About Us

Yes! In veterinary medicine, the term “small animal” actually refers to dogs and cats, irrespective of the actual size of the breed. Conversely “large animals” refers to species such as cattle and sheep. At SASH we are the largest and most comprehensive specialist hospital network for dogs and cats, so you can rest assured that a 80 kg great Dane and a 1 kg Chihuahua are in equally good hands at SASH.

Yes! SASH North Ryde has a dedicated Avian and Exotics department. Typical patients include birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, and fish. The department is led by Dr Melinda Cowan, the only clinical veterinarian in NSW who holds a specialist qualification specifically in avian species. Outside of North Ryde, SASH Emergency regularly see exotic patients for urgent conditions.

Generally no. Although a referral is very helpful, it is not essential to have one prior to booking a specialist department appointment or presenting to Emergency. With your permission, the SASH Client Service team will contact your regular veterinarian for history and other relevant information. Your regular veterinarian will then be kept up to date with your pet as they are treated at SASH.

For dogs and cats, vaccinations, general health checks, and other preventative health treatments such as parasiticides are best provided by your local general practice veterinarian. SASH also does not retail pet supplies nor does SASH do routine desexing. However, SASH does offer laproscopic (keyhole surgery) desexing and desexing for patients with special requirements (e.g. those with anaesthesia risk). An exception is for avian and exotic species, where SASH does provide general and preventative health care.

SASH is the largest vet-owned and operated specialist and emergency veterinary hospital network in Australia. The founding partners Dr Justin Wimpole (CEO), Dr Andrew Marchevsky, and Dr Mark Billson were soon joined by Dr Stephen Fearnside. In addition to practicing, these four referral veterinarians are actively part of the SASH Board of Directors.

Over time, as SASH grew, so did its team of referral veterinarian partners, which now include:

• Dr Erin Bell
• Dr Jody Braddock
• Dr David Davies
• Dr Andrew Dunn
• Dr Louis Eramanis
• Dr Martin Havlicek
• Dr Veronika Langova
• Dr Jack Neville-Towle
• Dr Sandra Nguyen
• Dr Ryan Taggart
• Dr Chris Tan
• Dr Sophia Tzannes

Together, this team of veterinarians hold 70% share of ownership of SASH. Most of the remainder is held by a strategic investment partner, Armitage Associates. This long-standing relationship has been beneficial for SASH, as Armitage has provided support through best practice growth strategies and structural guidance. Day to day veterinary operations and clinical standards of care are determined and overseen by the clinical members of the Board of Directors and the other veterinarian partners, who all have senior clinical roles within SASH.

As SASH is owned and operated by veterinarians, all of whom still practice, the care of patients, clients, and referring vets remain our top priority. Our view is that we will always continue to grow and expand to anywhere we can make a positive difference, to help more pets and their families live their best life.

Generally, SASH or other vet hospitals do not accept stray animals. For more helpful information, please visit our strays page.

Unfortunately, boarding is not one of the services SASH offers. For pet boarding, please look for a pet boarding facility or ask your local veterinarian.