Durban Vet closes after 75 years

THE Durban Veterinary Clinic closed its doors permanently on Wednesday, July 26 after 75 years of providing veterinary care to animals on the Berea. According to the resident vet at the clinic, Dr John Tasseron, the clinic first occupied premises on old Berea Road (where the N3 now runs) and moved to 12 Currie Road around 1970. “I have been trying to find a veterinary buyer for the practice since November 2021, with no success. The decision to sell was initially triggered by the looting and unrest in July 2021. We have lost many clients to emigration and ‘semigration’ over the past five years. The area has gradually densified which has meant that homes which would previously have housed families with pets have now become blocks of flats or businesses. Tough economic conditions for many of our pet owners have had a negative impact on us,” said Tasseron.

ALSO READ: Markets in the 031: Golden Hours Family Market has much to offer

Tasseron said that the fact that they have been unable to find a vet to buy the business meansthat the business has had to face the reality that the present location is no longer appealing for a veterinary business. “Anyone who lives in the area will have seen the slow creep of urban decay around our practice. We have sold the building to a non-veterinary party. My family and I have decided to immigrate to Australia – thus joining the ever-increasing numbers of South Africans leaving our beautiful country as we have deep concerns about the long-term future,” he said.

The veterinarian says that he’ll be leaving behind a great community and wonderful memories. “I have so enjoyed getting to know my clients and their pets in the 11 years I’ve owned the clinic. I have followed the life journeys of many of your family pets, from first meeting them as bouncy young pups or kittens and then looking after them as they became older and frail and often having to give that final injection to ease their suffering and say goodbye to them in their old age. I’ve also watched your children grow into young adults, and it has been wonderful to be a part of this Berea community. I am going to miss the many wonderful people who trusted me to look after their pets, and I hope you’ll understand that making the decision to close this clinic has been one of the hardest of my life.”

ALSO READ: World Nature Conservation Day: Conservationist shares tips to reduce your carbon footprint

Tasseron says he will be working at Umbilo Veterinary Clinic, opposite Port Natal School, for two days per week from early August for several months until his immigration plans are finalised. “For August and September, I will also be working at Umhlanga Veterinary Hospital at 181 Ridge Road for two days per week. Please contact the respective practices to see which days I will be working as the roster will be flexible,” said Tasseron.

For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.