Stoke Veterinary Hospital

02/06/2026

Season has changed brrrr ❄️. Welcome to winter!
Keep warm everyone! post a picture of your rascal cats having fun playing inside 🐈

29/05/2026

Nelson City Council’s cat management bylaw comes into effect from 1 June this year.

The bylaw requires owners of domestic cats over the age of four months to microchip, desex, and register their microchip with the New Zealand Companion Animal Register. It’s our way to encourage responsible pet ownership.

Our focus is education over enforcement to ensure that domestic cats are well cared for, can be easily reunited with their families if they get lost, and their population is managed humanely and effectively.

We want to ensure all cat owners meet the required standards by providing clear expectations and consistent support across the community. Veterinarians will continue to provide care without judgement, ensuring everyone feels confident bringing their pets in whenever they need help.

The bylaw may assist in distinguishing feral and stray cats from companion cats by requiring desexing and microchipping but does not have any powers relating to feral or stray cats.

Unlike domestic cats, management of feral or stray cats is covered separately under the Tasman Nelson Regional Pest Management Plan, which applies only to feral or stray cats and excludes residential areas. It has specific site-led rules for feral and stray cats in high-value biodiversity areas of Nelson.

In rural areas with low risk of capturing domestic pets, biosecurity staff can provide advice and, if deemed necessary, may loan live capture traps to landowners.

Neither the bylaw nor the Regional Pest Management Plan provide new powers for community-led feral cat management. This includes individuals or groups taking cat management into their own hands. Owned cats are legally considered property and harming them is unlawful.

28/05/2026

Long weekend clinic hours
Saturday and Sunday
Open 10am - 4pm consultations by appointment please
Duty veterinarian on call Monday 1st of June for emergencies 🐾
Take care and enjoy your long weekend 😊

27/05/2026

Check out a great career! If you are keen on studying vet nursing check out Vet Nurse Plus 😁 Enrolments are now open for 2027
You could meet patients as well behaved as 'Jerry' 🐕
Isn't he cute!!!

Students enjoying the opportunity to engage with Vet Nurse Plus Tutor - Lara at the North Shore Career Expo.
Jerry our 'life-sized dog manikin' also attended for students to experience hands-on, to just some of the tasks involved in this exciting career as a Diploma Veterinary Nurse.

Applications are now open to enrol for 2027
www.vetnurseplus.co.nz/course/nz-diploma-in-veterinary-nursing/

21/05/2026

This wee baby has been brought into the clinicthis morning. Was found in the woolworths Stoke car park. If you think this may be yours please contact on 03 5477891 or pop into the clinic. A photo is required.

18/05/2026

Celebrating some of our smallest but hardest workers in the animal kingdom!
World Bee Day is an international observance intended to raise awareness about the critical role of bees in maintaining global biodiversity, ecosystems, and food security. The day emphasizes the importance of protecting bees and their habitats, promoting sustainable beekeeping practices, and supporting scientific research to better understand the challenges and threats facing these species. Bees play a vital role in pollinating plants, including those that produce many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that form the basis of our diets.

The observance of World Bee Day was officially adopted by the United Nations in 2017, following the initiative of Slovenia, a country with a strong beekeeping tradition. In New Zealand, this day holds particular significance given the unique native bee species, the role of honeybees in pollinating the country's agricultural crops, and the thriving honey industry based on the internationally renowned manuka honey. Honeybees and native bees, as well as other pollinators, contribute significantly to New Zealand's agricultural production and local biodiversity, highlighting the importance of this international observance in raising awareness and spurring action to protect these insect populations.

To celebrate World Bee Day in New Zealand, communities and organizations host various events and activities to engage people in learning about bees and their importance. World Bee Day is observed annually on May 20th, providing an opportunity for New Zealanders to engage and connect with the vital work of bees and their role in supporting the nation's agriculture, industry, and natural ecosystems.

World Bee Day facts
According to the UN, about 35% of invertebrate pollinators (bees and butterflies) face global extinction due to human impact.
A single honeybee can produce around 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.
A typical honeybee colony can consist of 20,000 to 80,000 bees during peak season.
The first hive of honey bees was introduced to New Zealand in 1839 by Mary Bumby, a missionary who brought them from England to help pollinate her garden.
The indigenous mānuka tree, known for its antibacterial properties, is a popular source of honey produced by New Zealand bees.

23/04/2026

How lucky are we?!! This week marks a remarkable milestone - Diane’s 25th year at Stoke Vets! Di has played various roles, from vet nurse to reception, finance, and practice manager and in each, showcasing her dedication.

We are deeply grateful for your unwavering commitment Di and each one of us is incredibly proud to have been part of your journey. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts 💕

23/04/2026

22/04/2026

ANZAC DAY SATURDAY 25TH APRIL 2026 CLINIC HOURS
Open 10am - 4pm for consults by appointment please
Pre-paid prescriptions only may be collected before 1pm - all other prescriptions and
retail needs can be purchased between 1pm-4pm
MONDAY 27TH APRIL - CLINIC IS CLOSED FOR PUBLIC HOLIDAY OBSERVATION as we take time to reflect ♥
Emergency veterinary advice will be available all day/evening - phone 035477891 for assistance

21/04/2026

Special recognition week for every one of our staff who spend time working in our busy reception area. Bringing kindness to all our animal friends.

Having patience for worried pet parents ♥. Giving great advice and coping with some really curly questions we appreciate everything you do to keep the clinic humming along.

Love that you like to share your workspace with pictures of the patients you see as family, they know where to head for the best (most delicious) treat dealing! 🐕🐾🐈🐈‍⬛🪿🐇🐁

An integral part of the whole loving caring Stoke team; the clinic couldn't do it without you all - Thanks a bunch!!