraving keeps your pet easily identifiable while adding a unique touch of personality to their collar.

Choose from an extensive range of styles to suit every dog, including premium stainless steel, vibrant colourful aluminium, eye-catching glitter, and exclusive designer tags. They make an affordable, thoughtful stocking filler every dog lover will appreciate.

Proudly Australian-owned since 2002.

Special Offer: Use code PAWXMASGIFT at checkout for an extra 10% off.

RRP: From $19.90 (includes free postage Australia-wide) at petidtags.com.au

Because Christmas Is Theirs, Too

Make your Boxer part of something truly memorable with the BoxerFurever Women’s Summer Matching PJ Set.

Perfect for slow holiday mornings and opening gifts beneath the tree, this exclusive set pairs ultra-soft, breathable bamboo-spandex sleepwear for her with silky-soft matching dog pyjamas tailored specifically to the Boxer build.

Lightweight and cooling for the Australian summer, it features an original Boxer-inspired print and a comfortable ribbed waistband.

It’s a thoughtful way to celebrate an unforgettable bond, both on Christmas Day and throughout the year. Created by an Australian Boxer mum, $1 from every sale supports Australian Boxer rescues.

Special Offer: Use code ADL1026 for 10% off when you order at boxerfurever.com.

RRP: $140.00 (includes free shipping).

The dog already has a coat. This one’s for the hooman!

Super Unleashed makes custom embroidered sweatshirts for dog people, each featuring a fun message only their breed’s hoomans will truly understand.

Choose from 20+ popular breeds—including Labs, Aussies, Corgis, Dachshunds, Frenchies, Goldens, Cavoodles, Groodles, and more.

Custom designed in Sydney and made to order in sizes S to XL, with colours ranging from pale pink to charcoal.

Every dog lover knows their breed is the best—now everyone else will too!

Special Offer: Australian Dog Lover readers get 15% off the Embroidery Collection with code ADL15, plus free shipping.

Order by 11 December for guaranteed Christmas delivery.

Shop: Shop the Super Unleashed Embroidery Collection here

Give your dog a seat at the Christmas table with the 5 Hounds limited edition Christmas Box.

Included in this festive delivery are 10 x 500g fresh food pouches of Christmas Lunch Turkey Bowl (adult or puppy variations available), an 80g pouch of Turkey and Cranberry freeze-dried treats, and a tub of Synbiotic Powder.

Turkey is a lean, high-quality protein that’s gentle on the gut, making it a great choice for fussy eaters and sensitive dogs. Each bowl is gently cooked in small batches with fresh vegetables, so your dog can tuck into their turkey feast and safely share in the festive fun with the whole family.

Available for Christmas 2026 only, while stocks last. Free shipping included.

Valued at $170, yours for $125. Order the 5 Hounds Christmas Box here.

For all Australian postcodes: order by 18th December to guarantee your box arrives before Christmas.

Canine Christmas Cravings? Make It Unforgettable with Super Feedy.

Give your best mate a calmer, healthier Christmas with Australia’s award-winning 4-in-1 Slow Feeder Dog Bowl — now available in a small size for just $49.95.

Lovingly crafted by Aussie dog parents, this smart bowl does it all — it slows down eating, cuts the mess, and keeps your pup happy and healthy.

Designed for real life, it’s a slow feeder, reversible lick mat, travel lid and prep bowl in one. It’s built tough, dishwasher-safe, and perfect for everyday meals or road trips.

No gimmicks. Just smarter feeding. That’s why 1600+ dog parents rate it 5 stars — and why it’s the Winner of the 2025 Pet Innovation Award.

Vet-endorsed. Eco-friendly. Designed in Australia. Because every dog deserves a calm, joyful mealtime. As the festive season rolls in, give your pup the gift of better feeding.

RRP: $79.00. Save 15% with code ADL15 — only at superfeedy.com.

Make a Splash: The Ultimate Summer Setup for Water-Loving Dogs

Summer holidays mean sunny boat trips and backyard pool days, but getting back out of the water shouldn’t be a struggle. Make a splash this festive season with the ultimate aquatic safety and lounging duo from Crocpad.

Level up the summer fun with the Floating Water Mat. Made from heavy-duty closed-cell foam, it unrolls instantly with zero inflation needed—creating the perfect floating sun deck for pools, lakes, and boats. Available in 2m, 3.6m, and 5.5m lengths, it lets humans and dogs lounge side-by-side all summer long.

Pair it with the Crocpad Inflatable Dog Ramp to give pups safe, independent access out of pools, boats, or docks. Built with rugged drop-stitch construction and high-traction paw grips, its weighted mesh entry dips below the waterline so dogs can climb aboard effortlessly. Available in Medium (up to 45kg) and Large (up to 65kg) for stress-free swimming.

Special Offer: Grab 10% off using code AUSTRALIANDOGLOVER at checkout.

RRP: Floating Water Mat from $320.00 | Dog Ramp from $420.00.

Shop the range: Explore Floating Water Mats | Explore Inflatable Dog Ramps

Treat your favourite dog lover (and their four-legged best mate) to an unforgettable Sydney Harbour adventure this Christmas!

The relaxed 60-minute Dogs on Deck cruise by Sea Sydney Harbour invites pups and their humans to soak up iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge views from the water. While dog parents indulge in delicious grazing platters and BYO drinks, lucky hounds can enjoy tasty treats, fresh harbour breezes, and plenty of festive cuddles on deck.

Running Sunday afternoons from October to February, it is the ultimate experience gift for making unforgettable holiday memories together.

Plus, this season Sea Sydney Harbour is donating 1% of Dogs on Deck ticket sales to Sydney Dogs & Cats Home to support animals in need.

RRP: $88 for 1 Adult + 1 Dog (Additional adults $69; Children $29. Booking fees apply.)

Schedule: Sunday afternoons (October through February)

Book Gift Vouchers / Tickets: Book Your Dogs on Deck Cruise Here

A Christmas Gift for Budding Vets: Future Vet Kids Camp

Give your young animal lover an unforgettable holiday adventure! Future Vet Kids Camp offers an immersive, five-day summer program for kids aged 9 to 17 who dream of caring for animals.

Run by real-life veterinarians—including twin sisters Drs Audrey and Alison Shen from TV’s Bondi Vet—the camp gives kids an authentic look behind the clinic doors. From learning canine health checks and modern therapies to exploring surgery basics and animal welfare, it's the ultimate hands-on experience.

• Where: Waverley College, Sydney (or attend globally via the Virtual Online Vet Camp)
• When: 4–8 January & 11–15 January 2027
• Perfect for under the tree: Book a Sydney camp spot directly or gift them a Future Vet Kids Camp Gift Card.

The face waiting at the door. The head resting in your lap. The little companion who makes an ordinary day feel like home. For the person whose dog is family, Belle Fever's Forever In My Heart Necklace keeps that love close.

Their favourite photo is engraved on a heart-shaped pendant, turning a moment they treasure into something they can wear.

This Christmas, give them a gift that says, 'I know how much they mean to you.' A keepsake of the love they share, whether their best friend is beside them or held in their heart.

Price: From $88 (AUD).

Shop: Shop Belle Fever's Forever In My Heart Necklace here

Turn Their Favourite Dog Photo Into a Gift They'll Treasure

Stuck on what to get the dog lover who has everything? Give them their best friend, turned into art.

Oh Barney transforms a favourite photo into a personalised, hand-illustrated portrait that captures every quirk: the head tilt, the wonky ear, the look that means "dinner?"

Choose a high-resolution digital portrait, a professionally printed and framed piece, or a custom Christmas ornament for the tree. Multiple dogs welcome, even from separate photos.

Loved by Aussie dog owners, with 1,300+ five-star reviews and 30% of customers coming back for more.

Readers get 15% off with code DLXMAS15. Order early to beat the Christmas cut-off!

Shop: Custom Dog Portraits Australia

Turn a cherished dog photo into an original miniature masterpiece this Christmas.

Each Furever Art portrait is individually hand-painted in acrylic with remarkable attention to detail, capturing your pup’s unique expression, markings, and personality.

Beautifully presented in an ornate vintage-style frame with a display stand, these compact artworks make a stunning addition to any home, desk, or bedside table.

Simply upload your favourite photo after ordering and receive a digital proof before your custom artwork is carefully packaged and shipped.

Whether celebrating a beloved family hound or honouring a pet-loss memory, these bespoke portraits make unforgettable Christmas keepsakes for dog lovers.

RRP: From $95 AUD (Opening Offer: 20% off storewide from $76 AUD)

Special Offer: Free Worldwide Delivery included with every order.

Shop Now: Order Your Custom Pet Portrait Here

Give the Gift of Fresh Air: A Home That Breathes Easy, Fur and All!

This Christmas, skip the gifts that end up in the cupboard. Give the pet parent in your life cleaner air, fewer floating furballs, and a home that smells like home—not like the dog bed—with the Levoit Vital 100S & Vital 200S People & Pet Air Purifiers.

Built for homes shared with four-legged family, the Levoit Pet Series tackles pet hair, dander, and odours at the source. Its 3-stage filtration combines a washable pre-filter, an activated carbon filter, and a HEPA filter capturing 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns.

The U-shaped air inlet pulls in floating fur before it settles, while dedicated Pet Mode targets hair and odours without blowing out the power bill. With Pet Lock, curious paws can’t change your settings. Control it all from the Levoit App—choose the Vital 100S for bedrooms or the Vital 200S for open-plan living.

RRP & Black Friday Christmas Sale Offers:

• Vital 100S: RRP $319.00 — Black Friday Sale: $239.00 (Save $80)
• Vital 200S: RRP $499.00 — Black Friday Sale: $399.00 (Save $100)

Stock arrives mid-November! Explore the Levoit range at Dasher Australia 

Give your pet protection a little extra thought this festive season with Pet Insurance Australia’s Select & Protect.

And right now, get your first TWO Months Free*!

With Select & Protect, you choose an annual benefit limit of $15,000, $25,000 or $35,000, along with a choice of 70%, 80% or 90% benefit percentage and flexible excess options*.

There are no sub-limits, plus GapOnly® for on-the-spot claims at participating vets#.

Want more from your cover? Optional add-ons include Booster Care, for additional cover for specified dental conditions and specialised therapies, including behavioural therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture and hydrotherapy.

You can also choose Routine Care, a non-insurance benefit designed to help with selected everyday pet care expenses.

Find out more: petinsuranceaustralia.com.au

*Offer eligibility, exclusions, waiting periods, limits and policy T&Cs apply. Offer ends 30th June 2027.
# GapOnly® available at participating vets.

Still Looking for the Ultimate Dog Gift? Check Out Guide #1!

Don’t stop here—there’s plenty more festive inspiration to uncover! In our 2026 Christmas Gift Guide for Pampered Dogs, we have rounded up another 22 pawsome gift ideas packed with exclusive reader discount codes.

From gourmet advent calendars and interactive puzzle toys to orthopaedic beds, luxury pamper hampers, and road-trip gear, it covers every pooch, lifestyle, and budget.

Best of all, you’ll be backing Aussie small businesses and shopping locally while spoiling your four-legged family on Christmas morning.

👉 Explore the 2026 Christmas Gift Guide for Pampered Dogs & Save!

Beyond the Classroom: Young Animal Lovers Discover What Being a Vet Involves

From surgical skills to wildlife encounters, Future Vet Kids Camp gives young animal lovers a real-world taste of veterinary life this summer.

• Apply for a PetSure Scholarship by 30 November 2026
• Christmas gift vouchers available

What can a blood test tell us about a sick animal? How do vets stitch a wound? And what does it take to care for different species?

For curious young animal lovers, Future Vet Kids Camp offers a chance to explore these questions first-hand through practical activities, encounters with animals, and conversations with the veterinary professionals who care for them.

Returning to Waverley College in Sydney on 4–8 January and 11–15 January 2027, the five-day school holiday programme welcomes children aged 9 to 17—whether they dream of becoming a veterinarian or simply want to learn how to better care for animals.

A Virtual Online Camp will run alongside the Sydney programme from 4–17 January 2027, allowing children across Australia and overseas to join the classroom live, ask questions, and participate in real time.

The Sydney camp is already drawing strong interest from well beyond NSW, with registrations received from children in South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria, as well as international campers from South Korea, Fiji, and the United Kingdom.

Real-World Vet Experience Led by Bondi Vet Stars

Designed by twin veterinarians Drs Audrey and Alison Shen from the Bondi Vet TV show, Future Vet Kids Camp brings authentic veterinary medicine into the classroom. This January’s Sydney camp will be led by Dr Audrey alongside experienced instructors and guest presenters.

Having also expanded the camp to Singapore earlier this year, the sisters remain deeply passionate about inspiring the next generation of animal advocates.

Dr Audrey Shen explains that hands-on experiences give children the opportunity to build a meaningful understanding of animals alongside life skills that reach far beyond camp.

“As vets and mums, Alison and I love seeing children’s curiosity grow when they have a chance to get involved,” says Dr Audrey.

“Working through a veterinary case, for example, encourages them to look for clues, ask questions and discuss what might be happening to an animal. We want them to understand what they’re doing and why. Trying something unfamiliar and working together also gives them a chance to learn that they don’t have to know the answer straight away.”

“Whether or not they become vets, we want them to leave with greater confidence to explore their interests and a deeper understanding of how to care for animals.”

Learning Through Hands-On Experience

Camp activities are tailored across three dedicated age groups: Wombats, Kookaburras, and Junior Vets. Practical workshops give campers the chance to learn veterinary techniques using specially designed models, covering essential skills such as pet CPR, simulated blood draws, and suturing.

Older campers in the Junior Vet stream take their learning further through in-house surgical workshops led directly by Dr Audrey, practising techniques on realistic training models—including simulated desexing procedures. They will also work through clinical veterinary cases, discovering how practitioners use patient histories, blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasound scans to diagnose health issues.

Each group also heads out into the field:

• Wombats: Visiting Calmsley Hill City Farm and Sydney Zoo.
• Kookaburras: Visiting MediPaws—a specialist and 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in Leichhardt (a brand-new addition to the camp programme)—to learn about emergency care and animal rehabilitation.
• Junior Vets: Travelling to the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary to explore Australian wildlife conservation, alongside a dedicated surgery observation day at Hills Animal Hospital.

Beyond clinical practice, the curriculum introduces children to a broad spectrum of animal-related careers while exploring animal health, behaviour, rescue, and native habitat conservation.

“Whether or not the kids end up following the path to a career in veterinary medicine, just being around different animals and making like-minded new friends has such a positive impact on them,” adds Dr Audrey.

Six PetSure Scholarships Available

PetSure, one of Australia’s leading pet insurers, is continuing its longstanding support by funding six scholarships for young animal lovers: three places for the Sydney face-to-face camp and three places for the Virtual Online Vet Camp. Applications close on 30 November 2026.

PetSure Chief Executive Officer Alexandra Thomas said:

“We’re thrilled to be back for a twelfth year with Future Vet Kids Camp. Each summer this programme helps young people with a love of animals have a taste of veterinary life, and we’re proud to help six more kids, in Sydney and online, be part of it.

“Supporting the veterinary profession and the next generation coming into it matters to us, and programmes like this play a part in that. Australia’s next great vet or vet nurse could be in this group. Whether these campers go on to a career in animal care or simply grow up as caring, confident pet guardians, we can’t wait to see where their passion takes them.”

Gift Vouchers and Enrolments

Families unable to attend in person can register for the Virtual Online Vet Camp from anywhere across the country.

For parents and grandparents searching for an unforgettable Christmas gift for a dog- or animal-loving child, the camp offers an inspiring experience packed with learning, skill-building, and new friendships. Gift vouchers are available.

Bookings are now open—visit www.futurevetkidscamp.com to secure a place or apply for a scholarship.

January 2027 Registrations OPEN NOW!

Face-to-Face Camp Dates: Jan 4 – 8 & Jan 11 – 15, 2027

Location: Waverley College, Waverley NSW | Daily hours: 9am – 3:30pm | Cost: $750

Virtual Online Camp: Runs Jan 4 – 17, 2027 | Cost: $295

For more information and to register online, please visit www.futurevetkidscamp.com or phone 0435 267 252. View the full Program Schedule.

About Future Vet Kids Camp

Future Vet Kids Camp offers veterinary-inspired school holiday programmes where children can explore their passion for animals in a safe, supportive environment. Led by qualified veterinarians, experienced instructors, and specialised animal handlers, the programmes encourage responsible pet ownership, introduce children to veterinary medicine and related animal professions, and nurture a lifelong appreciation for animal welfare. 

To discover more, visit www.futurevetkidscamp.com.