Hillbrook Vet
Strand
Strand's character as a working coastal town with both permanent residents and holiday visitors shapes what veterinary care looks like here. Many households keep dogs and cats, while smallholdings and hobby farms dotted around the area have horses, chickens, and sometimes livestock. Pet ownership patterns differ from the city — more space, more exposure to ticks and parasites from the surrounding fynbos and agricultural land, and longer distances to emergency veterinary help when something goes wrong. This geography means preventive care becomes especially important: regular vaccination, flea and tick treatment, and knowing what signs warrant urgent attention. The seasonal rhythm matters too — summer brings higher parasite loads, winter brings respiratory issues exacerbated by damp coastal air. A local veterinary practice that understands these patterns and has the time to build relationships with owners becomes part of how the community stays resilient.