Our mission

To create peace of mind for clients, by delivering exceptional patient care 24/7.

Emergency Healthcare team

Our story

Fiercely independent and locally owned and operated since 2004

At AREC (Animal Referral and Emergency Centre), we provide peace of mind to pet owners and local vet clinics of the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Hunter regions (and further afield!) by offering trusted after-hours, emergency and referral veterinary services.
 
Established by Dr David Tabrett, AREC is a privately owned and operated emergency veterinary hospital. We’re a family-oriented, non-corporate and fiercely independent ASAV-accredited Hospital of Excellence with a collaborative team of more than 110 employees.
 
Each year, we take care of thousands of pets with the care, calm and compassion our clients have come to know and trust.
 
Our team comes from a diverse range of backgrounds, and our decisions and behaviour are guided by our core values: Respect, Diligence, Professionalism, Excellence, Empathy, and Integrity. With a strong focus on professional development, mental health and work-life balance, our compassionate team and leadership are just a small part of what makes AREC special.
 
And now, we’re expanding! At our new, larger, state-of-the-art emergency hospital, we can welcome additional referral services and care for more pets with the same trusted approach. Watch this space for more information!

Meet our team
of animal experts

The outcome of veterinary treatment can vary from absolute joy to desolate sadness. Whatever the result, it will be achieved with our best effort.

Arec core values

Respect

We always communicate honestly and openly with our clients.

ProfesSionalism

We speak and act with professional courtesy to each other and our referring partners.

Empathy

We care for our clients and each other.

Excellence

We maintain evidence-based clinical standards and strive to be at the cutting edge of best-practice veterinary care.

Diligence

We are committed to learning and growth.

Integrity

We follow through on our Care Plans and we do what we say we’ll do.

Join our team

Our vets and vet nurses are the
of everything we do.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

AREC is committed to providing a safe work environment for all staff members, clients and patients. Our team members are here to help you and your pet and have the right to work in a safe environment. As such, we operate under a Zero Tolerance Policy.

All clients must treat staff members, veterinarians, and other clients with respect, courtesy and professionalism. Verbal abuse, threats, harassment, intimidation, damage to property or assets or any form of disrespectful behaviour towards the hospital’s staff or other clients will not be tolerated and may result in refusal of service.

Please respect our team who continues to provide 24/7 care to your pet.