About our Founder
Success Story 1 – Transforming a Multi-Clinic GP/ECC Veterinary Group
Helping Veterinary clinics keep their shifts covered.
Connecting clinics with trusted vets, nurses and reception professionals looking for flexible work.
Hi, I'm
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After over a decade working inside the veterinary industry — from veterinary nurse through to senior operational leadership roles — I’ve spent my career building teams, supporting clinics, and solving the workforce challenges that every practice eventually faces.
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Across that time, I’ve supported over 150 veterinary clinics across Australia and New Zealand, working with both privately owned practices and large veterinary groups.
My work has involved everything from recruiting and building clinical teams, to managing rosters, improving retention, and helping clinics navigate the ongoing challenge of finding the right people at the right time.
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I’ve been the person responsible for filling the roster when a vet calls in sick.
I’ve managed recruitment during periods of rapid growth.
I’ve worked alongside clinic owners trying to balance patient care, staff wellbeing, and the operational realities of running a busy practice and multi-million dollar businesses.
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And like many clinics, I’ve experienced the same frustrating cycle:
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Last-minute Facebook posts.
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Calling around to find someone available.
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Expensive agency placements.
Or simply hoping someone in the network might be free.
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That experience is what led me to create Shift & Paws.
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Rather than building another generic job board, or built by someone with tech knowledge but little Clinical know-how, Shift & Paws was designed specifically for the way veterinary clinics actually work — connecting independent clinics with vets, nurses and reception professionals who are looking for flexible work and shift opportunities.
Because when the right people are available to step in and support a team, clinics run smoother, staff feel supported, and patient care never suffers.
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Shift & Paws is also part of the broader Unlock Veterinary ecosystem, which focuses on helping independent veterinary businesses build stronger, more sustainable teams and operations.
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At its heart, Shift & Paws is built on a simple belief:
Good clinics deserve good people.
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And when the industry works together to support each other, everyone benefits — clinics, professionals, and the patients we care for every day.
"Put simply — I know how hard staffing can be in veterinary practice and what it requires... because I’ve lived it".
Follow or Connect with me on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-chalwell/
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