Our Story

1976

Stabler & Howlett First Opened

Our practice has a rich local history dating back to 1976 when Drs Graham Stabler and Bruce Howlett first opened their clinic from a small house in North Mackay. This clinic was attended by both small and large animals, and in those early days, was also involved in the TB and Brucellosis eradication programs managed by the Queensland government.

Stabler and Howlett Veterinary Surgeons

1976

1977

Clinic moved to North Mackay

Within 12 months the practice had outgrown its original premises and moved to rooms in Hodder Street North Mackay, which became our North Mackay base for many years.

1977

1980s

Ooralea Clinic Opened

The clinic continued to grow, and by the 1980s more space was needed. This led to the purchase of a house and stables at 31-33 Peak Downs Highway, Ooralea – the site of our current clinic. This expansion allowed us to establish vastly improved small animal surgical and purpose-built clinic, as well as provide accommodation and surgical facilities for horses.

1980s

1980s

Mirani & Bucasia Clinics Opened

Our practice soon expanded again, with two further clinics established during the 1980s – at Mirani and Bucasia.

1980s

1994

Glenden Monthly Clinic Started

In February 1994, a monthly clinic also commenced in Glenden.

1994

2005

North Mackay Clinic Relocated

Fuelled by an increasing demand for quality veterinary services, the North Mackay Clinic was upgraded and relocated, to its current site at Sams Road.

North Mackay

2005

2007

Dr Bruce Howlett II joined the business

The changes over the last four decades haven’t just been geographical, quite a few of the faces have changed too. Dr Graham Stabler retired, with his share in the business being purchased by Dr Bruce Howlett II (Bruce Howlett’s nephew).

Dr Bruce Howlett od Stabler and Howlett Mackay

2007

2011

Purpose-built Ooralea Clinic completed

Our most recent upgrade occurred in 2011, when, after 3 years of planning, the old premises at Ooralea were demolished to make way for our flagship, purpose-built clinic.

Our Ooralea clinic

2011

2014

Drs Alistair and Letitia Grant joined the business

Dr Bruce Howlett retired in 2014, with his share in the business being purchased by Drs Alistair and Letitia Grant.

Drs Alistair & Letitia Grant

2014

Today

Stabler & Howlett Today

From humble beginnings all those years ago, our Stabler and Howlett Veterinary Surgeons team have grown from two (2) veterinarians and one (1) veterinary nurse to our current staff of:

  • Nine (9) veterinarians
  • Seven (7) veterinary nurses
  • Four (4) customer relationship managers
  • Three (3) administrative staff
  • Practice operations manager

All of us are committed to providing high-quality care to animals and pets in Mackay and the surrounding districts.

As one of Queensland’s longest established and best regarded veterinary practices, we pride ourselves on our reputation for providing a consistently high level of care to our patients, and excellent service to our clients. We’re proud of our history and look forward to building upon our success for many decades to come.

Stabler and Howlett Partners

Today

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About Stabler & Howlett