23/04/2026
WHAT DO WE DO, AND WHY?
Through Alice Veterinary Centre, Northern Territory Veterinary Services and Aboriginal Community Veterinary Services, our team regularly travels out from Alice Springs and Katherine to work alongside communities, councils, and local organisations, supporting the health and wellbeing of dogs where they are a deeply important part of everyday life.
Our focus is on the simple, high-impact care that makes the biggest difference:
• Desexing
• Parasite control (especially for conditions like scabies)
• Vaccination
• Treatment of injuries
At its core, this work is about improving animal welfare but it’s also about supporting healthier, safer communities! When dogs are well cared for, there’s less spread of parasites and disease, fewer bite incidents, and a safer environment for all community families and children.
The broader impact is significant. Healthier dog populations mean less overcrowding, less dog fighting and reduced pressure on households. Kids can play more safely, families are dealing with fewer skin infections (usually from mange) and sick animals, and there’s a stronger sense of confidence and calm around dogs in the community.
This work isn’t always easy. It’s physically and emotionally demanding for both vets and nurses, often in challenging conditions but it’s also some of the most meaningful work we do. In the end, being vets and vet nurses - we love animals and love being able to help them, and also help those who care for them! Being a consistent, local veterinary presence (being based in Alice Springs and Katherine) - working with communities rather than just visiting- is what allows real, lasting change to happen.
We see the challenges (large dog populations and limited access to services) but we also see the strength. The connection people have to their animals and to Country is clear, and it’s something we’re proud to support.
We’d like to thank the countless wonderful people we meet on our visits and the warm welcoming communities who are always happy to see the Vet Mob roll into town!
Our upcoming May visits will include Barrow Creek, Kings Canyon Outstations, Titjikala Outstations and Muṯitjulu, as we continue this work on the ground.
