Dr Lloyd Kenda found opportunities in Hong Kong helped accelerate his career

Australian veterinarian Dr Lloyd Kenda intended to have just a brief stay in Hong Kong when he arrived from working in Singapore - on his way to London - at the beginning of 1995. But what he found here stopped him in his tracks.

"Hong Kong is so amazing - I knew straight away that my wife and I would just love it," Dr Kenda said.

"It is busy, bright, vibrant, and fast. Everything is at your fingertips. It seemed like an exciting place where things were happening."

Dr Kenda and his wife were both soon employed, and while they loved the social side of the living in Hong Kong, he also found the work fascinating. "The veterinary field is really interesting because of the variety of caseloads and the more unusual diseases we see," he said. "We are also dealing with clients who are prepared to be thorough with their pets' health."

After working in other clinics, Dr Kenda saw the opportunity to run his own practice when the former owners of the veterinary clinic he was working at in Happy Valley wanted to retire.  "I changed the name to Valley Veterinary Centre, totally redecorated, computerised and brought the practice into the new century."

He soon discovered that hard work pays off in Hong Kong and although he initially worked seven days a week, on call 24 hours a day, he has now found capable and conscientious staff to ease the workload.

Business-friendly tax rate

Hong Kong's low tax rate was an attractive feature of setting up the business, Dr Kenda said. "In Hong Kong, you find you can work hard without hitting your head against a wall tax-wise. Unlike in other countries you can reap the benefit of your hard work."

Even though there is no veterinary school in Hong Kong, and no recognition for veterinary nursing, finding staff was not a problem. "I have been able to find quality, competent, bi-lingual staff whom I can train on the job," he said.

Building up a growing clientele, Dr Kenda says he still enjoys the quality of life and variety of work in Hong Kong, and intends to consolidate here.

He says Hong Kong has given him opportunities he couldn't have found elsewhere.

"Compared to working in Australia and Singapore, I see a vast and varied case load here in Hong Kong.  I put this to good use early in my time here and was able to complete my membership to the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in small animal surgery.  Preparation for these exams was made easier by having been able to perform many surgeries in a relatively short time span.

"Over the years clients have become more demanding - wanting better and better service and veterinary care for their pets.  It has been fantastic seeing the pet owners become more educated in caring for their pets.

"I really enjoy the honour of being a vet in a local community such as Happy Valley.  I live in the valley and see many of my patients out and about as I walk to and from the centre.  I have been able to make some great lifetime friends from many of my clients."