New reality TV show focuses on Bay vets and their furry friends

Cameraman Paul Griffin and Tauranga Vet Holly Rabone during filming for the new reality TV show based on the world of veterinarians in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / Andrew Warner

It's lights, camera, woof at Tauranga Vets as a new reality TV show has begun filming at the clinic.

Pet Medic centres on the challenges, heartbreak, vet skill and cute furry animals that are part and parcel of a day in the life of a Tauranga vet.

The show follows several talented veterinarians, including clinic vets, an emergency vet and a large animal vet, as they treat all creatures great and small in the Bay of Plenty.

For the next 12 weeks filming at the clinic and on lifestyle blocks in the region will create 10 half-hour episodes, expected to premier on TV One at the end of the year.

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.

Paul Griffin, cameraman

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."