Over 40 Years of Care

A Legacy of Community Care

Since 1969, Swan Hill Veterinary Clinic has been a cornerstone of animal health in the region. From a small arcade practice to a multi-generational modern facility, our commitment to locally grown expertise remains unchanged.

Our HistoryMeet the Team
Family Owned
Locally Grown
Multi-Generational

Our Journey

Tracing our roots from a small town practice to a comprehensive regional veterinary center.

The Beginning

The Formative Years

Dr. Bob Taylor arrived in Swan Hill, joining Dr. Dion Donalis in a small practice located in the town centre arcade. Following Dr. Donalis's retirement, Dr. Mike Russell joined in 1973, forming a partnership in 1974 that would shape the region's veterinary care.

Black and white street view of a town with vintage cars parked along both sides and a hotel sign reading 'White Swan Melbourne Bitter'.
1969
Exterior of Swan Hill Veterinary Hospital building with signage and glass entrance doors.
Growth & Relocation

Expansion Era

The clinic relocated to its current home on the Murray Valley Highway. As demand grew, the team expanded, adding associates in 1988 and 1994 to support increasing small animal needs.

In 1999, major renovations doubled the clinic's size to accommodate the growing community.

1983
The Next Generation

Transition & Partnership

A pivotal year marked by the retirement of Dr. Bob Taylor, ending Victoria's longest-running veterinary partnership. The legacy continued as Mike's sons, Tim and Ben, returned home to take over the practice.

Group photo of thirteen people standing indoors, all dressed in dark casual attire, with shelves and stuffed dog toys on the wall behind them.
2007
Four smiling veterinary staff in navy uniforms standing outside Swan Hill Veterinary Hospital.
Modern Facility

Modern Care, Led by Experience

Since 2007, we’ve continually invested in our facilities and technology to deliver high-quality care across all animal types.

In 2026, our leadership expanded with Dr Jack Atkin-Smith joining as Practice Owner, strengthening our commitment to exceptional veterinary care and long-term client relationships.

Companion
Equine
Livestock
NOW

Our Philosophy & Commitment

We believe in delivering veterinary care that is compassionate, honest, and built on long-term relationships — supporting both animals and the people who care for them.

Compassionate Care

Every animal is treated with genuine care, respect, and understanding, ensuring their comfort and wellbeing at every stage of life.

Built on Trust

As a family-owned, multi-generational clinic, we value honest communication, transparent advice, and strong, lasting relationships with our clients.

Professional Excellence

Our team combines experience with ongoing education and modern technology to deliver high-quality care across companion animals, equine, and livestock.

Community Focused

We’re proud to support the Swan Hill community — working closely with local pet owners, farmers, and equine clients who trust us with their animals.

Meet Our Local Team

Our team of dedicated professionals are passionate about animal care. With deep roots in the Swan Hill community, we treat every animal as if they were our own.

Locally Grown Veterinarians
Man in navy blue shirt with 'Skin Hill Veterinary Clinic' text smiling next to a large brown dog looking up.

Tim Russell

Veterinarian & Practice Owner

Tim graduated from the University of Queensland in 1999. Working in an Equine Specialist practice in South Australia for 2 years he was heavily involved in equine reproduction, lameness evaluations and orthopedic surgery. He then moved to Queensland working in a general mixed practice working mainly with large animals in particular horses and cattle. He then returned to horse reproduction working in the Hunter Valley Region of NSW until returning home to Swan Hill in 2007. Tim enjoys working in general mixed practice with a special interest in equine reproduction.

Smiling man with a stethoscope around his neck leaning on a metal fence in an outdoor rural setting.

Ben Russell

Veterinarian & Practice Owner

Ben graduated from the University of Queensland in 2003. He started work in Mount Isa & stayed for 2 years. Following this he spent 1 year in Kingaroy, before coming to Swan Hill in 2007 to take over the practice with his brother Tim. Ben grew up in Swan Hill & is keen on all facets of mixed practice.

Man in navy scrubs kneeling on grass and smiling next to a large white dog sitting beside him.

Dr Jack Atkin-Smith

Veterinarian & Practice Owner

Jack graduated University of Adelaide in 2017 and began his career in Central Queensland developing a keen interest in small animal orthopedics and internal medicine. Starting a family has brought him closer to home and has settled into Swan Hill Vet Clinic at the beginning of 2023. Out of work interests include anything outdoors including camping, fishing and four wheel driving.

Woman in a baseball cap and polo shirt holding the reins of a brown horse wearing a protective fly mask and blanket.

Angie Mercer

Practice Manager

Angie has been involved in the veterinary industry for over 20 years. She started in Queensland and has been an integral part of this clinic since 2008.

Smiling woman in a navy polo shirt holding a small black and white dog outdoors.

Dr Anna McCowan

Veterinarian

Anna graduated from James Cook University, Townsville in 2023. After 14 years of living in rural Queensland, Anna relocated to Swan Hill to start her career and to be closer to her family in Birchip. She has a love for cats but enjoys working with both small and large animals.

Veterinarian in a clinic holding a small white and brown dog on an examination table.

Dr Vanessa Hocken

Veterinarian

Vanessa grew up near Horsham and graduated from the university of Adelaide. She moved to Swan Hill to work in mixed practice. In Vanessa’s free time she enjoys reading, digital art and long walks in serene places.

Woman in navy scrubs kneeling on grass outdoors with three small dogs, two sitting beside her and one in front.

Teagan Lewis

Veterinary Nurse

Teagan has been working at the clinic as a veterinary nurse since 2012. In 2017, she completed her Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. During this time she has been running puppy pre-school classes which are enjoyed by all. She is known for adopting all the strays, regardless of species.

Woman sitting on outdoor wooden steps next to a golden retriever dog, both looking at the camera.

Rachael Hoare

Veterinary Nurse

Rachael has been a part of the team since 2014, starting as a work experience student to completing a school based apprenticeship. In her spare time she plays netball and enjoys water sports. Rachael really enjoys the practical aspect of being a veterinary nurse. Rachael has completed her Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing.

Smiling woman crouching on a concrete surface outdoors, hugging a brown dog while a black and white dog lies nearby.

Brittany Dunstone

Veterinary Nurse

Brittany has been a part of our clinic team since October 2018. Brittany has just been accepted to study a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University in 2023. Other than studying Brittany enjoys spending time with her dogs and family.

Smiling woman kneeling on grass outdoors with three dogs, including two black and white mixed breeds and one large German Shepherd.

Rhiann O’Meara

Veterinary Nurse

Rhiann joined our team in February 2022. Rhiann has completed Certificate IV in Vet Nursing. Since she was little, she has always had a passion for animals. In her spare time Rhiann loves reading and playing sport such as water sports, netball and horse riding. She loves to spend time with family and friends but most important, with her fur babies Nala, Kujo and Freya.

Young woman kneeling on grass, smiling, holding a lamb with a golden retriever sitting beside her.

Breanna Dickson

Veterinary Nurse

Breanna joined our team in June 2022. She has completed Certificate IV in Vet Nursing. Breanna loves that she has the ability to help animals when they cannot help themselves. In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, playing netball and spending time with all her farm animals.

Smiling woman in navy scrubs walking two brown horses on a grassy field under a partly cloudy sky.

Chloe Date

Trainee Nurse

Chloe joined the team in January 2024. She is in her final year of Cert IV Veterinary Nursing. Outside of work Chloe trains her own racehorse and enjoys spending any free time (if she finds free time) with friends and family

Woman in navy scrubs kneeling outside holding two small dogs with green and red harnesses.

Hollie Bath

Veterinary Nurse

Hollie joined the team in May 2024 and currently completing her final year of Cert IV Veterinary Nursing at Bendigo Tafe. Hollie adores spending time outdoors especially at the river.

Woman in navy scrubs smiling and standing behind a large black dog wearing a pink coat on a wooden deck with gray metal siding in the background.

Supriya Labana

Trainee Nurse

Supriya joined our team in April 2023.

Young man kneeling on grass field with an Australian Shepherd dog with blue eyes on a leash.

Jackson Doolan

Trainee Nurse

Jackson Joined our team in March 2025. In his spare time he enjoys bonding with his border collie Bonnie and riding horses. Jackson hopes to turn his passion of animals into a career in the veterinary field.

Logo for Swan Hill Veterinary Clinic featuring outlined animal icons including a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, and a horse in red text and graphics.

Family-owned, multi-generational veterinary practice serving Swan Hill and surrounding rural communities with compassionate, high-quality care.

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Services
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Contact
Primary - 03 5032 2483
Emergency - 0417 529 462
swanhillvet@westnet.com.au
224 Murray Valley Hwy, Swan Hill VIC 3585
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
8:30am - 6pm
Saturday
9am - 12pm
Sunday
Closed
24/7 Emergencies
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