About Us

History & homage to Greystanes Vet Clinic

Greystanes Vet Clinic was founded in 1985 by Dr Rob Cowen.

Dr Rob Cowen graduated from the University of Sydney and worked at the RSPCA for a few years. He established himself through his house call business, where his office was based at home. He honed his veterinary skills, established the hospital and later partnered with the Animal Welfare League in the early 1990s. Since the beginning, there were several nurses and veterinarians supporting Rob’s quest of helping as many animals as possible.

When his family moved to Bermagui on New South Wales’ south coast, his dedication was further highlighted by Dr Rob insisting on making the 6-hour journey to and from home weekly, so that he would continue to treat the animals of the Greystanes suburb and surrounds.Rob was a charismatic, charitable, unique and larger than life kind of man. It appears that whoever I speak to, there was no other man or veterinarian like him. He was well respected in the community.

When your pet needs immediate attention, trust our experienced team for round-the-clock emergency veterinary services.

A woman in scrubs holds a dog with a stethoscope

Dr Ian Petrie graduated from the prestigious University of Pretoria, South Africa. He started his partnership with Dr Rob at Greystanes Vet Clinic in 1989 until 2014. Dr Ian then became the new owner of the hospital until 2021.

In this time, Dr Ian pursued many achievements notable to the animal industry. He also established a mobile business stretching out to the eastern suburbs, showing his dedication to helping as many animals as possible. He took on the position of head veterinarian at the Animal Welfare League for 15 years and attended the rescue group 3 days of the week to perform at least 20 desexing procedures and treat sick patients.

He was a very charitable, professional, and exceptionally skilful veterinarian. He always went above and beyond for the patients and families that stepped into his life. He is still working one day a week in his semi-retired stage of life and is an incredible human being.

There had been several veterinarians and nurses who supported Dr Rob Cowen and Dr Ian Petrie in their time at the hospital. Among them is Nurse Debby Smith who worked with Dr Rob for 20 years, Dr Ian for 25 years and is currently working with Dr Anna since 2021.

Debby has made an amazing contribution to the animal industry and the Greystanes Community. She was always the one to first name the pet and client walking through the door by memory. We continue in Dr Petries’ tradition being the house call vet. If you are wondering if there is a home visit vet near me you’ve come to the right place.