North Melbourne FAQs 

What’s happening at Lort Smith North Melbourne?  

Since 1936 Lort Smith has served animals and the people who care for them at our North Melbourne Hospital in Villiers Street, North Melbourne. 

In 2022 we were excited to commence the redevelopment of our Villiers Street animal hospital and clinics. The high-tech new Hospital will be twice the size which means we can give extra support to Melbourne’s growing pet population. 

The existing hospital building opened in 2000 and was designed to accommodate and treat 20,000 patients a year. 

Since then, Melbourne’s pet numbers have grown, and Lort Smith has kept pace and expanded services on offer at North Melbourne.  From acupuncture to CT scans and dentistry to ultrasounds, these new treatments rely on new technology.

In short, we’ve outgrown the space and need purpose-built rooms to properly house our services. 

In mid-2023, Lort Smith will open our new hospital at Villiers Street with separate cat and dog waiting rooms and facilities, modern surgeries, more emergency and critical care facilities – designed to be fear free to reduce the anxiety and stress that vet visits can cause for our pets and families. 

 

When will the new hospital open? 

The first stage of the new hospital will open in Spring – featuring new accident and emergency facilities, inpatient wards and new surgeries.

 

What does this mean for me?  

We are still open!

Yes, we are open during construction – although it can be noisy at times. If you or your pet is sensitive to noise, please let our friendly staff know when booking your appointment

If this doesn’t suit and you are booking a routine appointment for your pet, you’re also welcome to visit our beautiful, new state of the art Campbellfield Clinic.

Is parking still available.

Good news: Our new carpark at North Melbourne is now open and available to use! Simply drive in via Villiers Street hospital entrance.
 

 

Where do I go for my appointment?  

If you have an appointment at the Hospital at North Melbourne please check in at the Hub, the white building next to the hospital gates on Villiers Street, with a Lort Smith flag outside. 

  

Who can answer my questions? 

Call reception on 03 9328 3021. 

You can stay up to date on the new hospital via the website.