At Vet Marlborough, we’re proud to have a team of dedicated veterinarians who are passionate about providing the very best care for animals. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Dr Kathy Preston, one of the friendly faces you may see around the clinic.
From caring for beloved family pets to sharing valuable advice with pet owners, Kathy brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her role. We sat down with her to learn more about her journey into veterinary medicine, her love of animals, and what she enjoys most about being part of the Marlborough community.
What inspired you to become a veterinarian?
When I was a teenager, I watched a vet drop a horse with an injection, castrate it, give it more drugs to wake it up, and the next minute it was eating! That’s magic stuff! What keeps me in it is the variety of the work.
Do you have any pets of your own?
Oh, yes, always. I currently have 2 cats that rule my house and my life (definitely the bed).
What do you love most about working in this community?
The Marlborough community are so kind and clearly love their animals. I’m new here. I thought North Canterbury people were amazing, but Marlburians are next level.
What’s one piece of advice you wish every pet owner knew?
Get pet insurance, especially for young dogs. They do get themselves into trouble, and insurance can save both owners and the veterinary team a great deal of anguish. It allows us to provide the very best care without costs becoming such a major concern. Occasionally, we are accused of “only being in it for the money,” and those comments can be very hurtful to teams who care deeply about their patients and clients. Pet insurance helps remove some of the difficult financial conversations from the equation, allowing the focus to stay on the pet’s wellbeing.
Do you have a favourite animal? What is it and why?
I love cats and dogs and don’t like to play favourites BUT, what I love about cats is that they are all unique individuals and are such survivors (often needing and using those 9 lives).
Meet Dr Kathy
Whether she’s helping a young puppy, caring for a senior cat, or supporting pet owners through difficult decisions, Dr Kathy is passionate about delivering compassionate veterinary care. Her love of animals, appreciation for the Marlborough community, and practical advice make her a valued member of the Vet Marlborough team.
Be sure to say hello to Dr Kathy next time you’re visiting the clinic. And if there’s a question you’d like us to ask one of our team members in a future feature, we’d love to hear from you!