Senior Pet Care on the North Shore
Growing older with your pet is a special and deeply meaningful stage of their life.
As they age, you may start to notice small changes. In their movement, behaviour, or energy. It’s not always easy to know what’s normal and what might need attention.
With the right care and support, these years can still be filled with comfort, connection, and quality of life.
At The Village Vet, we provide personalised senior pet care for dogs and cats across Pymble, Killara and Sydney’s North Shore, helping you navigate this stage with confidence and support.
Book Now
When is a pet considered senior?
Pets are generally considered “senior” from around 7 years of age, although this can vary depending on their species, breed and size
Larger dogs tend to age more quickly, while smaller breeds and cats may become senior later in life. As pets age, subtle changes in behaviour, mobility, and overall health often begin to appear.
What changes should I expect as my pet ages?
As pets move into their senior years, you may start to notice many of the same changes we see in ageing humans.
These can include:
- Greying fur
- Slower movement or stiffness
- Reduced energy levels
- Changes in hearing, eyesight, and awareness
- Increased sleeping
- Behavioural changes or confusion
- A greater need for comfort and routine
These changes are often gradual and easy to miss, which is why regular health checks are so important.
How often should my senior pet visit the vet?
We recommend increasing your pet’s health checks to every 6 months.
More frequent visits allow us to detect changes early, manage developing conditions, and maintain your pet’s quality of life.
A proactive approach to senior pet care can significantly reduce the need for more complex and costly treatments later on.
At The Village Vet, we believe you know your pet best. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, give us a call so we can advise you on the best health care plan. Together, we can ensure we keep your senior pets happy and healthy to the very end of their beautiful lives.
What does a senior pet health check include?
- Diagnostic screening & pathology checks
- Vaccinations
- Parasite prevention
- Pain management
- Osteoarthritis (arthritis), joint health & mobility assessment
- Temperature regulation monitoring
- Dental Checks
- Prostate/mammary gland checks
- Skin, Coat and Nail Checks
- Cognitive, behavioural and emotional assessment
- Food, nutrition and water consumption review
- Exercise and lifestyle guidance
My pet is slowing down. Is it just old age?
Not always.
Many signs of ageing, such as reduced activity, stiffness, or behavioural changes, can actually indicate underlying pain or medical conditions like arthritis.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s important to have your pet assessed so we can support their comfort and wellbeing.
My pet is slowing down. Is it just old age?
Not always.
Many signs of ageing, such as reduced activity, stiffness, or behavioural changes, can actually indicate underlying pain or medical conditions like arthritis.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s important to have your pet assessed so we can support their comfort and wellbeing.
There are lots of options for us to improve your senior pet’s quality of life and help keep them thriving well into their golden years.
Palliative Care
Palliative care focuses on supporting your pet’s comfort and quality of life when they are living with a life-limiting condition.
Our experienced and empathetic team works closely with you to develop a personalised care plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
This may include:
- Pain management
- Symptom relief
- Mobility support
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
We are here to support both you and your pet through this stage with compassion, clarity, and understanding.
End-of-life care and euthanasia
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make.
Our veterinarians approach euthanasia with care, compassion, and respect, ensuring your pet’s final moments are calm, peaceful, and surrounded by love.
We offer:
- A quiet, supportive environment
- Guidance through the decision-making process
- At-home euthanasia options
- Support with aftercare arrangements
We are here to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in your decisions, whatever they may be.
Support for Pet Owners
We understand the emotional toll that comes with caring for a senior pet.
Whether you need guidance, reassurance, or support in making difficult decisions, our team is here for you every step of the way.
For out-of-hours emotional support, you can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Book NowThe Village Vet
At The Village Vet Clinics, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality vet services. Throughout all stages of your pet’s life, our compassionate and experienced team ensures your pet receives the best possible care. With cutting-edge equipment and a full range of facilities under one roof, you can trust us to offer expert recommendations and treatments tailored to your pet’s unique needs, no matter what your financial circumstances are. We strive to help your beloved pets live life to the fullest.
Book your appointmentWhy Choose us as your Vet?
Truly personal, Non-corporate care
Independent, family-owned, and community-driven. No corporate agendas. Just honest, personalised care tailored to each family’s individual needs and budget.
State of the art facilities
Advanced diagnostic imaging, surgical technology, in-house labs, and everything you’d expect from a much larger hospital. All delivered with genuine warmth and personal attention.
Fear Free-Inspired Care & Certified Calm Clinic
Every visit is designed to minimise stress and anxiety. Purpose built clinic designs, gentle handling, calming techniques, and a team trained in low-stress care makes all the difference.
Award winning
Three time Local Business Award winners and recognised as one of Australia’s Top 3 veterinary practices in 2025 & 2026. Our reputation is built on trust, consistency, and authentic client relationships.
What Pet Owners Say
Sue Cook
We own an elderly sausage dog who has weekly visits to see the vets and vet nurses for fluids for his kidney failure and laser treatment for his back .
All the vets and nurses in both practices are outstanding with their care. knowledge and understanding and I have great trust in everyone to provide the right course of treatment for our little boy to make his life more comfortable
Buddstopher Crudd
I recently took Nashi my puppy to The Village Vet Team for a consultation, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the care and service we received. From the moment we walked in, the staff was welcoming, friendly, and genuinely caring about my dog’s well-being. The receptionist greeted us with a warm smile and made the check-in process smooth and easy.
What really stood out during our visit was how professional and calm the staff remained, despite a neighborhood emergency happening that day. While there was a lot of hustle and bustle in the clinic, the staff handled everything seamlessly. They made sure all patients were attended to with the same level of care and attention, and it was evident that they were working under pressure, yet still provided top-notch service.
The clinic itself was clean, bright, and well-organized, with a calming atmosphere. It was clear that the staff values the comfort and health of their patients, which put me at ease as a pet parent.
Overall, I’m so happy with the care my dog received and will definitely be returning for future visits. If you’re looking for a compassionate, professional, and warm environment for your pet, I highly recommend The Village Vet Team. Thank you to the whole team for making Nashi and my visit such a positive experience!
David Bradbury
Wonderful people! My cat was in there for a week for treatment and I got a text message EVERY day with an update. Plus they sent me a picture. They did not need to do that and it completely put my mind at ease.
Exceptional experience.
J H
Martine and her team are just awesome to both myself and my fur babies. All issues were diagnosed and treated immediately. They are friendly from the time we step into the practice, organised, timely reminders to make sure my fur babies are healthy and well. Martine goes all out to check on results and calling after hours for reassurance. They are passionate in what they do. So glad my fur babies are in good hands. Thank you Team Martine.
James French
Have been using Pymble Veterinary Clinic for many years, all my dogs have been looked after by the team here, and even though I have moved further away, I still take my dog here. The staff are great, have the utmost respect for them.
Would not go anywhere else.
Jennifer Horne
We have been seeing Dr Martine and her team for over 10 years and would never go anywhere else. The wealth of knowledge the team has regarding diseases, diagnoses, treatment and treatment options, and prevention is second to none. The professionalism of the entire team, mixed with genuine care and affection for not only the patient but also the patient’s owners is present at every consultation. Knowing also that the latest medical equipment for diagnosis and treatment is on hand is very reassuring. Finally the monthly newsletter is a wealth of information and often a pertinent reminder of seasonal health issues such as tick season. If you are looking for a caring, highly skilled and extremely knowledgeable vet team look no further than The Village Vet.
Joanne Homeopath
Our dog Fernie is the biggest sook on the planet and tends to attract disaster. Needless to say we are extremely familiar with the wonderful team at The Village Vet. Fernie has had all manner of complications from a severed paw, chronic colitis, a large benign tumour removal on his front leg and testicular cancer as well as a number of other minor complaints. Every time we visit I know that he is going to receive the best care. Martine, Elle and every member of the team take the time to assess his needs and work out the best treatment plan for him. We don’t know how we would have coped with Fernie without the love and support of The Village Vet in both Pymble and Killara. We cannot recommend them highly enough. 🙏
Cate Duvendack
We moved from the USA to Australia last year and brought our two dogs with us, Aspen the lab and Bella the Cocker Spaniel. Both older dogs so I was so happy to find such wonderful care for them from the team at the Village Vet in Killara. Unfortunately Aspen was unwell this year and is no longer with us but the care and compassion shown by Dr Elle was exceptional. After Aspen passed I received the most beautiful note from Elle which I will keep always. I cannot recommend this clinic highly enough – from reception to the vet nurses to the Doctors. Thank you so much for helping us make the most of the last years of both our much loved family members.
Andrew Miller
We’re so grateful to The Village Pymble Vet for their care and compassion during our beloved dog Dyson’s final days. Dr Anabel Thomas was incredibly kind, empathetic, and professional — her clear communication and gentle support meant the world to us. Thank you, Dr Thomas, and the entire team. You are a true credit to your profession.
Coralie Schofield
Since we got a puppy 3.5yrs ago we have always visited the Village Vet. We really appreciate the genuine care, the follow up after an incident/illness & being able to pay the gap only is a bonus. The staff from reception to nurses and vets can’t be faulted for their individual interest, care, professionalism and knowledge. Thank you all.
Janine Jones
Friendly, caring and professional staff in a calm environment. Martine and the team have always been genuinely concerned about the happiness and health of our dog Ted, who loves visiting the practice at Pymble because he knows he is going to get so much attention and affection (and treats!) from the minute he bounds through the door….
David Han
I can’t recommend Martine and her veterinary team highly enough! From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that they are genuinely passionate about the health and well-being of your pet. Their knowledge and expertise is exceptional—they take the time to be thorough and ensure every concern is addressed with care and professionalism.
Their state-of-the-art facilities complement their exceptional veterinary skills to provide top-tier treatment. The entire team always goes above and beyond to make sure your furry friend receives the best possible care. I also love that they participate in sustainable initiatives to help protect the environment :)
If you want a veterinary team that treats your pet like family and delivers outstanding care every step of the way, Martine and her team are simply the best!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Person Name
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Person Name
Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Pet Care
Senior pets commonly experience conditions such as arthritis, dental disease, weight changes, and age-related organ issues. Regular health checks help detect and manage these early.
Senior pets should generally be seen every 6 months to monitor their health and detect changes early.
Age depends on species, breed and size. For many dogs, “senior” begins around 7–8 years (some large breeds may show signs earlier). For cats, signs of “senior” often begin around 7–10 years.
Yes. Senior pets often have lower energy needs because activity and lean muscle mass tend to decline as they age. They may also benefit from diets formulated for older pets, with attention to joint health, organ support, and easier digestion. Exercise and activity should be gentler and more consistent.
Not always. Slowing down can be a sign of pain or underlying health issues, so it’s important to have your pet checked.
This decision is based on your pet’s quality of life, comfort, and ability to enjoy daily activities. Our team will guide you through this process with care and support.
Book Your Pet’s Senior Pet Care Appointment
Book a senior pet health check
Support your pet’s comfort, health, and quality of life with personalised senior care.
📅 Book online here or call us to secure an appointment:
📍 Pymble Clinic: 9499 4010
📍 Killara Hospital: 8350 5678
