Valley Farm Animal Hospital

20/10/2026

🏆 Pretoria, you’ve made our day! 🐾

We’re thrilled to share that Valley Farm Animal Hospital has been named Best Veterinarian in the Best of Pretoria Readers’ Choice Awards 2026! 🎉

Behind every wagging tail, happy purr and patient on the road to recovery is a team that cares deeply about what they do. Being recognised by our community makes all those early mornings, late nights and little victories even more meaningful.

To everyone who voted for us and continues to trust us with their beloved pets, thank you for being part of our Valley Farm family. Your support inspires us to keep learning, growing and giving every patient the care they deserve.

We’re proud to be here for Pretoria’s pets and the people who love them. Here’s to many more years of making a difference, one paw at a time! 🐾

19/10/2026

A little reminder that could make a big difference!

Is your pet’s microchip information up to date?

If your pet ever goes missing, having the correct contact details linked to their microchip can make all the difference in helping them find their way home.

Read the post below to learn how to check whether your pet’s microchip is registered and how to update your details if needed.

A few minutes today could make all the difference tomorrow!

🔍 Is Your Pet’s Microchip Registered Correctly?

A microchip is only as good as the information linked to it! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to make sure your pet’s details are up to date:

Step 1: Locate Your Pet’s Microchip Number
• Check your pet’s adoption/vaccination book OR
• Ask your vet to scan your pet to confirm the number.
• 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁: 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘃𝗲𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗽 – 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸!

Step 2: Find Out Which Database It’s Registered On
• South Africa has multiple databases.
• Knowing where your pet’s chip is registered makes it easier to add, update, or correct information.

Step 3: Confirm Your Contact Details
• Log in to the database or call them directly.
• Make sure your phone number, address, and email are correct.
• If you aren’t registered on the database, it’s likely your details were never captured – which makes the chip null and void!

Step 4: Update When Life Changes
• Moving house? New phone number? Update straight away!

✅ Tip: Add “Check my pet’s microchip” to your pet’s annual vet visit checklist. It’s quick, easy, and could make all the difference if your pet ever goes missing.

🐾 A registered, updated microchip could be the reason your lost pet finds their way home.

16/10/2026

UPDATE: Collected by owner

This boy (Husky cross) was found in Anderson Street, Menlopark and brought in to Valley Farm Animal Hospital.
Does he belong to you or do you know who he belongs to?
Please call us on 012 991 3573 or whatsapp on 066 302 2901.
Proof of ownership required.
Boarding or reduced chipping fee may apply.
We do not do adoptions via Valley Farm.

16/10/2026

A reminder to check out our client info hub page for FAQ's 🐾

Information Hub Answers to all your questions Welcome to the Valley Farm Client Information Hub. This page is designed to answer common questions and guide you to the fastest way to access our services. Many routine requests — such as booking appointments or requesting medication- can be completed...

15/10/2026

A delicate procedure for some very special patients!

Did you know that reptiles can also require specialised surgical care?

Dr Dorianne Elliott recently performed spay procedures on several reptiles at Valley Farm Animal Hospital. These delicate operations require an in-depth understanding of reptile anatomy, precise surgical technique and careful patient handling. 🩺

Unlike cats and dogs, reptiles have unique anatomical features that can make reproductive surgery particularly challenging. Their reproductive organs are located within the body cavity, and their species-specific physiology means that careful planning, anaesthesia and monitoring are essential throughout the procedure.

From preparation and anaesthesia to the surgery itself, every step requires precision and attention to detail to ensure the best possible care for these fascinating patients.

We’re proud to provide specialised veterinary care for a variety of species, ensuring that even our more unusual patients receive the expertise and attention they deserve.

14/10/2026

CPD EVENT: Feather Destructive Behaviour in Birds

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐯𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬!

Join us at Valley Farm Animal Hospital on 21 October for an informative CPD event hosted by Dr Dorianne Elliott, focusing on feather destructive behaviour in birds, one of the common reasons birds are presented to veterinary practices.

This session is an opportunity to explore this challenging behaviour and gain valuable insights to support your avian patients.

📅 Date: 21 October
📍 Venue: Valley Farm Animal Hospital
👩‍⚕️ Presenter: Dr Dorianne Elliott
🔗 Click the link to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQuM51Q6ItQnV4DvQPE2vPw-xzFBIgMyRiOatnBxkFb4QhMQ/viewform

⚠️ Please note: This event is exclusively open to registered veterinarians and veterinary nurses.

We look forward to welcoming you for an engaging and educational session!

14/10/2026

UPDATE - Crossed over the rainbow bridge 🌈

URGENT!! Injured. Receiving treatment.

This girl (DLH) was found in Queens Crescent, Lynnwood and brought in to Valley Farm Animal Hospital.
Does she belong to you or do you know who she belongs to?
Please call us on 012 991 3573 or whatsapp on 066 302 2901.
Proof of ownership required.
Boarding or reduced chipping fee may apply.
We do not do adoptions via Valley Farm.

13/10/2026

UPDATE: Collected by owner

This girl (Bull Terrier) was found in Frangipani Street, La Montagne and brought in to Valley Farm Animal Hospital.
Does she belong to you or do you know who she belongs to?
Please call us on 012 991 3573 or whatsapp on 066 302 2901.
Proof of ownership required.
Boarding or reduced chipping fee may apply.
We do not do adoptions via Valley Farm.

12/10/2026

Did you know that cataract surgery can help restore vision in pets? 🐾

Our Ophthalmology team answers some of the most frequently asked questions about phacoemulsification (PHACO) surgery.

1. What is PHACO surgery?
PHACO is a specialised cataract surgery that uses ultrasound energy to break up cloudy material in the lens, which is then removed using suction under an operating microscope.

PHACO surgery is very similar to human cataract surgery.

Veterinarians perform the procedure under general anaesthesia in animals. When appropriate, we can treat both eyes in the same procedure.

2. Is my pet a good candidate for PHACO surgery?
Not every pet with cloudy-looking eyes is a suitable candidate. A consultation with our Ophthalmology team is essential to assess the lens capsule and determine whether the condition can be treated with PHACO.

As this is an elective procedure, your pet's overall health and suitability for surgery must also be considered.

3. What tests are needed before surgery?
Two important pre-surgical tests help determine whether your pet is likely to benefit from surgery:
🔹 Electroretinogram (ERG): Assesses retinal function.
🔹 Ocular ultrasound: Examines the structures inside the eye.

These tests help establish whether the eye has the potential for useful vision after the cataract is removed.

4. What does recovery involve?
Successful surgery requires commitment from pet owners. Recovery includes regular eye drops, careful monitoring at home and frequent follow-up examinations.

Medication is usually reduced over time, but many pets will need ongoing eye drops, sometimes for life.

5. Will my pet be able to see again?
The outcome depends on the pre-surgical test results and the overall health of the eye. Removing the cataract allows light to pass through the lens again, restoring the visual pathway.

Following successful surgery, many owners report a noticeable improvement in their pets' vision.

Have questions about your pet's eye health? Contact our team to arrange a consultation with our Ophthalmology department.

12/10/2026

Don't forget to read the latest issue of Pet Pals Magazine online, where one of our very own has an article about rabbit dental care 🐇

Celebrate the special bond between pets and their people with expert advice, heartwarming rescue stories, and practical tips for happier, healthier pets. From bird and rabbit care to training, grooming, pet-friendly travel, adoption, and therapy animals, discover everything from everyday pet care to...