Tauranga man and seasoned cameraman Paul Griffin, who has been filming reality TV shows such as Road Cops, Dog Squad and Border Patrol for the past 10 years, is director of photography.
Soothing any fears of a graphic and sad show about injured and sick animals, Mr Griffin said the show was generally happy, fluffy and feel-good, though he could not guarantee all of the animals featured would survive.
"We're showing the stories where the outcome is unknown. The animal comes in or we go to the animal and we don't know what's going to happen."
We're showing the stories where the outcome is unknown. The animal comes in or we go to the animal and we don't know what's going to happen.
Unlike the other shows he has filmed, Mr Griffin said Pet Medic builds relationships with those featured. "It's been really nice to build relationships with the vet and see the story through with the animal and its owner."
Animal owners asked to participate have been happy to do it, he said.
"It's five minutes of fame for them. It's not often that you get to put your beloved pet on TV and people just love their animals — they become incredibly invested in them."
The vets followed in the show were a little shy at first, but now "they shine for the camera".
"We did a teaser and shot for a week at the clinic and the great talent of the vets came through," Mr Griffin said.
He said it was nice to do a local show in his beloved Bay of Plenty.
"Most shows are from Auckland. I've been filming reality TV for 10 years and the shows were all out of town so it's really nice to get something in my own town.
"We get to showcase the beautiful scenery of Tauranga and the world-class treatment available right here in our beautiful Bay of Plenty. The show will offer insight into the complex treatments available for animals by talented vets."