chris saunders

Hi, I am the vet who fills in when others are away on holidays, courses, or maternity leave!

I was brought up with dogs; my father bred cocker spaniels and I decided to be a vet when I worked with bull terriers at a local breeding kennel. However, once I qualified at the University of Liverpool I had less time than I needed to look after a dog and so cats entered my life. Cats have a way of growing on you, and now I would not be without one!

I met and married Niki in 1998, and have two boys in school at Mapua and Stoke. We came to this beautiful land in 2004 and worked for a time down in Timaru but came to live in Tasman Bay in 2007. We all became citizens of New Zealand this year.

I have thirty years experience in companion animal veterinary practice in the U.K and here in Aoteraroa. I have worked in practices of all sizes from single assistant to a fourteen vet large and small animal hospital. My areas of special interest are dermatology, soft tissue surgery and cytology (looking at cells down the microscope- I have owned a microscope since I was 12 years old).

I live on a lifestyle block between Motueka and Richmond and have two dogs (whippets) three cats, four ducks, four alpacas, and two white faced calves. When not at work I enjoy time with family, reading, computer time, skiing and at present am doing up an old boat to go fishing in.


Opening Hours

Motueka: (Ph) 03 528 8459
Mon to Fri ~ 8:30am to 5:30pm
Saturday  ~ 9:00am to 2:00pm
Consultations by appointment only

Mapua: (Ph) 03 540 2329
Mon to Fri ~ 8.00am to 12:00pm
and 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Saturday  ~ Closed
Consultations by appointment only

We are available 24 hours
7 days a week
Motueka
400D High Street
Phone: 03 528 8459
Mapua
69 Aranui Road
Phone: 03 540 2329