We believe veterinary care can be gentler.
By bringing care into your pet’s own environment, we can reduce stress, take the time to understand what they need, and make decisions together — whether they’re well, living with ongoing health concerns, or approaching the end of their life.
Animal’s Journey was founded by Dr Jo Lonergan to provide thoughtful, personalised veterinary care in the place many pets feel safest: home.
Jo founded Animal’s Journey around a simple idea: veterinary care should work with the individual animal, not just their condition.
Her approach combines conventional veterinary medicine with complementary therapies, rehabilitation and Fear Free principles, with a particular focus on reducing stress and helping animals feel safe in their own environment.
Jo has worked with animals around the world, but now calls the Kāpiti Coast home.
Jo's veterinary career has taken her from New Zealand to Australia, the United States and South Africa, bringing a broad range of experience back home to the Kāpiti Coast.
Jo has expanded her clinical expertise to include acupuncture and rehabilitation.
Animals big and small — and helping them feel safe, understood and comfortable during veterinary care.
Jo has nursed lions in South Africa, raised joeys in Tasmania, and taken her dogs for strolls along the beaches of New Zealand.
Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Massey University in 2010
Fear Free Certified
Acupuncture Certification
A holistic approach combining conventional veterinary medicine with acupuncture, rehabilitation and other supportive therapies tailored to the individual animal.
Michael may not be the one holding the stethoscope, but he is here to make everything around your pet's care feel easier.
Michael's aim is simple: less stress, clear communication and a friendly person to turn to whenever you need us.
Got a question? Not sure what happens next?
That's where I come in.
I'm your first point of contact, here to make things feel a little easier from the very beginning. I'll help coordinate visits, answer questions and make sure you're kept in the loop.
Veterinary care can sometimes come with a lot of unfamiliar words, especially when you've already got plenty on your mind.
I'm here to help make sense of it all, keep communication clear and make sure you feel comfortable asking questions — even the ones you think might be silly (they never are!).
A little clarity, a friendly voice and the occasional laugh can go a long way.