Meet DR WINNIE MOK

This kind-hearted and caring veterinarian really connects with pet owners. She has a passion for dentistry and also performs acupuncture on the pets, (especially elderly pets) for pain management.

Dr Winnie Mok was born in Vietnam. Migrating to Australia when she was just 1 year old, she grew up in the suburbs of Melbourne. From a very young age, Winnie was never without a feathered, scaled or furry friend. Thus began her love affair with animals!

Ever since grade six at school, her greatest ambition was to one day be able to play an active role in improving the wellbeing and quality of animals’ lives. In 2002, she saw that dream come to pass when she graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with Honours from the University of Queensland.

With a keen interest in surgery, especially dentistry. Winnie’s passion for dental work flows into her home life as well – her husband is also a dentist, but for humans! She finds it especially rewarding when an injured or sick pet is restored to health. Love Your Pets chats to her about life as a vet at Monty & Minx Vets, Calamvale.

Do you have an area of interest?

I love restoring health through surgery, especially dentistry. Winnie’s passion for dental work flows into her home life as well – her husband is also a dentist, but for humans! In particular, relieving dental pain and removing cancerous lumps. I also perform acupuncture on many arthritic old pets. I love seeing our stiff and creaky ‘Golden Oldies’ get a bounce back in their step!

What is your background as a vet?

After I graduated, I went back to Melbourne and worked as a small animal vet before moving to Queensland. I worked at an animal charity for 2 years and another another general practice in South Brisbane for 2 years before joining Monty and Minx Vets almost 10 years ago.

What made you decide to become a vet?

I got my first pet at 12 years of age – a Pomeranian called Tara. I have always loved animals and grew up around birds, fish, rabbits, dogs and cats. One day someone forgot to shut the garage door. Tara ran out and was struck by a car. I was devastated, It changed my life, and I vowed to dedicate my life to helping animals ever since then.

What do you enjoy most about being a vet?

Being able to help an animal in critical condition and seeing them making a full recovery is so rewarding for all involved. I get great joy out of the happy reunion of a pet an their owner after a successful surgery or procedure. Through the surgery and dental care, I am able to relieve pets of painful conditions and life threatening cancers. This can add years on to their lives! It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside knowing that I can contribute to the joy that pet parents feel by having more quality time with their pets.

What do you find most challenging?

Euthanasia takes a lot out of me – especially if I have been caring for a pet since they were babies. Being part of their life from young and then seeing them go is really, really hard , but I know this is often the only way to relieve their suffering in the end.

Do you have any pets?

I have 2 Japanese Spitz – Kobe and Yuki and a Domestic Short Hair, Sebastian. Kobe is 11 years old and was a rescue dog and Yuki is the silly 3 year old I bought just before my daughter was born, so they would grow up together. However, my daughter loves Kobe more. Sebastian is 12 years old and I adopted him from the Animal Welfare League when I was working there.