50 years is a long time and even longer in dog years, but for Penrith Veterinary Hospital, which was built in 1969, it is a cause for celebration.
The busy practice has had a long history of helping furry friends from right across the local area.
Matthew and Sally Churchill have been vets at the practice for 24 years and took over ownership in 1999.
Mr Churchill told the Weekender that the premises has had major physical changes over the years.
“It was started by Tom Hungerford and was at the site currently occupied by the Plaza. Then in 1969 he sold the practice and it was built at its current site,” he said.
“Renovations were completed in 2002 to more than double the size of the hospital then in 2013 the adjacent building was made available to us which allowed us to double the size of the hospital again to what it is today.”
While the type of animals that the vet treats has changed, Mr Churchill said the loyal clients have remained.
“In the ‘60s and ‘70s house visits were done most days for farm animals but now our focus has become much more on companion animals,” he said.
“Many of our clients still remember the older vets and the practice in its original form.”
Over its half a century in operation, the practice has also built up an array of loyal customers.
“Many have been coming to us for 20, 30 or even 40 years,” Mr Churchill said.
“We have seen many generations of the same family as clients.”
The owners recently held a celebration to acknowledge the many vets, nurses and receptionists who have helped care for hundreds of thousands of pets and their owners over a 50-year period.
Mr Churchill said it was fantastic to look back at what the practice has achieved since the early days in the late ‘60s.
“It is good to look up from day to day duties and appreciate what a great achievement 50 years of service is,” he said.
“It’s wonderful to pay homage to the many people that have defined what Penrith Veterinary Hospital has been to so many people.
“Having so many people together that have made Penrith Veterinary Hospital what it is over such a long period of time was a special thing.”
A graduate of Western Sydney University, Emily covers Local, State and Federal politics for the Weekender, as well as crime and general news.
