Stabler and Howlett Veterinary Surgeons started in 1976, when Drs Graham Stabler and Bruce Howlett commenced practice under a small house in North Mackay. The clinic attended both small and large animals and, in the early days, was involved in the TB and Brucellosis eradication programmes controlled by the Queensland government. Within 12 months the practice moved into rooms in Hodder Street North Mackay, which was our North Mackay base for many years.

The clinic grew rapidly and by the 1980s the North Mackay Surgery was no longer large enough, which lead to the purchase of a house and stables at 31-33 Peak Downs Highway, Ooralea – the site of our present clinic. This enabled the business to establish vastly improved small animal surgical and hospital facilities as well as accommodation and surgical facilities for horses.

During the 1980s clinics were established at Mirani (two hours, three days a week) and at Bucasia. In February 1994 we started our monthly clinic in Glenden, a service which continues to this day.

With the expanding need for quality veterinary services, a decision was made to upgrade and relocate the North Mackay clinic to the current Sam’s Road location in 2005.

Dr Graham Stabler retired in 2007, with his share in the business being purchased by Dr Bruce Howlett II (nephew of Bruce Howlett).

In 2010/11, after 3 years of planning, we demolished the old building at Ooralea to make way for the construction of our flagship purpose built hospital.

Dr Bruce Howlett retired in 2014 when his share in the business was purchased by Drs Alistair and Letitia Grant.

After almost 40 years the Stabler and Howlett Veterinary Surgeons has grown from 2 veterinarians and one veterinary nurse to 6 veterinarians, 6 veterinary nurses, 2 receptionists,3 admin staff and a practice manager. We are one of Queensland’s longest established and best regarded Veterinary Practices, a reputation built on providing excellent care to our patients and excellent service to our clients. We are proud of our history and look forward to building upon our success for decades to come.

Stabler and Howlett Veterinary Surgeons offers a comprehensive range of veterinary and pet health-related services, including:

• Puppy pre-school
• Annual health examinations and wellness testing
• Vaccinations
• Parasite control
• Dental prophylaxis
• Desexing
• Nutrition
• Weight control
• Senior care
• Exotic pet service
• Farm animal and equine service

and more